Describe your role as Procurement Manager at PostNord Stralfors Sweden
I’m in charge of a team of four people, and between us we’re responsible for most purchases in the Swedish organisation, in terms of both direct and indirect material. Direct material means production-based material such as envelopes, printer ink and labels, while indirect material means purchases involving items like cleaning materials and coffee mugs. My duties vary from one extreme to the other, one day I’m sitting in meetings with foreign suppliers to order paper, the next day we’re buying window cleaning services.

How has your career journey been within PostNord Stralfors?
I started work at PostNord Stralfors in 2003, when I worked in our Fulfilment unit, which is now part of the PostNord Group. In 2005 I moved to Lund to study Economics, and after graduating in 2010 I got a job in Stockholm at a small company that dealt with artificial turf. After a couple of years, in 2012, my family situation had changed and I started to miss Ljungby, so my partner and I decided to move home. As I’d had good experiences of PostNord Stralfors it was natural to apply to go back there, and at that moment a vacancy was being advertised as procurement coordinator, and my application was successful. After just two years, in 2012, I was offered the position of Procurement Manager and I’m really enjoying it.

4. What do you find interesting and challenging in your job?
Developing together with our suppliers. We’re starting more and more to treat our suppliers like partners with whom we do good business – which benefits us both. Another thing I find interesting is that we now have an increased focus on the environment and social aspects, which I’m proud of.

5. What’s it like, being an employee at PostNord Stralfors?
Being an employee at PostNord Stralfors is positive, and I feel a sense of pride in being part of our company. We have very low staff turnover, which is an indication that many people are happy here.

6. Why did you apply for a job here?
The reason was that I was familiar with PostNord Stralfors and knew that they have a good reputation. I was also interested in working in a bigger organisation where there are opportunities to develop within the company. Looking back, I ended up in the right place.

7. From your perspective, what kind of employee enjoys working at PostNord Stralfors?
To work at PostNord Stralfors, as an employee you’re used to tough demands and you know a little about a great deal. You like having lots of colleagues and working with complex issues, and above all you like change and have a fundamentally positive attitude. As an individual you’re driven and extremely focused on delivery.

8. What makes PostNord Stralfors a good employer?
There’s an opportunity for development here that I believe is unique. If you show that you want to develop, you have every chance in the world. We’re an old, fundamentally stable company despite the fact that the organisation is changing as the world at large is developing and changing. And we have good, relevant processes that support the business. Furthermore, PostNord Stralfors has a long and distinguished history that pervades the company.

9. Give us three tips for success in your role as Procurement Manager at PostNord Stralfors
To succeed in my role I have to be:
1. Solution-oriented
2. Engaged
3. Willing to change – want to learn new things – everything changes at a high tempo