KLINGER Blog

Patricia has been with KLINGER The Netherlands for two years now as QHSE Coordinator

"I ended up at KLINGER because I was approached by a recruitment agency. Totally not looking for a new job, but still curious based on what they outlined. At the first interview there was an immediate click and after a tour through the production part of the company I was triggered because it really was a different world than where I had been working until then. After the second interview with Ton van Erkelens, the director, we were like, 'yes, this will be a good match'. And it turned out to be."

Patricia's position in a nutshell

"I deal with everything to do with maintaining the certifications of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and VCA. In short, are we complying with all the rules that these standards impose on companies? This includes providing toolboxes and motivating and encouraging each other to work safely. Looking at relevant laws and regulations is also an important task. I also deal with internal and external deviations or complaints, supervising internal and external audits and connecting people. Supervising various working groups, e.g. working group dealing with sustainability, working group on process improvement and working group on packaging. Keeping the RI&E up to date. Exciting people to participate in the Preventive Medical Examination, etc."

A typical workday for Patricia does not exist

"In this position there is no typical work day, but usually I start my day with mail and there are often questions in there that I want to answer right away. One day I focus on (production or delivery) deviations and the next day I focus more on checking laws and regulations. I regularly walk around the production halls to check on safety and cleanliness. If there are things I notice, I make a report of it and take it up with the right department manager. Or I give a toolbox to the workshop. I also often walk around the plant and have a chat with everyone to ask what is going on and if there is anything I can help with. This often results in fun and inspiring conversations. Or I have a meeting with one of the working groups and need to find out some things for that.

The KLINGER culture

"When you just join KLINGER it takes some getting used to; everyone is working hard in his/her own department while you are the only person working at QHSE. So then it takes a while to find connection. Especially going to lunch in the 'break room' every day helps, because then you get to know people from different departments and you notice that everyone does their best to give you a warm welcome. Also, the onboarding process is very nice to get to know the company and colleagues. My colleagues at KLINGER are always willing to help you should you have any questions or need help.

Typical of KLINGER

"It is truly a Rotterdam company, no bullshit but rather a can-do mentality. A company that goes to great lengths to help its customers solve complex issues. But also wants to do everything possible to give its employees a good and safe workplace."

KLINGER as an employer

"I think KLINGER really feels like a family business, the management is very committed to all employees. The director has a chat with everyone and also knows what is going on in people's homes and is always interested in the person himself. For example, if the energy prices suddenly become very high, they also think about how we can help our people, in this case it was that everyone got a nice amount on their account. If there are people who are not in their right place, but would still like to stay at KLINGER , they are helped to see if there is another department or position that suits the person better. If you want to do training you are given the opportunity to do that."

Why am I leaving?

"Well, so even though I had a great time at KLINGER I am completely changing course. My husband and I recently bought a hotel in the Okertal valley in the Harz region of Germany. What has always been our dream is now going to model . It is a sports hotel and is located on the edge of a beautiful nature reserve. The project has great potential and we are very much looking forward to taking on this challenge. At the end of November I will say goodbye to all my colleagues; I am now focusing on completing and documenting everything as well as possible, so that a possible successor can continue my work without any problems.

I wish my successor lots of fun at KLINGER in advance !"

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