Agnieszka S. likes the unknown as well as a good challenge. So it is no coincidence that she feels right at home in the export department of Ludwig Schokolade. After all, analyzing new countries and their cultural characteristics is an essential part of her job profile. In terms of Great Britain, the Export Sales Manager has been looking after one of the Group’s largest and probably most demanding markets for five years.
Back then, everything fell into place. A former colleague recommended Ludwig Schokolade to me. For personal reasons, I had moved to Aachen anyway, where the company was still based at the time. I started there as an export clerk, and my personal development was encouraged from the beginning. In the following years, I was responsible for France, Poland, and the Benelux countries, among others. Each country was a completely new world for me, one which I had to find my way around quickly.
“I am proud to always have my finger on the pulse of the market – having the right instinct for product innovations is part of it.”
My focus is on the daily exchange with our customers in the UK. On the road, on the phone or by email – I analyze exactly how this market is developing and what new needs are emerging that affect our products.
An important part of my job is also to develop sales concepts and play an active role in achieving the defined turnover and sales targets and winning new customers. For this purpose, I work closely with our sales team on the other side of the English Channel and share the knowledge gained with my colleagues in marketing and sales. This is important for adapting the product strategy.
To have the opportunity to develop myself, to work independently and to be permanently challenged is still a lot of fun for me. Variety is guaranteed. In addition I regularly get to know many new people. And the responsibility I bear – as the link between customers, UK colleagues and the team here on site – makes me as proud as experiencing trends first hand. The challenge again is to make myself heard by my colleagues with the new findings. Quite a bit of tact and persuasion is needed in this regard.
When I’m preparing for an important customer meeting, I withdraw briefly from day-to-day business and am completely immersed in the UK world. I couldn’t get by without some Schogetten chocolate on my desk [laughs].
“Putting the best flavor in a small capsule format is always an exciting challenge for me.”
“Making my own decisions and being in direct communication with our customers are the salt in the soup in my work.”
“For my job, you have to be free from giddiness, but the work is very varied and the colleagues are great.”
“I was able to take on responsibility early on and I really like the mix of theory at university and practice in the company.”
“From forklift operator to administrator? This is possible at Krüger, where you can still work your way up.”
“My own expertise and a lot of creative freedom – at Krüger I have the chance to make a real difference every day.”