Meet the team

Let’s start with the basics. Can you tell me a little bit more about your role? What does a Business Director do?

My role is that of a facilitator. Not only for my colleagues at Evonik but also for our business partners. I execute the strategy of the business line and am responsible for the business growth in my region. Part of my work is to collect market intelligence and use that information to influence and refresh the business line strategy.

So I’m picking up the market signals and intelligence in my region, making sense of the information and organizing it. You should bear in mind that the region is interlinked, yet the stages of development per country are very different. This situation offers many unique challenges and the opportunity to develop solutions that will set Evonik apart from its competitors.

Can you tell us more about the opportunities that Evonik offers?

We are currently launching a new product from Creavis, Evonik’s strategic innovation unit. I guess it is the biggest opportunity I’ve encountered until now in Evonik. Our team is mapping out the market potential in various countries and designing the proper channels for the product to find its way to the customers. The amount of work that needs to be done to get this product to the customer, and overcoming every single roadblock along the way, is a great learning curve and also the most interesting part. We are in the middle of the project now and I’m very aware that every decision we make will influence the result. At the same time, you have to be completely focused and very open-minded, because the best ideas sometimes come from nothing.

How do opportunities materialize at Evonik? Do they come to you? Do you have to go looking?

The current project just landed from corporate. But opportunities can come from various directions, in fact 360º. Sometimes you really need to look for them, but most of them just come along because of the relationship that is being built in the market place.

What do you like most about what you do?

My job is never boring; I experience a lot of variety, sometimes maybe even too much.

What do you find most challenging working at Evonik?

Definitely the size of my region (SEAANZPK), which ranges from Pakistan to New Zealand. There are not only huge geographical distances but also big differences in culture and stages of development. A constant challenge is to make all of the team members feel part of the team and collaborate, no matter where they are based.

Can you give us an example of how this team spirit influences the work?

Every country has its own events, like seminars and trade shows, and for the person that’s responsible for that particular country it’s a lot work to prepare for such an event. So, what happens is that colleagues from other parts of the region fly in to offer a helping hand.

Is there an Evonik type of candidate?

I think you have to be very dedicated to your work. It’s also important to reach out, to be willing to try and collaborate with one another.

Finally, do you have any advice for someone who is reading this and thinking about joining?

I’d say: be patient! In the beginning the job can be very demanding, as you’re trying to find your way around, but over time it will get better.

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Meet the team

Meet the team

Can you tell us briefly what your responsibilities are?

I am in charge of the sales of Healthcare products and services in the east of China and Taiwan. Most of my contact with customers is via telephone and email. My department really works as team with close interaction between colleagues. If something is going beyond our capacity we get help from other departments. Communication is very open and everyone is willing to help each other.

Could you give some more information about the composition of your team?

Our team has a total number of 14 sales people, technicians and other assistants. It's a relatively small but highly effective and efficient team. Collaboration with technicians is an essential part of my work. Our business needs professional technical support.

What do you like most about your job?

Working for Evonik is very challenging because my department does not have many employees. Each member has a lot of responsibilities and for sales related team members the targets are high. Also in my segment, there are always new products. I enjoy facing these new challenges.

Can you give us an example of your involvement with a particular product?

We were involved in a product promotion to a medical device company, which I had never handled before. It was a big challenge for me and my team and we put in a lot of hard work. But in the end the customer welcomed our product and we were able to achieve good sales, so it was very satisfying.

What would be a reason to join Evonik?

Evonik gives you a platform to show your capabilities and ambition. If you are looking for challenges and learning opportunities on a daily basis, then they should join Evonik. In particular working at Evonik within China is interesting because the company culture is quite different from other local companies. Policies and strategy is more structured and that gives a strong feeling of stability.

What kind of characteristics a person needs to do well at Evonik?

You have to be a person who is prepared to face new challenges. Furthermore you have to be open, creative and a positive thinker. It is important that you are patient and willing to comply with company policies. Evonik likes to make thoroughly informed decisions and that process can take a while.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining?

Prepare yourself well, learn about the company culture and think why you would fit in. And show that you are eager to learn and to face challenges.

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• #NutritionandCare
• #Shanghai
• #Salesjobs