Jubilee employee Denis Novak

Fifteen years spent in a company carries much more than just years of work experience. These are years of first steps, new challenges, experience gained, acquaintances, changes and personal growth. Denis began his journey at Primabiro in 2011, as a launcher in production preparation. Today, 15 years later, he works as an office worker in the purchasing department and has experience working in several different departments.

Denis' journey is a great example of how, with effort, openness to learning and a willingness to take on new challenges, one can develop together with the company. In the conversation, we went back to his early days, remembered the challenges from the beginning, found out what has changed over the years, but also what has remained the same. He revealed to us what still motivates him today, what he is particularly proud of, and what message from his 15 years of experience he would send today to someone who is just joining Primabiro.

Let's go back to the very beginning. Do you remember your first day at the company in 2011? What was your first impression and what was going through your mind at the time?

I remember, my first day of work was in the second shift in the production preparation department. I joined a large company with a large number of employees, so it took me some time to get acquainted with both my colleagues and the work tasks I was given.

You started as a launcher, then worked as a warehouse worker, and today you are a purchasing department office worker. How would you describe your professional journey over those 15 years?

I would describe it as a good journey during which I got to know the company in several production processes, which helps me a lot in understanding the work I do now.

What is your most memorable story from your first days at work? Is there an anecdote that you still remember today?

Since I have an IT background, the metal industry was a relatively new field for me. Reading and understanding some of the blueprints were initial challenges for the job of a launcher, and there were some mistakes at the beginning, but the good relationship with my superiors and their understanding and education helped me overcome these initial challenges.

When did you first think: “I could stay here for a long time”?

There was no specific moment. I noticed the development of my personal and professional path and the development of the environment in which I work, so everything kind of happened on the fly.

Over the years, you have worked in several different jobs and departments. What did each of these positions bring to you and what did you learn from them?

The job of a launcher was a good start for me because it introduced me to the basics of the transformer industry and an understanding of what Primabiro actually produces and does. The job of a warehouse worker gave me insight into the types of materials and items, the requirements of customers and their projects, but also the requirements of the production process within our company, all of which are the basis for the job and responsibilities of purchasing department.

How important was it for you to have the opportunity to advance and change jobs within the company? Did you ever imagine your current job in procurement as part of your career path?

At first, I didn't envision my job in procurement as a long-term job, but in my position as a warehouse worker, which is closely related to procurement, I was slowly given tasks related to procurement by the then procurement manager. I saw that I was relatively good at it, and I found this additional work dynamic and interesting. As for the progress itself, I think it's a good indicator of how the company monitors employee development and offers opportunities for advancement.

From your perspective, how has the company changed from 2011 to today? What is the biggest difference between then and now?

In the last 3-4 years, the company has changed mostly through the expansion and reorganization of the facility, investments in people, machines and resources, and in my opinion, this is an indicator of what mission and vision Primabiro has for the future.

What has changed the most in the way we work? Technology, organization, communication, processes...?

Although we make the same product as 15 years ago, the production process is now quite different and more advanced. New requirements of the transformer industry, such as increasingly higher standards and maintenance of quality and product delivery deadlines, also affect our development and the necessity of adapting to these requirements. The organization is what has changed the most in our company, and with it all the others segments are changing too from technological preparation, procurement, cutting, production and delivery of products to the customer.

What has not changed during all these years? Is there anything that is still the same today as on the first day?

What has not changed is that the most important human factor and the experience as well as knowledge of a person to prepare, produce and sell a product that will satisfy our customers, which is still the most important.

During the 15 years, there has certainly been new knowledge and education. What education or learning opportunities have been particularly useful to you in your work?

Of course, the company views education as an important segment of employee development with the aim of personal and professional progress. I have participated in several education courses related to the warehouse and purchasing. I would like to highlight the Reliable Inventory and Stock Management – Stock Optimizer seminars that I attended in Zagreb. These days I am also starting a new education course, more precisely a webinar called the Procurement Academy. The education is divided into 8 modules and it is a program that will certainly additionally prepare me for further challenges in the work I do.

Is there anything you learned through your work that has helped you not only professionally, but also personally?

I learned flexibility. Even when things don't go according to plan, it's important to adapt and take new steps to reach a certain goal.

What does your working day in purchasing department look like today compared to your first days as a launcher or warehouse worker?

Each of these jobs is different and requires its own approaches. As a launcher worker, I was given daily work tasks that needed to be done. As a warehouse worker, I eventually had to start planning independently (stocks, costs, etc.). Planning is key in the purchasing department. Based on production plans (weekly, monthly, quarterly), the purchasing department procures raw materials, materials, and merchandise, and negotiates market and economic conditions and delivery deadlines that are essential for production to run smoothly.

What do you like most about your job today and what still motivates you after so many years?

The transformer industry has been a highly developed industry on a global level for some time now, where customer and project demands are often very high, and this also greatly affects procurement. I am motivated by the dynamics of the work, every working day is different and brings new challenges.

When you look back, what are you most proud of in your 15 years at the company?

I am most proud of the development of a company that has a clear vision and mission in the industry it operates in, and I am personally proud of my development within that company and the progress I have made in my career so far.

And finally, if you could give a new employee who joins the company today one piece of advice based on your experience, what would you tell them?

If the approach to work and work tasks is up to par, the company and its leadership will recognize it.