Rick Hoitzing Projectleider

What are your duties as a Project Leader?

I started out as a Factory Engineer and from that role I progressed to Project Leader. As a project leader, I am QLTC responsible. That is, I am responsible for the quality, engineering, cost and logistics of a project. I do this together with a team and I manage that team. Projects can vary quite a bit with us. It depends on what stage it is in. A new project first has a prototype phase, then a pilot phase, and then it is transferred to realization. My strength lies in the first part of the project, setting up a team, establishing production processes and identifying risks. As a team, we also look at the prototype phase to assess manufacturability and advise the Design Engineers on this.

What do you enjoy most?

I most enjoy working with people in combination with all the different techniques that we use. Because we do not have our own products but do production for the customer, you see all kinds of techniques and specializations passing by. You get a little bit of everything, which makes it interesting.

What are your biggest challenges?

My biggest challenge right now is that we are growing tremendously as a company and therefore have a lot of new colleagues. My challenge is to get those people up and running in our company. In addition, my personal development is also one of my challenges: bringing projects to a good result and taking on larger projects.

What kind of qualities should a Project Leader have?

It is important that you are communicatively and socially strong. After all, you don't own a resource but use other people's resources and you need to get things done from people. You need to know how to get your colleagues to move. To understand the project, you have to be technically savvy as well.
 

How do you experience the working atmosphere at VDL ETG Almelo?

We have a good work culture. Everyone wants to fight to make deliveries on time. There is that mentality. There are also many opportunities for growth within our company. You can take on as much responsibility as you want. You are given a lot but you have to be proactive yourself. Because we do not have our own products but do production for the customer, you see all kinds of techniques and specialists pass by. You get a bit of everything, which makes it interesting.