01/08/2014
Interview of the month: Head of the Division special papers
Christian Münch is Head of the Division special papers. After his studies he started his career directly within Voith. In our interview he will tell us about his tasks and the experiences he has made within Voith.
Why did you choose Voith as an employer?
At the time, I had decided on the power engineering programme and joined Voith as a trainee at the end of my course. This was my first encounter with paper technology. I find the field fascinating, and that's why it's still part of my day-to-day activities. Voith appealed to me especially through its international orientation and of course the pioneering trainee programme the company offers. As I was completing my studies, this was still in its infancy and Voith was one of the first to offer a programme of this kind. Another reason I decided on Voith was the pleasant conversation I had with the then HR Manager Mr. Seibold, which has always stayed with me. At the time, I had also been accepted by another company in the software sector. But, as a mechanical engineer, I had the feeling that I belonged to a mechanical engineering company such as Voith, a feeling I have never regretted to this day.
What are your main duties and activities in an average working day?
As Head of Division at Voith Paper, I manage two departments, one in Düren and one in Ravensburg. My key duties and activities can be divided into two main areas. First, I coordinate the sales activities for special paper machines, from the first contact with the customer to preparing the quotation, through to the final negotiation of the contracts. We have expert, dependable teams. The second area is the technological care and advancement of special paper machine concepts. In Düren, for example, we are currently working on a new type of machine that is able to produce so-called "flushable wipes" in an ecological, sustainable and cost-effective manner. In my position, I cooperate a lot with people, solve problems and moderate interfaces and conflicts, both internally with colleagues and employees, as well as externally with customers. This presents two challenges - first to get to the heart of the problem, and second not to loose sight of the bigger picture.
What do you find especially fascinating about your job?
I'm particularly fascinated by the mix between technology, organization and the interpersonal components. I love finding solutions to complex issues and progressing matters in professional teams. I value very much, in my role as manager, this multi-faceted situation, especially the interpersonal aspect.
Which attributes and personal interests should one bring to this role?
You should be analytical, structured and, above all be able to work with determination and under pressure. And you should see the bigger picture and be empathetic at all times. In my position, respect toward each and every employee and an understanding of human nature are key qualities. And having a sense of humor does no harm either.
How do you perceive solidarity and the work climate at Voith?
In my opinion, there is a very strong sense of solidarity at Voith. My colleagues and employees are skilled, highly committed and extremely dependable. I have just thought of a good example. I once read the phrase "Voith engineers solve all technical problems" and I confirm that they do. This is what sets Voith and its employees apart: Top class quality.
What did your previous job entail?
I joined Voith immediately after completing my studies and, have changed both position and location within the Group. I worked for Voith for seven years in Brazil, for instance. In 2011, I started working in southern Germany again. Thanks to the move, I was able to garner a wealth of experience, since every department, every location and every Voith employee is different, yet unique. Voith offers everyone enough space to develop and to plan and progress their own career path.
What advice would you give young professionals?
I advise them to be essentially, first and foremost, open to every task and to perceive both difficult and simple activities as a challenge. This is an important learning process in working life, one which will take them to and beyond their limits. I would therefore recommend any young professional to square up to all challenges, even if they might seem a little daunting at first. You learn so much in the first few years, finding your way in working life and working independently and autonomously - a boon for every manager.
What are your career plans now?
The field of "special paper" at Voith, in which I am currently engaged, is exactly where I want to be and a change is not on my agenda. We offer interesting products and I work with fabulous people. And interesting developments are underway in this department. The new machine type, on which we are working at our Düren site for example, is very promising and has a great future. Being able to support and contribute to this development excites me no end.
Many thanks for this interview!
