Since early 2021, Ola has been working as a team leader at HJ Bakker Logistics. She initially joined through a temp agency but was offered a permanent contract after just six months. That shows a lot of trust, something Ola still feels every day.
Experience in the logistics sector
When Ola started at HJ Bakker, she already had experience in the logistics industry. She had previously worked as an order picker and team leader in a warehouse. At her previous employer, the work and growth opportunities dried up. That’s when Ola decided to try her luck through her sister’s temp agency. “She quickly showed me the job opening at HJ Bakker,” Ola explains. “My father used to work as a truck driver there, and he always had good things to say about the company. That’s why I was eager to work there.”
A challenging role
As a team leader, Ola is responsible for the quality of her team. She ensures all orders are processed correctly and steps in where needed. Additionally, she actively participates in order processing herself. “My workday starts at 3 PM and continues until the job is done. When I get home in the middle of the night, I crawl into bed exhausted. Luckily, I can sleep in late.”
Appreciation
Ola feels valued at HJ Bakker. “Whenever the organization wants to make changes, they always ask for my opinion. It feels good that they value my input. They also give me compliments frequently. And when I take on more responsibilities, I’m rewarded accordingly. That gives me energy.”
Growing into a supervisor role
There are plenty of growth opportunities for Ola at HJ Bakker. “I’ve been asked to become a supervisor. Sander, Michel, and Mary are helping me transition into the role. As a supervisor, I’ll be leading the team leaders. I’ll ensure that the work is done correctly and on time, create schedules, and train new employees. I’ll also be the first point of contact for any issues. It’s a great new challenge. You can really grow within this company—who knows, maybe one day I’ll even end up in an office role.”
An employer that cares
For Ola, it’s important to keep developing herself. But she also values having an employer who considers her needs. “HJ Bakker is simply a good company. If you’re happy with your work and put in the effort, everything is negotiable. A day off, or a longer visit to family in Poland: it’s all possible. They really care about their people here.”
