Production manager at Haitsma: exactly the challenge Tiny was looking for
For more than fifteen years, Tiny Bekkema worked as a planner at a large shrimp processing company, until she started looking for a new job a few years ago. After a few detours, she ended up at Haitsma Beton, part of Ballast Nedam.
Tiny has been working at Haitsma Beton for three years now. She started as a planner and six months ago became the first female production manager at Haitsma. Tiny shares how she enjoys working among between the piles and concrete elements. And how she managed to rise to the position of production manager within a few years.
'That's right, after my MBO studies to become a Legal Executive Secretary, I first worked for a few years at a notary's office. Then I became a planner at a shrimp processing company. A few years ago, I left that job and worked at an accounting firm for a while. But I quickly realised that I'm not an office person. Plus, I didn't want a long of a commute because of my young family. So when I saw a vacancy at Haitsma, I applied immediately. From day one, I felt at home here.'
Why do you think that is?
'The construction industry is quite hands-on and hectic. No two days are the same. I was used to that during my job at the shrimp processor and I love it. On top of that, I ended up on a very great team with helpful and enthusiastic colleagues. Haitsma's key priorities are safety, quality and progress. And that can really be felt in the company. For example, we regularly have Toolbox meetings. These are gatherings where we, as a group of colleagues, discuss an existing or possible safety issue. Very useful and educational.'
‘Good! I had mentioned earlier that I was ready for more of a challenge in my work. So when the position of production manager became available, it was exactly the challenge I had been looking for. I’m being very well trained by my supervisor. Together we manage a team of about eighty people. Do I find it difficult that I am a woman? Not at all, they take me just as seriously as my supervisor!’
Do you have enough challenge in your work now?
‘Definitely. I still have a lot to learn as a production manager and, fortunately, I get all the space I need for that. There are many opportunities to develop yourself at Haitsma, such as taking various training courses. For example, I am taking a leadership course with five colleagues, and I am doing a lean management course with two other colleagues. As a result, I am getting better and better at my job.’
What do you think has been the best project you have contributed to so far?
‘I don't have to think long about that: the construction of the new Cambuur stadium. For this, we supplied the foundation piles, the beam structure and the grandstand elements. A huge job that we all completed together. I'm very proud of that. There are about 140 people at Haitsma, but it feels much smaller. Everyone knows each other and we walk into the director's office just as easily as we would with any other colleague. I really like that openness!’
Are you also interested in working at Ballast Nedam?
At Ballast Nedam, you can develop and become a little better every day. In the Netherlands and abroad. Together with almost 2,000 colleagues, we are committed to a future-proof living environment. Will you join our team to contribute to this?
