“I studied Chemical Engineering in Breda, where I always had an interest in the food sector. Within this field, I was looking for a company with a healthy product, which is why Bakker appealed to me.

As a trainee, you often start by working in production as a team leader. This way, you learn the core processes at Bakker and also understand the impact of decisions on other departments. You are very much thrown in at the deep end: you are placed in a department and expected to get on with it. This approach taught me that you are often capable of far more than you initially think. You are also given real responsibility: as a team leader, I was in charge of 40 people.

Alongside this hands-on experience, there is also personal attention: who you are and how you can best develop. You are taken seriously, and you rotate across the business, which helps you discover what you are good at and what you enjoy. During these rotations, you not only gain knowledge but are also encouraged to contribute ideas. For example, one day a week you work on a project in a completely different part of the company. You are given the opportunity to look at new challenges and process improvements with a fresh perspective. It is motivating to see that your contribution really makes a difference.

Through the various rotations within Bakker, I have now gained a good understanding of the entire chain, from cultivation through to the supermarket. Bakker itself feels very informal and approachable. Doors are open, and people are willing to help. If you need support, it is there — you just have to ask for it.”

After her traineeship, Anne-Floor realised that leadership appealed to her, while working in operations did so less. Voyager, the project focused on implementing a new system, caught her interest, but it wasn’t fully underway yet. Through a dynamic role as Team Leader Logistics Planning, she eventually ended up there after all – with a great deal of extra knowledge.

“During my traineeship I worked in the Distribution, Change Management and Marketing departments, and as a Team Leader in operations at Packaging. Afterwards, I was still searching for the right direction, so I started having informal coffee meetings with various managers. One of them pointed me towards the vacancy for Team Leader Logistics Planning.

A good match
It turned out to be a great match. I was responsible for managing the planners and keeping logistics running smoothly. It allowed me to further develop my leadership skills, while also carrying out projects and improving processes myself. A very enjoyable and highly dynamic combination. I also worked as a planner for a short period, which meant I learned an enormous amount very quickly.

Extra knowledge
When the project Voyager gained momentum, I was asked to become a ‘key user’. This is the representative for the department, essentially the link between the business and the technical side. The system will ultimately be designed and implemented using my practical knowledge. At first I did this alongside my regular role, but for the past year it has been my full-time job. That’s how I ended up joining Voyager after all, but with a wealth of additional expertise.

Room to grow
This role is temporary – in a few years, in principle, I could return to my previous position. But I actually expect that by then new opportunities will have emerged for me to progress into another role. Which one? I don’t know yet, but the supply chain, which runs through the company like a common thread, really appeals to me. As does leadership. I enjoy my career. So far, it has never been boring!”