17 min

How an Internal Career at KION Works

Whether as a student employee, a trainee, or an apprentice—the KION Group and its brands offer young adults various opportunities to get their foot in the door at the company. For talent to stay at the same company for years is unusual, particularly when first embarking on a career path. KION and its brands prove that this doesn't have to be the case. In the following interviews, seven employees talk about their career path at KION and tell us why they have remained loyal to the intralogistics group to date.

2022-10-05

Torsten Wiecker

Tell us about your current role and responsibilities.

I work in our industrial truck segment as Vice President Business Transformation & Development Region Central Europe & Nordic Markets. That sounds a bit cryptic at first. It basically means that I’m the main point of contact for colleagues in the region as well as for the Business Transformation project team. Business transformation is now one of the key topics at KION in order to make us even more future-proof, competitive, and customer-oriented. My other area of responsibility is business development. Alongside my colleagues, this involves initiating or identifying topics aimed at further driving our business across various countries and brands.

How did your journey with the KION Group begin, and which positions have you already held so far?

I began my career in 2000 as a student employee in the field of sales promotion for KION’s subsidiary, STILL. I was at STILL until March 2022, so around 22 years in total. Over this long period, I occupied some centralized, decentralized as well as both national and international roles, all with a spotlight on sales and services. I worked in After-Sales Marketing and Controlling and was Product Trainer and Service Manager for the Bremen branch. My first executive role started in 2008 when I was entrusted with service manager responsibilities. I was then appointed Branch Manager in Bremen and was subsequently responsible for strategy and processes in the area of New Truck Sales for STILL EMEA. This was followed by positions working as the main contact for After-Sales in the DACH region and as the Managing Director of STILL UK. I’ve only been in my current role since April 2022.

How has the KION Group supported you in your further professional development?

I’ve attended many internal and external training sessions while I've been at STILL. In addition, I always had plenty of scope for personal development. So I was given the opportunity to take on responsibility and to work on projects independently at an early stage. Since 2015 I have also taken part in brand-wide training sessions run by KION.

After all these years why have you not changed employer and have stayed with the KION Group?

A deciding factor for me was—and still is—the positive environment. I get to work with motivated colleagues on a daily basis, so I really enjoy the work and feel very much at home here. What’s more is it never stops being exciting. The tasks and various developments in the company make our everyday work very varied. There are always new issues or opportunities to learn something new. With its focus on digitalization, automation, and sustainability, the Group’s business alignment also promises great prospects for the future.

What advice would you give to young people who are starting out in their careers as student employees, trainees, or apprentices with the KION Group?

The way I see it, taking the initiative is the name of the game. When starting out in your career, it’s very important to seek out responsibility as well as to take it on. Only by doing so can you become independent and gain confidence in your own abilities. And, what’s more: Grab opportunities when they come up.

Sandy Baumgart

Tell us about your current role and responsibilities.

I work as Internal Communications Specialist for KION’s subsidiary, Dematic. I manage and staff all internal communication channels in the EMEA region and I take care of events here, too. In addition, I support the management team in communicating with their teams and work in close collaboration with my colleagues in America and in the international newsroom. Ultimately, I’m the service provider for all potential stakeholders in the KION Group who want to report into or on Dematic. There are so many brilliant people in our Group who are doing great things, and I can play a role in ensuring that others see their work.

How did your journey with the KION Group begin, and which positions have you already held so far?

I started working for KION Corporate Communications as a student employee in 2017, and I mainly supported external communications while I was there. Due to changes in the team, in 2018 I started helping more with internal communications. Once my master’s thesis was written, it was off to Summerville to work at KION North America in January 2019. I spent seven months there as an intern in the Marketing & Communications Team. I could’ve stayed longer, but after over half a year I was keen to return to Germany to be nearer family. At the time there were no vacancies at KION in Germany, so I worked at a different company for nine months. In early 2020 I was approached about an opportunity to work for KION’s subsidiary Dematic in Heusenstamm, Hessen, then in July I started working as Internal Communications Expert for central Europe.

How has the KION Group supported you in your further professional development?

In Wiesbaden and Frankfurt, there were meet-ups organized for all the student employees there. This was extremely helpful for my work because it enabled me to make connections with people from many departments, laying the foundation for my current network at the KION Group. Not only did my time in the US vastly improve my command of English and my professional knowledge, but it also allowed me to develop on a personal level, to get to know other cultures, and to gain more marketing experience. Most important of all, however, were the many opportunities to prove myself and to try new things. In all my previous positions I was an equal member of the team, had the chance to manage my own projects, and provided active support at key events.

Why are you still with the KION Group?

Because of the people I work with, without a shadow of a doubt. Since I’ve been at KION I’ve said my goodbyes twice already—in Frankfurt and in Summerville—and on both occasions I found it tough. I’ve got to know so many incredibly kind people and was welcomed everywhere with open arms. That’s definitely not a given. Our motto at Dematic is ‘stronger together’ and we experience that every single day. Returning to the KION Group was one of the best decisions that I’ve made in my professional life to date.

What advice would you give to young people who are starting out in their careers as student employees, trainees, or apprentices with the KION Group?

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Take the opportunity to get to know different sites and business divisions and actively ask the HR department what opportunities are open to you. Don’t just write another email—pick up the phone. Build up your own network in the Group. Talk to your colleagues if you get stuck or doubt your abilities—you’re not on your own. Sometimes you also have to take a slight detour to find out what your dream job looks like.

Eren Erden

Tell us about your current role and responsibilities.

I currently work in our industrial truck segment as Head of Process Implementation & Support in the Rental & Used Division. Alongside my team, we are responsible for the digitalization of the division through the conception, implementation, and management of internal and external digital solutions. In this role, the key is to always challenge the status quo and to improve existing solutions in close collaboration with the sales network, as well as to translate innovative business ideas into technically implementable concepts.

How did your journey with the KION Group begin, and which positions have you already held so far?

My journey began in January 2018 with the start of my mandatory work placement for my master’s studies in two different areas at the same time: Intralogistics Solutions and New Truck Sales Development. After four months I then worked in the Intralogistics Solutions Division as a master’s student and there I developed a communications concept for KION’s newly established business division. My official ‘career’ began four years ago in the Rental & Used Division, where I still work today. At the time I was working as Digital Solutions & Online Offering Specialist and through this I was able to gain a deeper insight into some very exciting projects, for example e-commerce or process digitalization, as well as take on increasing responsibility. In 2021 I moved a step closer towards managing staff as I became New Business Development Manager, and since 2022 I’ve been the Head of Process Implementation & Support.

How has the KION Group supported you in your further professional development?

Whether it’s been organizing my mandatory work placement, finding a topic for my master’s thesis, or helping me in the subsequent search for an entry-level job: I was always able to rely on the support of my colleagues and managers. There were various further development programs as part of my job, such as participating in the year-long ‘GROW’ talent program, where young members of staff can work with trainers on their individual strengths and areas for further development. I definitely think that learning on the job was the best way of progressing my development, given that I could take on responsibilities and tackle challenges from the get-go.

Why have you not changed employer and have stayed with the KION Group?

The main reason for this is the feel-good factor at KION. From the very beginning, you’re part of an international family and valued regardless of position. Even though I’m not very far along in my career, there have already been so many exciting challenges and changes which enable you to learn a lot every day. In the medium to long term, the KION Group as the world leading manufacturer of industrial trucks and supply chain solutions also offers an ideal basis for an exciting and varied career in a range of business divisions, brands, and countries.

What advice would you give to young people who are starting out in their careers as student employees, trainees, or apprentices with the KION Group?

A career at KION is—as is the case with many other companies—a marathon, not a sprint. It’s important to have a clear idea of your own personal career goal. It’s even more important, however, to be open to change, play an active part, and redefine your goals if necessary. KION in particular offers a wide range of development opportunities, which are probably not immediately obvious to young talent.

Nicole Müller

Tell us about your current role and responsibilities.

I currently work as a student employee in the area of Management and Engagement in Business Transformation. Among other things, my responsibilities include creating communications materials and providing support with stakeholder analyses. In addition, I am tasked with creative projects such as BT Navigator, which can also be found on the BT Intranet site, and I regularly liaise with various people from the project teams.

How did your journey with KION begin, and which positions have you already held so far?

I applied to KION in November 2021, and in February 2022 I started as a student employee in Change Management and Engagement. Since then, I have been a part of the team and have actively supported my colleagues with various change-related issues alongside my master’s studies.

How has KION supported you in your further professional development?

As part of my work-study program, I had the perfect introduction to a future-oriented and international company with KION and I was able to get stuck into project work right from the start. In my first few days, I was familiarized with the company through the KION on-boarding session and I received amazing support from KION IT. After consulting with my HR colleagues, they were also happy to increase my weekly working hours during the semester break. That was a great opportunity for me to gain a deeper insight into the relevant topics and to expand my network. I’m also proud to say that I’ll be starting my permanent position as PMO Professional in BT after my studies finish in October 2022, and the extra work during the semester break served as the perfect transition to my new role.

Why have you not changed employer and have stayed at KION?

My main reasons for staying at KION were the great colleagues, the modern and open-minded working atmosphere, and the prospect of joining an employer who not only cares about its employees but also takes responsibility for achieving its sustainability targets. The way I see it, business transformation is just the right strategy for this.

What advice would you give to young people who are starting out in their careers as student employees, trainees, or apprentices at KION?

Be proactive and open to new responsibilities, utilize the network, and have the courage to contribute your own ideas.

Anna Maria Bohn

Tell us about your current role and responsibilities.

As Head of Sales Controlling at KION’s subsidiary Dematic in the EMEA region, I’m at the juncture of finance and sales and so I’m close to our business operations, which I find particularly fascinating.

How did your journey with the KION Group begin, and which positions have you already held so far?

In summer 2018 I first started working as an intern in the KION Group’s internal audit, and then I stayed on at KION as a student employee up until the end of my master’s studies in early 2019. Following on from my studies with a focus on Controlling, I started working in KION’s subsidiary Dematic as Sales Controller for the Central Europe subregion at the time, and at the start of 2021 became the Head of Sales Controlling Central Europe. With the transformation of three subregions into a single EMEA organization in early 2022, I seized the opportunity and expanded my area of responsibility to the EMEA region.

How has the KION Group supported you in your further professional development?

During my time as an intern and a student employee, I was a fully integrated member of the team and gained many insights into the business, both in the operational business division of Industrial Trucks & Solutions as well as in Supply Chain Solutions. I had a few opportunities to expand my network and further my prospects, for example through participating in Linde Think Box 2018—an event for students and graduates where you can work in teams on various topics and ideas related to energy and digitalization. Even in the subsequent job search, I felt really supported and was given the opportunity to move within the Group to Dematic.

Why have you not changed employer and have stayed with the KION Group?

KION has always offered me excellent prospects and development opportunities. We move in such an exciting industry with many new product and solution developments and the framework is always changing—it’s just really good fun!

What advice would you give to young people who are starting out in their careers as student employees, trainees, or apprentices with the KION Group?

Always remain interested and curious. Connect as much as possible with colleagues who have been at KION for a long time and have a vast wealth of experience. Try to see the big picture and think outside the box in your career in order to link topics together and optimize your knowledge about processes. Then you can also make them more efficient. And last but not least, have fun at work.

Sascha Jordan

Tell us about your current role and responsibilities.

My current position is Head of Product & Solution Training at KION’s subsidiary STILL, a leading industrial truck manufacturer. Our team is responsible for training new and experienced salespeople across EMEA on our products and solutions. That includes both basic training for new salespeople, training as part of new product launches for all sales teams, as well as consolidation or repetition of certain topics for experienced salespeople. We use a variety of formats for this, providing tools as well as personal support, of course. My responsibility is to manage this area and to develop it further alongside my team, based on our customers’ needs.

How did your journey with the KION Group begin, and which positions have you already held so far?

After graduating from high school, I did an apprenticeship at KION as an industrial clerk. I got to know virtually all areas of the business as a result. I then completed a dual study program, which previously hadn’t existed in our Group in any shape or form. During this dual study program, I mainly worked in the field of communications. I was heavily involved with our STILL-owned EASY app and its launch, as well as with content management. Launching the app also coincided with me coming into much closer contact with training as a subject. After the dual study program, I was even able to do a master’s in Marketing & Sales Management alongside my job. There was an even greater emphasis on training here—to the extent that after some time I took over as ‘Sales Training Coordinator’ initially. More recently I was then also given line manager responsibilities for the division, and today I am ‘Head of Product & Solution Training’.

How has the KION Group supported you in your further professional development?

In many different ways: I have always laid my cards on the table and spoken out if I saw a development opportunity for myself where I believed it would also represent genuine added value for STILL or KION. The respective executives play a very important role here, of course. This resulted in me introducing an initiative, together with the then Head of Personnel Development and my managers, so that STILL would subsequently offer dual study programs, meaning that even after my apprenticeship I was able to continue directly with the dual study program. And so now—in the same way as it was back then for me—when it comes to further development programs like master’s studies or coaching courses, your suggestions never fall on deaf ears as an employee in our Group.

Why have you not changed employer and have stayed with the KION Group?

For me, a fulfilling job means that I can shape things as well as challenge and change things that are already in place. And also of course that the topics interest and challenge me. I’m not the kind of person who likes working according to predetermined formulas, and that probably wouldn’t be one of my strengths either. But throughout my time with the company, my remit has always changed and expanded so that challenging and changing things never lost its appeal for me. In return, I have also been given the confidence and responsibility to shape my area of work as I see fit—always aligned with the overarching objectives, naturally, but always with the freedom to decide for myself.

What advice would you give to young people who are starting out in their careers as student employees, trainees, or apprentices with the KION Group?

Get involved as much as you can, try your hand at new things, and take away as many insights as possible. Be prepared to take on more responsibility. Get to know a variety of departments, ask colleagues questions, and discover where you see your strengths and what you enjoy. With this knowledge you will certainly find where you belong in the organization and, in my opinion, this would be an ideal win-win scenario for both KION and employees. Because I’m convinced that we only reach our optimum potential when we can bring our individual strengths to our work and enjoy what we do!

Natalie Bachmann

Tell us about your current role and responsibilities.

I currently work in HR Development in our truck segment as Personnel Officer. I manage, accompany, and organize the Young Potentials Development Program in EMEA and provide the Organization Capability Talent Review (OCTR) process with operational support. In addition, I develop training measures for Production in Hamburg.

How did your journey with the KION Group begin, and which positions have you already held so far?

I did an apprenticeship as an industrial clerk between September 2015 and January 2018. During the apprenticeship, I decided I wanted to go on to additional studies. The apprenticeship manager at the time suggested that I apply for a dual study program, and my application was accepted. From February 2018 to September 2018, I worked as Project Assistant in the Business Innovation Division. Even though I was mainly based there during the practical aspects of my dual study program from October 2018 to September 2021, I was also able to get a taste of HR for the first time. After my studies in October 2021, I made a cross-functional move into HR Development.

How has the KION Group supported you in your further professional development?

During my dual study program, I had a great mentor by my side. When I started working in the Business Innovation Division at the age of 20, I really lacked self-confidence. My mentor at the time, Dr. Johannes Matthias, spurred me on—that is to say, he challenged me but also encouraged me—so that I left my comfort zone and grew in confidence when dealing with new tasks or colleagues.

Why have you not changed employer and have stayed with the KION Group?

In the last six years I have had many extremely positive experiences with KION, my colleagues, and my managers, so I’ve never felt the desire to change employer. During my studies, I had the option to do an international scholarship and I received financial support from KION while on my semester abroad. I also experienced a very smooth transition when starting my studies and later transferring to the HR development.

What advice would you give to young people who are starting out in their careers as student employees, trainees, or apprentices with the KION Group?

Be brave and honest. Openly discuss problems or let your manager know if you want more responsibility. Get out of your comfort zone and also tackle topics that you would usually shy away from.

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