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Continuous Improvement profile: Eline Rietberg

Eline Rietberg joined us in July 2020 and works as Continuous Improvement / Project Manager at our sister companyÌý in the Netherlands. Learn more about Eline and why she chose to join us...

What has been your journey to your current role?

Following my formal education at Delft University of Technology, Netherlands, where I obtained a Masters in Applied Mathematics and a Masters in Science Communication, I worked for a shipbuilding company headquartered in the Netherlands, where I played an active role in the implementation of the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) within the supply chain. This solution helps businesses integrate data and processes, and facilitates accurate and timely access to reliable information on which to base informed decisions.

More recently I held a Business Analyst position for an essential network provider in Melbourne, Australia where I worked as part of the integration team, responsible for the integration of a recently acquired business into the existing organisation.

How longÌýhave you been with us?

I’m relatively new to the organisation, having only started to work for at the beginning of July, following my return from Melbourne.

What knowledge and expertise do you bring to your role?

In terms of experience from my previous roles, I bring project management skills, but aside from this I bring an enthusiasm to identify areas and deliver improvements in respect of products, services and processes to meet the demanding requirements of the markets we serve, which I am just beginning to appreciate are quite diverse.

What are you enjoying about FN Steel so far?

Since I joined the company, I've witnessed the breadth of knowledge and skills within the organisation and the passion of its employees. In order to try to familiarise myself with the people and processes, I’ve worked nightshifts so I can appreciate the scale of the operation and the complexities of the manufacturing process. What has struck me most has been the openness of the team to engage and share knowledge and the ‘get-it-done’ mentality that is the cornerstone of the business.

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years' time within FN Steel?

In the mid-term, I aspire to implement and add rigour to the continuous improvement programme, including some significant IT solutionsÌýthatÌýwill contribute to business continuity and will improve our overall business efficiency.

Why did you choose to apply for a job at FN Steel?

After moving back from Australia to The Netherlands unexpectedly due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I elected to return to a role in manufacturing as I'd previously enjoyed working in the shipbuilding sector. Furthermore, the combination of Project Management and Continuous Improvement is really appealing to me. During the interview process, the honesty, friendliness and the genuine interest of all the interviewers convinced me of a real cultural fit.Ìý

What does your day-to-day role involve?

My role includes leading the formalisation of the ERP implementation project, including managing the different continuous improvement workstreams and liaising with the stakeholders to make these projects happen. I'm involved in steering committees on a weekly basis to monitor progress and ensuring we stay on track, and make certain that our customers see the benefits of these projects.

What advice would you give to other people considering a career at FN Steel?

If you like a challenge and are open to a dynamic environment with a range of opportunities to learn,Ìý might be the perfect place for you, whether a graduate, new to the industry or a steel industry professional.