What position do you currently hold, and what does a typical workday look like for you?
Christiane: I work as a Professional Buyer in Procurement for Critical Infrastructure, partly in the home office and partly on site. We need a lot of coordination with Netze BW. In my daily work, I have a lot of contact with my direct colleagues as well as with colleagues from Netze BW. That’s why we have many meetings via Teams. First thing in the morning, I have a brief exchange with my direct colleague to clarify what’s on the agenda for the day and who will take care of what.
What are the main responsibilities of your position?
Christiane:
My core tasks include tendering projects and framework agreements, including coordination with the specialist department and contract award discussions. In addition to the classic tendering processes, supplier search and development are becoming increasingly important. We conduct many supplier meetings, sometimes about critical situations, since the market is becoming increasingly volatile due to a shortage of skilled workers and price explosions.
I wouldn’t say that without us, the lights in large parts of Baden-Württemberg would go out completely, but with our tenders and framework agreements, we definitely contribute to security of supply. I also support the onboarding of new employees and work closely with the system administrators of Netze BW when problems arise with measurements and billing.
What I especially value is working independently within the team. You operate on all levels (within the team, with the specialist department, with suppliers). The tasks are exciting but also challenging.
How did you come to EnBW?
Christiane: I completed my training as an industrial clerk at Badenwerk AG.
How long have you been at EnBW and what has your career path within EnBW looked like so far?
Christiane: In 1984, I began my training as an industrial clerk at Badenwerk AG. After that, I worked as a commercial clerk at the Rudolf-Fettweis power plant and then, via decentralized procurement at the Rheinhafen steam power plant, I ended up in central procurement. There I first worked as a clerk in procurement for mechanical engineering and then as a consultant in the area of Operational Procurement Grids. Since 2023, I have been working as a Professional Buyer in Procurement for Critical Infrastructure.
What made you decide never to switch to another company?
Christiane: In fact, shortly after my training, I worked for another company for two years because I moved to another city. When I then moved back toward Karlsruhe, I applied again and was lucky to be rehired right away.
What challenges do you face in your work, and how do you deal with them?
Christiane: Everyday work can be very stressful. At times, we also have unpleasant conversations with suppliers. That’s why I like to relax in my free time by taking long walks with my Golden Retriever.
In your opinion, what makes your work at EnBW special?
Christiane: EnBW is a great employer. There are many exciting tasks, and you always have the opportunity to develop further. Thanks to the possibility of working from home, part-time arrangements, etc., it’s easy to balance family and work. After my parental leave, it was no problem for me to return to work at 40% and then gradually increase my working hours back to 100%.
Do you have any advice for career starters/new applicants?
Christiane: Just apply, we’re always happy to welcome new colleagues.
If you had to describe EnBW in three words, what would they be?
Christiane: Dynamic, diverse, sustainable.