Bojan Zganec
Operations Manager - HAVI Logistics in Croatia
How did you become interested in HAVI Logistics?
After working and living in Nuremberg, Germany for five years, I decided to come back to Croatia. In 2009 I made my application at HAVI Logistics. I was interested in the company because its roots are in Germany. After the final interview, I received a call from Gerald Hoeller, Managing Director of HAVI Logistics Austria. He came right to the point by saying: “Bojan, welcome on board!”
What's been the biggest change for you personally after joining HAVI Logistics?
It's a challenge to build a team. In a short time, I have gone from managing myself to managing a team of 15 people. I am happy to report that the team spirit is excellent. We work hard, but we have fun, too.
What is essential regarding your job?
Very important is to make sure that all members of the team work towards a common goal by sharing the information and operational knowledge they have gained at HAVI Logistics. Realizing this potential in a small country such as Croatia is a very tough task.
How do you manage these challenges as operations manager at HAVI Logistics?
I try to clearly define tasks, set priorities and reward high performance. It is very important not to build up hierarchies as a substitute for exercising leadership. It is far more productive to walk into the warehouse, foster discussions, ask questions and also take criticism. Leading people can also involve delivering bad news and managing conflicts.
What motivates you each morning?
A new day, new tasks, new challenges, and new solutions. As Operations Manager I can say that no two days are alike at HAVI Logistics. This is what challenges me and makes me feel really satisfied at the end of the day. Now I have to strike a balance between business operations and personnel management.
Is there anything you would like to change about your job?
I am quite satisfied with the position of Operations Manager. There are a lot of training programs on my schedule.
What's happening in the future?
I know that I want to stay with HAVI Logistics for a long time. I left Croatia right after university, and am looking forward to experiencing the business culture in Croatia. I am extremely motivated, of course; maybe I can climb the career ladder and become a Regional Director at HAVI Logistics someday. That would be a great prospect for the future!
What advice would you give somebody who wanted to work at HAVI Logistics?
I think the most important thing to bear in mind is that he or she will not be only an employee of a local HAVI Logistics company, but also part of a big and successful “Global Lead Logistics Provider.”
