"If you have the ambition to instigate change, you will find that all doors are open to you."
Meet Björn, Transformation and Performance Manager at Thales. Joining the company in 2020, he specializes in managing transformation projects and optimizing internal processes. With a diverse background, ranging from project management in the environmental sector to the supply of medical equipment for the German armed forces, he now applies his expertise to the Group's training and simulation activities. Through his assignments in Koblenz, Germany, Björn actively contributes to preparing the armed forces for their most complex and demanding missions.
© Thales
Hello Björn! Could you tell us a bit about yourself? What sparked your interest in training & simulation activities?
I am 40 years old, happily married, and we have two beautiful daughters aged 3 and 1. I hold a degree in International Business Administration and Industrial Engineering. Following my studies, I worked as a Project Manager and Supply Chain Manager in an international environmental organization, focusing on site development in production and logistics. Since 2017, I have been residing near Koblenz. From 2018 to 2020, I worked for ESG GmbH as a Project Manager, where I was responsible for the procurement of new medical equipment for the customer BAAINBw. In November 2020, I joined the Thales family at the Koblenz site. In my first role as PMO Manager, I have had numerous interactions with a wide range of products and services, thanks to close collaboration and support with bid and project managers. This experience has deepened my understanding of our technical solutions and fostered an appreciation for how our products and services empower our armed forces to be better prepared for emergencies, thus contributing to the safety and security of our and other countries.I am 40 years old, happily married, and we have two beautiful daughters aged 3 and 1. I hold a degree in International Business Administration and Industrial Engineering. Following my studies, I worked as a Project Manager and Supply Chain Manager in an international environmental organization, focusing on site development in production and logistics. Since 2017, I have been residing near Koblenz. From 2018 to 2020, I worked for ESG GmbH as a Project Manager, where I was responsible for the procurement of new medical equipment for the customer BAAINBw. In November 2020, I joined the Thales family at the Koblenz site. In my first role as PMO Manager, I have had numerous interactions with a wide range of products and services, thanks to close collaboration and support with bid and project managers. This experience has deepened my understanding of our technical solutions and fostered an appreciation for how our products and services empower our armed forces to be better prepared for emergencies, thus contributing to the safety and security of our and other countries.
What is your current role about? Can you tell us about your daily work life?
For approximately two years, I have served as the Transformation & Performance Manager. A key aspect of this role involves further integrating the Wedel site into the Thales framework. I achieve this by stabilizing processes across departments and connecting them to a unified SAP system. Additionally, I am responsible for driving several transformation and internal projects for Thales & Simulation (T&S) Germany. My daily project work is complemented by various other responsibilities, including serving as a Lessons Learned Consultant, Information Security Coordinator, Power BI Key User, and BCM Coordinator.
What is the best part of your job?
Joy in daily work. Joy in diverse tasks. Joy in collaborating with so many people and departments. Joy in supporting colleagues every day, simplifying workflows, and solving problems.
Tell us about one memorable experience in your career at Thales
I have had several unforgettable moments during my time at Thales, and I would like to share two of them with you. It all began when I joined the company; despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that most meetings were held online, I always felt welcomed, regardless of my location, level of responsibility or department. This open and constructive approach among colleagues, as well as in our work culture, has persisted to this day. Another remarkable experience was being nominated for and participating in the Talent Accelerator Programme (TAP). This program was truly impressive. It provided me with the opportunity to connect with collegues all over the world, exchange ideas, and collaborate on an international level across various Global Business Units (GBUs)—experiences that are seldom encountered in my day-to-day work. The engaging workshops and training topics further contributed to my growth, both professionally and personally.
© Thales
What, in your opinion, are the benefits of working at Thales?
At Thales, employees are viewed as individuals rather than just numbers. Performance is recognized, and if you have the ambition to achieve or instigate change, you will find that all doors are open to you.
If you had to convince someone to join Thales’s training & simulation activities, what would you tell her/him?
If you are looking for a job that has a global impact and makes the world a safer place through your commitment, then Thales Training & Simulation is the right place for you.
Do you have any hobbies? How do you enjoy spending your free time?
First and foremost, I prioritize spending my free time with my family, enjoying activities together. When I need to unwind, I enjoy cycling on my mountain bike.
Share with us your favorite quote!
Es gibt nichts Gutes, außer man tut es.“ (engl. “There is nothing good unless you do it.”)
Erich Kästner