6 minute read
SELFIE
Janne Hosio Sales Manager janne.hosio@upcast.com
Sami Ollila, Project Manager
Already an engineer at the sandpit
“ I was interested in building and constructing all kinds of things at kindergarten, and the teacher said that I would definitely become an engineer. How right she was: I got my Master’s degree in engineering. I have never thought that much about my career path. I have always chosen the direction via my interests and where life has taken me.
At UPCAST, my responsibilities are like those of a project manager. I am in charge of projects related operations in general and executing individual projects from the very beginning until the end. I am in contact with customers, all possible suppliers and other interested stakeholders. My job is right in the middle; it’s a kind of hub role. The phone and email are the most important tools, and taking part in various types of meetings is a vital part of my work.
You never know what kind of working day is ahead when you get up in the morning. There are always new questions and challenges to which we are looking for answers and solutions together. My job requires general knowledge about many different things and especially the ability to distinguish critical issues from the less important ones in the constant flow of phone calls and emails. The most rewarding thing in my work is solving everyday challenges and of course when a project gets completed on time and within budget.
Even though every now and then the work does not go exactly to plan, you should never get overstressed or give up. There are always surprises and unexpected problems. However, we never leave the customer alone – we always aim to finding a working solution.
When your work is sitting in the office all day, there has to be something to balance that in your free time: I like to exercise, e.g. at the gym and on roller skates in the summer. Also, music, cultural experiences and good food are close to my heart. I love cooking and I play guitar every now and then, mostly just for myself but sometimes for the joy of others as well.“ •
Every day at work is different
Juho Hanka, Sales Administrator, Spare Parts
Juho Hanka became a permanent member of the Upcast spare parts team in the autumn of 2016 after working as a summer assistant. Along with the work he finished his BBA degree at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences in the spring of 2017. Juho had always dreamt of the kind of work he is currently doing at Upcast Oy. – In my studies I majored in sales and marketing and it is really interesting to deal with trade all over the world. I am very customer oriented and want to carry out all my tasks as well as possible.
Juho’s typical working day consists of serving customers: answering their enquiries and closing deals in the international atmosphere. Sometimes the days extend a bit, although he tries to complete his work within normal office hours. – At this stage in my life I want to concentrate on work and develop myself in it.
In his free time Juho relaxes with music working as a DJ in nightclubs.
Upcast has a very good working environment and spirit. Everybody knows each other and you can always reach out for help and advice – and you get it. – My co-worker is Satu Huhtala, who has lots of experience, and the Customer Service Manager, Ismo Rossi, is also very supportive.
Team spirit is taken care of by spending time together outside of work, sometimes doing some exercise and sometimes just relaxing – like the last event, which was wine tasting.
Juho enjoys the international work very much and he is looking forward to business trips to Germany and Croatia later this year. At Upcast the direction is always forwards and upwards. – Every day is different. •
New degree, new challenges
Susanna Bollstedt, Sales Manager
Susanna Bollstedt joined the Upcast project sales team in autumn 2016. Earlier she worked as a sales engineer in spare parts sales. She is now enjoying the challenges ahead. – I completed my MBA degree at the same time as working and was keen on acquiring new tasks to utilise my recent education and previous experience.
On top of her former bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, the business management studies now qualify her even better to serve international customers.
In her current position, Susanna is dealing with more extensive entities than before. – In spare parts sales we have data about the Upcast lines delivered previously and therefore we are able to identify and deliver accurate spare parts and consumables to customers. Now I need to focus and customise my sales activities individually to each potential customer and for their specific needs, which means that I need to have good knowledge of both the Upcast process and the equipment.
Susanna has been working at Upcast for six years. She compliments Upcast for being a great and supportive employer. – I feel that they believe in me here by giving me the opportunity for career progression.
In the future Susanna is hoping to get involved in interesting projects. Professional development is important to her. — I thrive on continuous learning and exploring new things! •
From commissioning to sales
Tuomas Rajaviita, Sales Manager
Tuomas used to work in the commissioning of the UPCAST continuous casting lines until he moved into sales in spring 2014. Since then he has performed completely different tasks as a sales manager. It’s a huge change from the technical role he had as a site manager. – My job description has been completely rewritten, he says.
Tuomas liked the change very much, along with the increased responsibility and the new challenges. He travels more often now, but his trips are significantly shorter in terms of time, which is good for a parent of small children.
During the eight years he spent in his commissioning role, Tuomas learnt about the product in detail. He always had the chance to participate in the R&D team’s work when he was in Finland, and when at the customer’s site he followed through with the commissioning right up to acceptance. Now in his sales work with customers, this experience and technical knowledge is a big advantage in negotiating new deals. – I am a very sociable person and get along with everybody, which is also beneficial in this role, Tuomas adds.
A sales manager’s work requires always targeting the specific customer in question and customizing the work according to their needs. There are no two identical customers in the market. – We receive the technical requirements and details from the customer, and based on those we carefully prepare a quotation for the UPCAST casting line designed for their needs. We then of course hope that the quotation leads to contract discussions when moving forward, Tuomas states. – Participating in the exhibitions is also a very important part of the sales work, he continues.
This diverse sales work is carried out both in the team and individually. – I have been very positively surprised by my new job. It includes so much more than I expected at the beginning. •
