Stories at
WE Fashion
"I scour the market, looking for IT-related developments within the retail industry, which could be of interest to us."
Geert Westendorp, Program Manager
"I scour the market, looking for IT-related developments within the retail industry, which could be of interest to us."
Geert Westendorp, Program Manager
Innovation
"I work as a Program Manager - otherwise known as project leader for various IT projects," Geert Westendorp begins. He's been working for WE Fashion for years and carries a considerable amount of knowledge and experience with him. "I started as an IT service desk employee in July of 1999 and worked on a temporary basis. When I was informed about the replacement of the then common ERP system, an opportunity arose to move into permanent employment. The curiosity about innovation and my role in this made me accept the challenge without hesitance."After several years of fulfilling the role of IT Operations Manager, Geert eventually transfers to his current position in 2016. "Information Technology is essential for an organisation like WE®. The company operates on systems, which need to work at all times. In order to contribute to this in the best possible way, I supervise and direct various projects on a daily basis. These are focused on both innovation and continuity and have various focal points, such as developments regarding our website, external partners, checkout systems in the stores and other information systems."
Innovation
"I work as a Program Manager - otherwise known as project leader for various IT projects," Geert Westendorp begins. He's been working for WE Fashion for years and carries a considerable amount of knowledge and experience with him. "I started as an IT service desk employee in July of 1999 and worked on a temporary basis. When I was informed about the replacement of the then common ERP system, an opportunity arose to move into permanent employment. The curiosity about innovation and my role in this made me accept the challenge without hesitance."After several years of fulfilling the role of IT Operations Manager, Geert eventually transfers to his current position in 2016. "Information Technology is essential for an organisation like WE®. The company operates on systems, which need to work at all times. In order to contribute to this in the best possible way, I supervise and direct various projects on a daily basis. These are focused on both innovation and continuity and have various focal points, such as developments regarding our website, external partners, checkout systems in the stores and other information systems."
"In recent years, I've been able to transfer a lot of knowledge and get others up to speed. This is something I find very nice to do."
"In recent years, I've been able to transfer a lot of knowledge and get others up to speed. This is something I find very nice to do."
Motivation
"I scour the market, looking for IT-related developments within the retail sector, which could be of interest to us," Geert says. A daily activity, which he says involves several considerations. "The big question within this sector is whether you like to be ahead of the game or prefer to wait and see. It is precisely this decision that makes me continue to enjoy my job." As a Program Manager, Geert is regularly involved in projects, which he experiences as another great source of motivation. "I witness processes from start to finish. From the first sketch to that moment of recognition when I see someone wearing our items in the streets. Working on our collections behind the scenes is the most wonderful thing. On top of this, I have the opportunity to assist other departments and show them what consequences their preferences can have. A great challenge, if I may say so myself." At WE Fashion, the feasibility and profitability of business choices are carefully considered, Geert shares. "What do our decisions give us in return? It's a question I try to answer regularly. WE Fashion is incredibly dynamic, which ensures that I have to remain constantly alert. It makes me face lots of challenges and thinking in creative solutions has become a steady habit." This inventive thinking is also strongly encouraged from within the organisation. "Your ideas and creativity are really heard here. Do we wish to make a short-term change? Then we can do so. You can definitely see the agility of the company in this. In addition, they look closely at your talents and what you need to become the best version of yourself. I really like this," Geert adds.
The future
"In the future, I hope to continue making a positive contribution to my colleagues and the organisation. I've loved doing this from day one," Geert says. Although his job is right up his alley, he does not rule out moving up the ladder. "A coaching role seems very cool to me. Over the past few years, I've been able to transfer a lot of knowledge and get others up to speed. This has made me realise that I get energy and motivation from this too. Being a manager is not necessary for me. Instead, I enjoy collaboratively looking for solutions and creating plans for the future." Exactly how and when this should come about, Geert does not yet know. What he is sure of is completely in line with the present. He likes working for WE Fashion and will stay right where he is.
Motivation
"I scour the market, looking for IT-related developments within the retail sector, which could be of interest to us," Geert says. A daily activity, which he says involves several considerations. "The big question within this sector is whether you like to be ahead of the game or prefer to wait and see. It is precisely this decision that makes me continue to enjoy my job." As a Program Manager, Geert is regularly involved in projects, which he experiences as another great source of motivation. "I witness processes from start to finish. From the first sketch to that moment of recognition when I see someone wearing our items in the streets. Working on our collections behind the scenes is the most wonderful thing. On top of this, I have the opportunity to assist other departments and show them what consequences their preferences can have. A great challenge, if I may say so myself." At WE Fashion, the feasibility and profitability of business choices are carefully considered, Geert shares. "What do our decisions give us in return? It's a question I try to answer regularly. WE Fashion is incredibly dynamic, which ensures that I have to remain constantly alert. It makes me face lots of challenges and thinking in creative solutions has become a steady habit." This inventive thinking is also strongly encouraged from within the organisation. "Your ideas and creativity are really heard here. Do we wish to make a short-term change? Then we can do so. You can definitely see the agility of the company in this. In addition, they look closely at your talents and what you need to become the best version of yourself. I really like this," Geert adds.
The future
"In the future, I hope to continue making a positive contribution to my colleagues and the organisation. I've loved doing this from day one," Geert says. Although his job is right up his alley, he does not rule out moving up the ladder. "A coaching role seems very cool to me. Over the past few years, I've been able to transfer a lot of knowledge and get others up to speed. This has made me realise that I get energy and motivation from this too. Being a manager is not necessary for me. Instead, I enjoy collaboratively looking for solutions and creating plans for the future." Exactly how and when this should come about, Geert does not yet know. What he is sure of is completely in line with the present. He likes working for WE Fashion and will stay right where he is.
TRENDING STORIES
Meet Wesley, District Manager
At WE Fashion, one believes in the power of collaboration. Wesley fully endorses this: "You're not going to find these standards, values, cooperative atmosphere and way of interacting elsewhere."
Meet Shannon, Merchandiser
Shannon has completely settled in at WE®: “I’ve been promoted several times. I believe that anything is possible, as long as you are eager to learn.”
Meet Patrick, European Marketing Director
Patrick is a big believer in teamwork and very proud of his team: "I love working with them to develop an idea, starting with little more than a piece of paper and a pencil."
WE WOULD LIKE
TO KEEP IN TOUCH
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