Dariusz, what has been your career path with Lesaffre?

I have been working in the field of yeast products since 1990. In 2002, the company for whom I was working joined the Lesaffre Group. Before that, I had been a Purchaser and in 2003 I assumed Logistics and Purchasing management responsibilities.

In 2003 and 2005, I worked with the Central European region’s purchasing team as Head Purchaser for paper and chemical products. I was quite pleased with my responsibilities: contract negotiation, professional contacts, international travel… Thanks to company flexibility and the fusion of four activities, I had the opportunity to coordinate these purchases and contribute to the company’s international projects. In this way, I not only enhanced my professional knowledge but found new ideas which could be applied within our Polish subsidiary.

Do you attend seminars or courses for continuing education?

In the beginning, I completed a 3rd Cycle Management diploma in Business Logistics. To maintain a level in keeping with the evolution of my career and to enrich my skills, I regularly participated in negotiation seminars and I am pursuing continuing education in Human Resources management.

Today, what would you say about your responsibilities?

From then on, the span of my responsibilities encompasses logistics, purchasing and the supply chain. I enjoy the close connection to both extremes of the market: the customer and the supplier, the two necessary components of the market. I am proud to contribute (in my own modest way) to the success of the Lesaffre Group. I feel very committed and involved at Lesaffre, and I hope to be even more so in future projects.

What was your job experience before joining Lesaffre?

It was in Bulgaria that I began my university studies, before completing my education abroad. After that, I decided to move to Belgium, where I had studied several times in the mid-90s.

Later, I had the opportunity to work with several international transport companies as coordinator between Eastern and Western European counties. I soon became an auditor/consultant.
In this new position, I was called upon to travel a great deal. When my daughter was born I decided to settle down.

What is your role at Lesaffre? What are your projects and plans?

I signed my first contract as a temp at Lesaffre in late 2002, as a management assistant in the "Central Europe" department of the baker's yeast division. I was immediately won over by the multicultural nature of the post, the teamwork, the exchange of experience and above all the geographic area I was covering.

Recently, to continue to grow and solidify my skills, I took the initiative of going back to school for Management Studies. Since, I became project manager.

If you were to give a first, take-stock assessment of your path with us up to now?

My first assessment? I have only positive things to say!
I love working with colleagues who are open and kind yet rigorous, and who trust me. Since being hired by Lesaffre, my career has never stopped evolving.

Could you briefly describe your responsibilities?

I was recruited by Lesaffre as an Agro-alimentary Engineer. At the Marcq-en-Barœul site (France), 12 of us have had the same education and training. Personally, I decided to complete my studies with a 3rd Cycle Management diploma.

I joined the Group in 1988, and my responsibilities have developed constantly.
Today, I am in charge of purchasing fermentation substrates as well as marketing co-product in France and worldwide. On a practical daily basis, I negotiate or help to negociate the purchase and sales prices, with suppliers and customers. I also organize internal trade within the Lesaffre subsidaries!
Moreover, I develop innovative purchasing strategies and have a hand in managing industrial marketing for derivative products.

What are your professional expectations or aspirations?

I am passionate about my career, and I grant a great deal of importance to the development of my responsibilities. This challenge, on a  human level, enables me to share an adventure with my colleagues, which is both extremely motivating and fulfilling, while contributing to the overall competitive development of the Group.

What was the transition between your previous professional experiences and your current position like?

Being accustomed to small family businesses, I quickly settled down in Lesaffre (amongst its team of over 6,000 collaborators) thanks to values we have in common, such as fulfillment, attentiveness and respect. These, I try to communicate through my extra-professional activities, linked to professional associations. For example, I assist executives in job searching.