Leila, tell us something about yourself
I've been working at Evonik since 2007, so far always in Accounting and Finance. In the summer of 2021, I moved to IT and have since headed up Build Factory Smart Administration. I've switched sides, so to speak: I used to use the applications on a functional level, but now I look at them from an IT perspective and contribute to implementing and further developing IT solutions for them that create added value for Evonik.
What is the task of the Build Factory Smart Administration?
The team consists of process experts in the areas of FACT, sourcing, and IT processes, and because of their deep understanding of processes, they know and understand the requirements of the specialty departments. With their know-how, they ensure that day-to-day operations run smoothly. When problems arise, they react immediately and solve them.
As part of projects, we also strongly support digitization and the optimization of workflows and processes by optimizing and further developing existing solutions or creating and implementing new solutions. One major project, for example, was the introduction of S/4HANA, on which my team worked intensively. In the current major Group initiatives, such as the introduction of S/4 Group Reporting and merger and acquisition projects, my team is again significantly involved. So, it always remains exciting and very diverse.
Why did you switch to IT?
You can make a lot of things happen here. In fact, I had a lot of respect for the job at the beginning because I had little IT know-how. But I support with my know-how as a process expert from the perspective of the end user role, which is just as important in the Build Factory. I moved to IT to manage and drive process optimization and the development of new solutions from the implementation side. In doing so, I also focus on which new applications and modules our ERP system offers and where my colleagues from the specialty departments want to go. From this, I derive the strategic development of the team so that they are familiar with the latest solutions and technologies and can continue to actively advise the specialty departments.
What do you like most about your job?
I really enjoy working with my internationally structured team with a lot of creative freedom, a high level of responsibility and a great deal of trust. The employees are super motivated and enthusiastic about their work. It's great how closely they work together and how deep their understanding of the topics of the specialty departments is. Seeing that the team is ready to work and motivated, as well as how I can develop the employees according to their individual strengths, is fun for me. And when I see that they also enjoy their work and create added value for Evonik in the process, that totally motivates me.
