Project Manager/Scrum Master

Alex, tell us something about yourself and your job

I completed a cooperative studies program in information technology in Mannheim and was subsequently hired by Evonik as an IT systems engineer. At the beginning, I was solely responsible for the administration of the SAP databases, but then we had to move our data center to two new co-locations, and I assisted with project management. With the sale of the methacrylate group came a second major project in which I provided support. So I gradually took on more and more tasks as a project manager, and today I do exclusively international project management. Currently, I'm responsible for replacing storage and servers at all sites that have their own Evonik IT equipment - that's about 80. For historical reasons, we had a very inhomogeneous landscape here.

What do you like about project management?

What I really like about project management at Evonik is the interaction between the colleagues – how they are there for each other and support each other. And the cultural aspect is exciting when people from several regions work together. I like the challenge of making sure that everyone feels comfortable in a project with their completely different cultures and working styles. For me, of course, this also means that I have to be very disciplined because of the different time zones. I solve this for myself by having Asia and America days when I start work very early or very late. That works well for me.

How does an IT systems engineer become a project manager?

Through systematic training. At Evonik, there are many training and leadership programs that prepare you well to manage a project, and I also had the opportunity to participate in external training. Evonik and, of course, my superiors in particular gave me good support. I'm also an "explorer," which means I'm taking part in a program at our company that helps employees take the next step in their development within two years by offering them a wide range of further training. At the same time, I've also started a master's degree program in "Consulting in the World of Work" at the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences to deepen my knowledge of coaching, supervision and organizational development. I am simply a fan of continuing education.

Kirt, tell us briefly about yourself and the work you do

I started with Evonik 10 years ago and found that I enjoy helping the teams learn better ways to communicate and work together.  Every day I am presented meaningful challenges which drive me to find ways to bring together people and methods – and thus contribute a little to making Evonik a leading specialty chemicals company with a powerful IT organization that can respond quickly and flexibly to new requirements. The strong atmosphere of openness and transparency works well in our organization. 

As an Agile coach, I facilitate Agile process knowledge to all team members at the beginning of an IT project and provide training for the team on each specific process throughout the lifecycle of the project.  Product owners are to drive business value and retain the project vision. I provide coaching to help them achieve those goals as well as mentoring them to make daily decisions that keep the project in motion and empower them to partner with business stakeholders to make more strategic decisions. Coaching managers on how to navigate their role in a dynamic environment through the cultural changes the project may be introducing is challenging and very rewarding.

Do you feel as though your position allows you to have a good work/life balance? 

Working at Evonik allows me to work and enjoy my personal life in ways I have found in few other employers I have worked with before. I enjoy great flexibility with my work schedule as well as benefits which protect my personal health and welfare.