Insight into everyday working life

PEOPLE AT HORSTMANN

Whether in production, at the desk, in the test lab or at the customer’s premises: We attach great importance to colleagues who are enthusiastic about their work and want to make a difference.

Horstmann as an employer - Statements from our employees

Our “5 questions to” series gives you an in-depth insight into our company. In our stories, you will get to know various employees from different departments and hierarchical levels. They not only share insights into their day-to-day work, but also describe what it feels like to be part of our company. With their statements about our working culture, they are representative of the 250 or so colleagues who make up our success.

Project management

Area of responsibility

Developing project strategies
Review of the requirements
Recording the risks
Scheduling and resource planning
Cost planning and project controlling
Organization of communication within the project team
Optimization and design of development processes

My name is Sven, I am 52 years old and come from Hagen. I've been working in project management at Horstmann since 2023.

As a project manager in development, one of my main tasks is to realize the expectations of our customers and clients within the specified time frame and budget. I take responsibility for team coordination, distribute tasks and ensure that all relevant economic, legal and normative requirements are taken into account.

One of the tasks in my job is to motivate the team and promote respectful and appreciative interaction. The best performance can be achieved with a positive working atmosphere. At the same time, it is important to question existing processes and optimize or redesign them where necessary in order to make working methods as efficient as possible.

The opportunity to be actively involved in optimizing the development process after less than a year and to independently design a sub-process was very instructive and valuable for me. I am particularly pleased that I have always been able to successfully complete my projects within the specifications.

I appreciate the independent way of working and the excellent support from the project team. The short decision-making processes and effective problem-solving make my work easier. As a project manager, I accompany the product from the idea to the market launch and get to know many great colleagues from different areas.

Internal sales department

Area of responsibility

Processing customer inquiries
Preparation of offers
Order processing
Delivery coordination
Invoicing
Customer service
Reporting

My name is Maria, I am 58 years old, have a degree in business administration and have been part of the internal sales team at Horstmann since the end of 2023.

In the internal sales department, we take care of the processing of inquiries and offers as well as the resulting order processing, including delivery coordination and invoicing. We ensure that customer requests are implemented efficiently and that Horstmann products arrive punctually where they are needed.

The international orientation of our company brings us into contact with customers and partners all over the world, which requires a high level of intercultural competence from every team member. At the same time, we must always keep an eye on production processes, quickly grasp technical correlations and work closely with other departments in the company to provide our customers with the best possible service.

The company is aware of its social and ecological responsibility and is committed to the local community. In addition to great company events, Horstmann also offers the opportunity to take part in external activities such as city cycling or the panorama trail run. I took part with Team Horstmann for the first time this summer and am already looking forward to next year.

Horstmann is a dynamic company with short decision-making paths and flat hierarchies. I particularly like that, as the ability to adapt quickly to change is one of the most important qualities today - both personally and professionally.

Distribution

Area of responsibility

Customer care and acquisition
Technical product advice
Needs analyses and individual clarification of customer-specific solutions
Training and presentation
Market observation

I am Matthias, 48 years old, married and live in the Ruhr area. After training as a communications electronics technician, my enthusiasm for technology led me to study electrical engineering. I have now been working in technical field sales at Horstmann for almost 19 years.

My main task is to provide my customers with comprehensive support, be it through technical support, training, project planning or quotation coordination - regardless of whether this happens in person, in an online meeting, on the phone or by e-mail. I also collect information about customer requirements, tenders, projects and applications and distribute this within the company.

In my job, I act as a point of contact for customers, internal sales, production control, development, product management and my superiors. The biggest challenge here is to prioritize all upcoming issues according to importance and urgency and to work on and fulfill them with perseverance to the satisfaction of all parties involved.

My personal highlight was giving the go-ahead many years ago for the development of a system for locating faults in overhead line systems for the railroads. I had the opportunity to supervise the project at various stages of development and ultimately sell it successfully. That makes me proud and happy to a certain extent.

I like my customers and colleagues and I enjoy the variety that my job brings every day.

Development

Area of responsibility

Brainstorming
Product definition
Prototype development
Validation and testing
Market launch

I am Stefan, 60 years old, married and have a daughter. As a qualified electrical engineer, I have been working for Horstmann as Head of Development since the end of 2021.

My daily tasks include assigning employees to projects, ensuring the development of high-quality products, process development, creating a pleasant working environment and motivating the team.

I face new challenges every day, which I integrate seamlessly into our workflow. I prioritize tasks and ensure that they are implemented effectively. We are also constantly optimizing our processes. Our team is made up of diverse personalities, so we encourage open communication and mutual understanding so that everyone can develop their full potential.

The digitalization of project management has significantly improved the transparency of projects. Team members can use the online tool to track the current status of their projects and keep an eye on important deadlines. This was an important step towards more effective collaboration.

The good working atmosphere and constructive collaboration with colleagues. It's always about using positive energy to steer things in a better direction. "PASSION FOR PERFECTION.

Purchasing

Area of responsibility

Procurement strategy
Determination of requirements
Supplier identification and management
Meeting demand
Purchasing controlling
Risk management

My name is Ganna Shevchenko. After studying logistics, my path led me to the purchasing department at Horstmann. I have been working here since August 2023 and feel very much at home.

I see myself as an interface between various departments at Horstmann and our suppliers. My tasks include article and supplier research, offer analysis, price negotiations as well as invoice verification and processing.

The biggest challenge is to identify and manage supply chain risks such as delays or price fluctuations. It is important to stay continuously informed about current price developments as well as product availability and alternatives. Horstmann's quality and reliability have top priority.

My highlight is the company parties. These are always a great opportunity to celebrate successes together and get to know our colleagues better.

It is a family business with family values. I feel respected and have the freedom to make decisions and the opportunity to develop.

Apprenticeship - Electronics technician for devices and systems

Area of responsibility

Fundamentals of electrical engineering
Installation & testing of hardware and software components
Assemble products, components and assemblies
Read and create circuit diagrams and wiring schematics
Designing electronic circuits
Maintenance & repair of devices
Programming in different programming languages

My name is Michael Müller, I'm 21 years old and I'm currently in the middle of my apprenticeship as an electronics technician for devices and systems. In my free time, I like to play soccer and meet up with friends.

I work in various teams, where I go through many stages of production, from assembling housings to soldering and testing, so I can continue to expand my specialist knowledge in the field of electrical engineering.

Working as an electronics technician always requires maximum concentration. Among other things, because electricity is the main companion. Safety in the workplace is therefore particularly important, regardless of whether it is a small test setup or a complete assembly.

For me, it was the dragon boat trip at the company's 75th anniversary celebrations. In general, it's events away from work where you can spend time with your colleagues.

I was warmly welcomed into the Horstmann team right from the start. The work is varied and it remains exciting every day.

Production control

Area of responsibility

Order planning
Resource management (machinery, labor, materials)
Scheduling
Inventory management (raw materials, intermediate products and end products)
Communication and information flow between different departments

I'm Anja, 27 years old and have been with Horstmann since 2019. I work in production control. I am also studying for a master's degree in industrial engineering and mechanical engineering.

My main tasks include order planning, which includes material and capacity planning. Another task is production optimization, where I deal with material flows and production line layouts.

The biggest challenge and at the same time the most fascinating task in my job is to have an overview of the overall situation in the company at all times and to think ahead.

My personal highlight was that Horstmann enabled me to make a smooth transition from working student to real professional life without any worries. I also have very positive memories of the celebration of the company's 75th anniversary.

What I like best about Horstmann is that you are always faced with new challenges. I was also given a lot of trust here right from the start.

Product and innovation management

Area of responsibility

Generating ideas
Qualification & prioritization
Market analysis & feasibility study
Decision making
Initiation of innovation projects

I am Erwin, father of five children and 32 years old. I completed my doctorate at the TU Dortmund University in cooperation with Horstmann. Since then, I have been responsible for product and innovation management.

As the link between development, marketing, sales and management, I have a very varied job. My tasks range from market observation, initiating new products, development support, market launch planning, sales support and product training through to strategic decisions with the management.

The central challenge is to decide which products can meet future market requirements. Continuous customer contact and scientific exchange are crucial to developing innovative solutions with high market potential.

Earth fault tests during ongoing grid operation at a customer's premises. Our earth fault and short-circuit indicators were able to correctly detect the temporary and stationary faults even in critical situations. It is always a special highlight to see arcing events live.

The working atmosphere, short decision-making processes and the exchange with my colleagues. When you get to work on exciting future topics with such a committed team, you really enjoy going to work in the morning.

Get your own picture

Short decision-making processes, flat hierarchies, lots of creative freedom and a dynamic team await you at our company. Whether you’re just starting out or a professional – we offer a wide range of opportunities for every career level.

Stories

Insight into everyday working life

Horstmann as an employer - Statements from our employees

Project management

Area of responsibility

Internal sales department

Area of responsibility

Distribution

Area of responsibility

Development

Area of responsibility

Purchasing

Area of responsibility

Apprenticeship - Electronics technician for devices and systems

Area of responsibility

Production control

Area of responsibility

Product and innovation management

Area of responsibility

Get your own picture

Products

About us

Contact us