Interview Siebren Veraart – Supply Chain Management Trainee at Heineken

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Are you excited to kickstart your career in the field of supply chain? Get a unique insider perspective into the dynamic world of Heineken. In this interview, we hear from Siebren Veraart, a Heineken Supply Chain Management Trainee. Siebren provides an inside look into the world of Heineken, sharing insights about the diverse tasks and responsibilities he faces within the traineeship, and explains why Heineken exceeds all his expectations as an employer. Join us as we delve into Siebren’s story and discover what makes Heineken a remarkable place to work.

What is your full name, role at Heineken and how long have you been working here?

My name is Siebren Veraart. I have been working as a supply chain management trainee at Heineken for just over 2 months now.

What did you do before starting at Heineken?

Before joining Heineken, I successfully completed abachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in sustainable energy technology at TU Delft.

During my studies, I actively engaged in numerous internships and student jobs that focused on project management, R&D, strategic projects, and operational improvements. Although these experiences were not specifically related to supply chain, I now recognize their significant relevance to my current role.

How are you experiencing your role so far?

The strength of the traineeship lies in the diversity of the tasks and the amount of responsibility you receive from day one. Because of this diversity, a typical working day cannot be summarized in a single description; every day is different. This keeps the work interesting, challenging and fun. Some examples include visiting supply partners, attending trainings, delivering presentations for the management team, participating in production, and conducting training or workshops.

In addition to the short-term diversity, there is also diversity in the long term, as you are assigned a different project every six months. This assignment can be strategic, operational, or tactical in nature, and one of them will be conducted abroad. The six-month duration encourages careful consideration of the feasibility of certain goals.

What is your experience in working for Heineken?

I get this question often from friends and family, and I always give the same answer: it has exceeded all of my expectations! During the application process, I already sensed a connection with the people, but I did not expect that it would extend throughout the entire organization. The slogan, “Heerlijk, Helder Heineken”, speaks volumes for the culture and the people within it. “Heerlijk” represents the openness and friendliness of the people, where hierarchy plays no role, and no question or conversation is considered too crazy. “Helder” signifies the hard-working mentality and clear communication of expectations.

What had you wanted to know before you started working in your role?

Applying for a job is often seen as a competition in which you must prove and shape yourself to fit the vacancy. However, it is better to perceive it as a matching procedure. It may sound cliché, but being yourself is crucial. Failing to do so can result in a missed opportunity for a good match. If you present your true self during the application procedure and feel a positive connection, then there is a big chance that the company feels this too.

After all, we spend more time with colleagues than with friends, family and loved ones. The type of people within a company is important and that is why Heineken is the best you can get!

Can’t wait to get started as a Supply Chain Management Trainee at Heineken or do you want to stay up-to-date on other job openings at Heineken? Connect with Heineken on Magnet.me via this link.