Jan works in Bilfinger Engineering in Czech Republic. He is responsible for Human Resources and joined the company at the end of 2024 through a transition agreement with McDermott, with 170 other colleagues. In this People Story, Jan shares how he became part of the Bilfinger team, what drives him in his daily work, and why teamwork, diversity, and a good cup of coffee make all the difference. 

How did you end up at Bilfinger? 

When talks about the personnel transition from McDermott to Bilfinger Engineering CEE started last year, our Business Area Director Pavel Kliment reached out to me and asked if I’d be interested in leading HR agenda for ISBL Projects team in Brno. The opportunity sounded exciting, so I said yes – and it turned out to be the right call at the right time. 

What do you like about your job? 

I really appreciate the variety – no two days are the same. I enjoy the daily interaction with colleagues in ISBL Projects and the multicultural environment. We have team members from India, Yemen, Turkey, Iran, and more – which is both inspiring and refreshing. And I can’t forget my amazing colleague, Karmela Friessova. Together we’ve built a stable, strong team in Brno, and we complement each other perfectly. 

What does your day usually look like? 

I’m an early bird – up at 5 AM. I start with coffee and pack my gym bag, aiming to be there just after 6. I usually get to the office between 7:30 and 8:00, have a quick breakfast while going through unread emails, and set my priorities for the day. During the day, I handle various HR topics, and I also coordinate with HRBPs from other Business Areas. After work, I try to spend some time outdoors with my dog and later cook something nice for dinner. 

What does the team look like? 

Karmela is my closest teammate and partner in crime. On a daily basis, I’m also in contact with other HRBP colleagues across the organization. The whole HR orchestra is led by Karolina Bloch, our HR Director, who keeps everything running smoothly. 

How important is teamwork to you? 

Teamwork is absolutely essential. It’s not just about achieving shared goals and building trust – we also spend a big part of our lives at work, so why not make it a pleasant place to be? Maybe a rhetorical question, but for me, it’s key. 

What does the future look like for you? 

This year, I’m focusing on fully integrating into Bilfinger. It’s a long process, but I believe it will bring many positives. As for what’s next – you’ll have to ask my Boss Karolina about her secret masterplan for me!  

How would you describe the culture at Bilfinger? 

Even though we have only been here for about six months, I can say we were warmly welcomed. Colleagues from other Business Areas helped a lot with the integration. I really appreciate regular communication, which makes us feel more connected and create a space to talk openly about both challenges and successes, whether company-wide, regional, or individual. I also value the fact that we have a real “Speak Up” culture – issues don’t get swept under the rug, they get addressed. And of course, let’s not forget Pizza Thursdays – a true monthly highlight!  

Why should new colleagues come to work at Bilfinger? 

Great people, strong team spirit, exciting international projects – plus good coffee and the occasional slice of pizza. What more could you ask for? 

What do you like to do after work? 

After work, I like to relax and walk with my dog and then cook something tasty. Just the other day, I made a fresh batch of strawberry jam. Honestly? Better than store-bought – and I have witnesses!