Patrick Kittel, 34, Workshop & Field Service Manager at the Essen site, and his team of 30 ensure that our customers' machines are quickly back up and running – whether in our workshop or directly on site at the customer's premises.

For Patrick, team spirit is more than just cooperation – it is the basis for everything that works in everyday working life. Because true team spirit only arises when everyone takes responsibility and looks out for each other's safety.

Hello Patrick, you have been with Bilfinger for many years. How did your career begin – and what keeps you with the company to this day?

I completed my training as an industrial mechanic at our Essen site 16 years ago. After that, I worked as an industrial mechanic for around four years – both in Germany and abroad. It was an exciting time during which I saw and learned a lot, especially when it came to teamwork on construction sites.

I then took on responsibility for scheduling as an assembly operations manager. In 2021, I became head of the assembly department. Since this year, I have been managing the combined assembly and workshop department, which includes around 30 colleagues in total.

I just like being here. Bilfinger has always given me the opportunity to develop myself further. My superiors have supported me and placed their trust in me – and that's exactly what I want to pass on to my team today. When you feel comfortable and can make a difference together, you're happy to stay.

In your role as Head of Workshop & Field Service, teamwork certainly plays a major role. What does team spirit mean to you?

For me, team spirit forms the basis of everything – you can't do without it. In the workshop and on the assembly line, everyone has to pull together. I am responsible for 30 colleagues, so it is important to me that everyone can rely on each other – professionally, personally and, above all, in matters of safety.

For example, we have our monthly toolbox meetings where we discuss current issues or incidents. The aim is to assess hazards together and remind each other how we can work safely. I also regularly visit our assembly teams – at least once a month – to stay in touch with my colleagues on site. It is particularly important not to forget those who are out on construction sites.

And perhaps that stems in part from the fact that I have always been a team player – even in my private life. I have played football since I was a child and you learn quickly that you can only win as a team if everyone knows their role and supports each other. That applies in the workshop just as much as it does on the pitch.

As a manager, what is particularly important to you when dealing with your team?

It's important to me that everyone finds their place and has the opportunity to develop – just as I have experienced myself. I see my role as creating an environment in which people feel comfortable, take responsibility and support each other.