A Master of Adaptation:
Frank's Career at Bilfinger
Learn more about Frank Iven, a purchaser at Bilfinger who is shaping the company with his expertise and commitment to inclusion and knowledge transfer.
Frank Iven has been working in insulation for 43 years and joined Bilfinger's purchasing department at the Herne site in Germany in 2014. Due to an accident, Frank is no longer able to work as a master craftsman in heating, cooling, and sound insulation, but he is now available as a purchaser with his domain knowledge. “I learned insulation from the ground up and used to process 95% of these materials myself,” he explains adding with a smile, "My knowledge of which materials have the right quality surprises some suppliers and, of course, helps me to get good materials for my colleagues out there at attractive prices." His colleagues know: ”Did Frank place the order? Then the material is good and the price is right!" This expertise and his reliability in always negotiating the best price make Frank's work particularly satisfying.
In addition to his work in purchasing, Frank is involved in the works council and as a representative for disabled employees. This brings him into daily contact with many different colleagues at Bilfinger, who are happy to seek his advice on a wide range of challenges.
Frank is keen to make the working environment at Bilfinger inclusive. “Even if you have a physical or mental disability, you can still add value.” Since Frank became a representative for disabled employees at Bilfinger, he has been helping colleagues to break down barriers. A success story:
“One of my colleagues, a site manager, was diagnosed with cancer. This made his work on the construction site more difficult, meaning he was no longer able to perform to the best of his ability. I negotiated a subsidy from the integration office. That's what we're here for as representatives for people with disabilities.”
Frank is also always committed to supporting young talent. He used to train insulators. Today, he passes on his expertise to his younger colleagues in purchasing. “It's particularly important to me to support young women and men,” he emphasizes, adding: “You have to give people the opportunity to grow. For example, our former trainee is now our team leader.” For Frank, it is the team spirit and open communication that set Bilfinger apart, adding with a wink: “That's why, after 43 years, I still enjoy my job.”
Frank's career at Bilfinger illustrates how turning points in life can open up new career opportunities. It also shows how crucial knowledge transfer is within a company across different generations and departments.
Are you interested in a career at Bilfinger?
We are always looking for new members to join #TeamBilfinger.