Inside Nagel

As site manager in logistics

CAREER IN LOGISTICS: HELLA KÖNIGSMANN AS SITE MANAGER

Congratulations on your new position as site manager. How do you feel after the first few weeks in your new role?

Thank you very much for the congratulations. I feel that I have already settled into my new role well. Thanks to the support of my colleagues, I can focus on it very well.

You have an impressive 20 years of service with Nagel-Group. Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about some of your most important professional experiences and milestones that have led you to your current position?

I am 59 years young, have been married for 36 years and am the proud mother of a 31-year-old son. I completed my business studies at the RWTH in Aachen. After 12 years as a controller at Dachser GmbH in Alsdorf, I joined Nagel Group on May 1, 2002. My journey began as a branch controller, a new position at the time, which required the personal approval of Mr. Nagel. In 2016, I took over as Head of Administration, and in 2017 I was given responsibility for HR and CIP. According to the regional concept from 2019, I was in charge of the commercial department for what was then Region West. In November 2020, this concept was overhauled and my role extended to the Eschweiler and Andernach branches until 30.09.2023. Since January 2021, I have also been Head of Business Service for both branches.

Careers in logistics: expertise meets leadership

With your previous experience in business services and regional controlling, how do you think this experience will help you in managing the branch?

I believe that my skills represent a successful blend of forwarding knowledge and administrative know-how. Thanks to my structured way of working and many years of experience in financial and forwarding controlling, I am not only familiar with the business aspects, but also with the challenges of the forwarding business. I therefore know the branch, my colleagues and the business very well.

To what extent did your first impressions and expectations of your new position as branch manager match the reality?

The description of the tasks and the collaboration with Robert Schlönvoigt, the branch manager for the Eschweiler, Andernach and Völklingen locations, have developed extremely harmoniously following numerous discussions and objectives. The Next Steps I defined in August for the next 100 days are going extremely well. The move to my new office, the first 1:1 meetings with the managers on site and the works meeting on October 28 allow me to look to the future with optimism.

What particular challenges do you see in your new role and how do you plan to deal with them?

My challenges lie in my limited experience in customer service and the lack of basic knowledge as a forwarding manager. I will actively continue my training in the area of customer service, with Robert Schlönvoigt at my side as a sparring partner. In Lorenz Buffen, I have an experienced colleague at my side who will support me in the area of forwarding.

Careers in logistics: opportunities and prospects for the Eschweiler site

The logistics sector is still largely dominated by men. What experiences have you had as a woman in this field?

My direct entry into the logistics industry after graduating in 1990 was a real culture shock for me. The open, very rustic language and unconventional manners were completely new to me. In view of these challenges, I quickly developed a „thick skin“ and made an effort not only to apply my theoretical knowledge, but also to immerse myself practically in the operational processes. In this way, I gradually gained the necessary acceptance from my male colleagues.

The logistics sector has changed over the years. Nowadays, the focus is increasingly on individual performance. Women and men have different ways of working, and mixed teams often prove to be particularly productive.

What advice would you give to women and schoolgirls?

Solid professional training is the cornerstone of professional success. Stay curious and eager to learn. Broaden your horizons and be open to change. Strive for continuous further development - both professionally and personally. Seize opportunities and be motivated to take advantage of them. Have the courage. It will be worth it.