Colleague of the month for June: Mandy!
Four years ago, Mandy started at ValuedShops in the accounts receivable department. She has since grown into office manager and is an indispensable link within the team. From administration and HR to office organization, team outings and process optimization: Mandy makes sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Colleagues know her not only as a point of contact for all kinds of matters, but also as the creator of the now famous Tuesday salads and delicious banana cake. Mandy doesn't skip a party, either. In this interview we look back at her growth within ValuedShops, her favorite memories and what makes her work so much fun.
You came in for the Accounts Receivable function four years ago. Tell us, what changes and steps did you all make?
Indeed, I started in accounts receivable management, the side of administration where we get all the money. Should get it at least haha, it turned out in practice that you still have to chase that sometimes. Once I was well into that, I started doing purchasing (accounts payable) as well to support my colleague. I did this for a little over 3 years. In July of last year I got the chance to step up and work a little more hours and I've been Office Manager ever since.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
I usually start with some administration and answering emails. How the rest of the day goes can vary a lot. My duties still include purchasing administration and accounts receivable management, which I do together with Iryna. I also have some HR tasks and take care of everything related to the office, such as ordering groceries and office supplies, watering the plants, etc. I also plan team outings and work trips and arrange gifts for colleagues on anniversaries, moving house, weddings, etc. I also help optimize processes and I am a point of contact for many colleagues.
As an HR employee, you also love planning fun parties and outings. Which outing do you really think we should go on?
Yes indeed, I do love socializing and doing things together! Personally, I do like active and sporty outings but I know I am not doing everyone a favor with that. We have a list where everyone can put ideas for staff outings and there are some really nice options on there such as a cocktail workshop, boating in Giethoorn and a Rageroom.
In the previous blog, you mentioned that your dream car is a Range Rover Evoque. Has this changed to something new in four years?
I still think this is a very nice car yes, a person can always dream right?
Now most colleagues know that you do love to cook and bake. So every Tuesday you make a nice salad at the office. What do you prefer to make or what should colleagues really taste from you?
I like to make banana cake from the overripe bananas in the office, which most of you know by now. What else I like to cook are pasta and noodle dishes. Doesn't matter in what form or with what sauce, traditional recipe or made up by myself, I always enjoy doing it and you can really wake me up to eat these myself.
What moment or experience within ValuedShops has stayed with you the most?
What I remember most are the work trips to Sofia. I've been there 3 times now and I've always experienced this as great fun and a privilege to be part of. Not every employer allows you to travel so often, so I consider myself lucky.
What contribution have you made within ValuedShops that you are particularly proud of?
I think the administration department runs like clockwork and there are really never any problems in the whole process, from start to finish.
Do you have any facts or trivia that most colleagues don't know about you?
No not really, I'm an open book haha! We are a pretty close team and talk to each other a lot so you get to know a lot about each other. If you want, you can share everything and there is a lot of appreciation and understanding for you as a person. That makes us all pretty open to each other.