Meet Jay Herman

What are your responsibilities and work tasks?

I lead the Virtual Knowledge Sharing (VKS) initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to leverage technology and processes to create a higher level of learning, knowledge sharing and collaboration throughout the Sauer-Danfoss value chain. Toward that end, I lead a project team that is cross-functional and global. We are currently in the process of developing eLearning and selecting a platform to support our formal learning offerings (eLearning and traditional classroom).

Why did you want to work for Sauer-Danfoss?

The reasons why I first came 24 years ago are a bit different than the reasons I stay, so I’ll focus on the latter. The key reason is the value placed on people. Sauer-Danfoss has provided opportunities for me to develop and grow through many different roles and even departments. I started as an engineer and spent quite a few years in engineering, and then transitioned into IT, and am now in HR. I feel I’ve had good support and a fairly high degree of control over these transitions as I’ve pursued new areas of interest and new challenges.

Describe your most important or interesting professional challenge at Sauer-Danfoss?

I’ve had many, but the initiative I’m leading now is proving to be one of the most interesting challenges. It involves technology, people, multiple cultures, globally distributed locations, leading, teaming, doing, “selling,” learning, investigating, analyzing, working virtually and more. These things all need to be combined for VKS to be successful.

What are the best things about working for Sauer-Danfoss?

• The leaders and peers in my functional area (HR)
• The value placed on people
• Flexibility
• Quality people
• Commitment to excellence, quality and integrity
• Interesting and meaningful products that contribute (indirectly) to people’s lives and well-being.

How does Sauer-Danfoss support you in your work-life balance?

Flexibility in workday and work location. In my current position, most of the people I work with regularly are not at my plant site. Consequently, I am able to work from my home office part of the time. There is a good degree of commitment to the importance of family and personal life.

What do you do in your spare time?

• Spending time with my wife and kids
• Teaching (adults as well as kids) at my church, and other church functions
• Home improvement projects (I’m currently finishing my basement) and home and yard maintenance
• Biking, walking
• Reading (mostly online)
• Using electronic gadgets (Mac computers, digital photography and more).

How are the values of Sauer-Danfoss reflected in your job?

Sauer-Danfoss values people, and one of the key ways to express that is to help them learn and develop. VKS will be a key contributor to people learning and developing.

Also, Sauer-Danfoss is customer-focused, and VKS will provide more ways to enhance our customer’s knowledge through eLearning and collaboration.