Meet Robert Lenzen

1. What are your responsibilities?

I'm the leader of our Indirect Procurement Team in Europe. On one hand the purpose is to secure the supply of indirect material but on the other hand it is to work on TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) saving projects in EU. Furthermore, my team and I support our Indirect Category Managers on global projects. Besides that, I'm responsible for contracts in MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operation) and Indirect Materials and Services including KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).

2. What attracted you to Sauer-Danfoss and Procurement?

I started with Sauer-Danfoss in 2006 in the S90 Strategic Procurement Team. Actually that was a tempting challenge for me, focusing more on strategic issues and working on global resourcing projects. In addition, I found an effective purchasing environment where a good supplier relationship was not only words but a living idea. "Tough but fair" was and still is a key factor for success to me.

3. What do you like best about working in the Sauer-Danfoss Procurement Department?

The new procurement organization within Sauer-Danfoss requires a lot of basic settlements as well as innovation. I like the challenge to create our new working environment and define processes accordingly. Furthermore, team and personal development mean a lot to me. As mentioned before, I really appreciate direct contact to our suppliers.

4. Part of the Global Sauer-Danfoss Procurement Strategy says that we want to empower people to deliver results and to be a greenhouse for leaders. How do you experience this in your daily job?

This reflects my preferred working style. It's good and necessary being visionary but it's important as well to stay on concrete targets. Therefore, you need to be open for changes, as the market usually demands a flexible approach in this regard. Being new into the leadership role, I was offered to participate in a special training session called "Leading@Sauer-Danfoss". Besides this kind of theoretical aspect, my daily work provides a tailored work environment, giving support where necessary but leaves enough space for individual decisions.

5. What do you find most challenging about your position?

Keeping up with daily business/team requirements and identifying/launching EU saving projects in parallel.

6. What do you find most rewarding?

Working with self-motivated colleagues and achieve ambitious objectives through successful teamwork.

7. Do you have any advice for applicants to Sauer-Danfoss Procurement?

Be disciplined in your working style and don’t hesitate to “go an extra mile”. You will find a working environment supporting you in all ways and recognizing your efforts.