Meet Chris
"When we open a new store and all the cash registers are running smoothly, I’m happy."
Chris Duijs, Senior Technical SpecialistHi! Could you introduce yourself?
I'm Chris and I've been working at Action for around twelve and a half years. I started out as a store employee in one of our stores back in 2011, and then moved on to become an assistant store manager and eventually a store manager. In 2020, I switched to IT to put my experience in the stores to good use and improve store processes. I'm very grateful for the opportunity!
What's your role as a Senior Technical Specialist?
Action is constantly opening new stores abroad. My team and I make sure the stores have the right cash register systems, as different rules apply in each country when it comes to recording transactions. I focus on tax legislation. I also monitor and optimise the cash register systems and order terminals in over 2,000 of our stores and analyse things if they go wrong. I then solve any issues with our suppliers. I also enjoy the fact that I'm involved in lots of IT projects, such as the recent launch of new handheld scanners for scanning items.
What's stayed with you the most over the last twelve and a half years?
I've been working here for a long time, and Action's growth continues to surprise me. In one year, we opened close to 300 stores at home and abroad. Opening stores on this scale involves a whole range of factors. In recent years, the partnerships with colleagues from Real Estate and other departments have become a well-oiled machine!
"I love the varied nature of my job, as I deal with many areas of our IT systems."
What's the best part of your job? And what can be challenging?
I love the varied nature of my job, as I deal with many areas of our IT systems. Examples include our expansions to several European countries, which are great to be involved in. I also like to help employees in our stores if they're having problems with the systems. The challenge is to make sure that the people in our stores experience as little disruption as possible. We'll soon be opening our first store in Slovakia. And my challenge is to ensure we comply with all of the tax rules.
What are you proud of at work?
We recently opened new stores in Italy and Spain. I was on site to resolve any IT problems that cropped up. Opening stores in new countries throws up a whole host of issues and involves bringing lots of people on board. If all the cash registers are running smoothly, I’m happy.
What's the working atmosphere like?
I work in a great team of colleagues who have been working here for a long time – around ten years on average. We've become very close over the years, and we know each other inside out at work. This close bond certainly helps me to enjoy what I do.
Do you have any tips for future colleagues?
Our growth means there are a lot of opportunities. Thanks to all the new systems and partnerships, I've learned a lot over the past three years. I've also recently moved to a senior-level role, where I focus even more on managing IT projects. So, if you want to keep growing and developing, Action's a great choice as a company.