Meet Jens
“This job was a great opportunity to help grow and develop the Quality control within Action.”
Jens Madinsky, Technical ManagerHi! Please introduce yourself!
I’m Jens Madinsky and I’m from Southern Germany, where I had worked in the quality department of another international retailer for sixteen years. I also spent a year in Hong Kong, which helped me better understand how products are produced. I joined Action as a Product Technologist five years ago. After just two and a half years I was promoted to Technical Manager Quality Control.
What is it you do as a Technical Manager Quality Control?
I’m responsible for the quality of the Household and Sports product categories and train a junior Product Technologist. I like helping him grow into his role. I also manage three other Product Technologists. And representing the Quality department in different projects, I’m looking for new opportunities and initiatives together with other Technical Managers.
Such initiatives include technical file transparency for our domestically sourced private labels. Another is rolling out our preferred labs scheme for our white labels. Using preferred labs for product testing, including social audits, across the globe, we will gain far greater control of product quality and compliance.
What’s really great is that we work closely with our buyers. When I started, we worked separately, across the hall. But now we are at the same desks and work as one on product quality.
Why did you join Action?
A headhunter reached out to me. I didn’t know Action, because there are not so many Action stores where I’m from. I did some research and was impressed by their growth. What convinced me were the interviews. Action felt like home and it was a great opportunity to help grow and develop the Quality Control within Action at a very early stage, bringing my knowledge.
At Action, you don’t have to prove yourself to your manager: the business sees how committed you are and rewards you.
What surprised you most about working at Action?
At Action, you don’t have to prove yourself to your manager: the business sees how committed you are and rewards you. My promotion came completely unexpected.
What achievements are you proud of?
We have really managed to establish the Quality department in just a few years, having gained the trust of the buyers, who previously did it all themselves. I’m also proud that nearly every product category now has its dedicated quality specialist. Last year, we had our first ‘away day’ together with the Buying and Sustainability departments. All sitting together, talking about plans, initiatives and products, it was a success.
What’s the atmosphere like?
If you’re committed, you can grow. You get all the kids of opportunities. It’s hard work but really good fun. My colleagues are from different countries and cultures. With families abroad, we’re all in the same boat and you don’t feel alone. You quickly build friendships, because everyone is really open and friendly, and you can also talk about private things. The company really feels like family.
Any tips for future colleagues?
During onboarding, take the time to get to know the business, our way of working and the people. If you fit in and are committed to Action, you’ll have a great career and time!