Meet Nannet
"We're growing really fast! And this offers opportunities to shape your own job and continue to grow."
Nannet Boonstra, IT Program ManagerHi! Could you introduce yourself?
My name is Nannet, I'm 38 years old and I live in Amsterdam. I enjoy travelling, dancing and doing fun things with my friends and family. I've had several jobs at retail organisations, and made the switch to Action in March 2020. That turned out to be a great choice, as I have a lot of freedom to do my job as I like.
What's your role as an IT Program Manager?
I check which systems my colleagues need to be able to do their job well. I also make sure that the IT specialists can actually build the system, so it's a facilitating role. In my first year, for example, I was allowed to implement new software for determining the best price. At Action, we want to be the cheapest, but we also want to make a profit. This software uses rules and algorithms to calculate the best price for our stores. And that's just one example of the challenging projects I lead!
Why did you choose to work at Action?
Retail organisations are my thing: I love the dynamics and pace of work. I have ten years' experience in IT and program management, and have been able to take on portfolio management at Action as an additional responsibility. As the organisation is growing fast, I've got lots of opportunities to grow in my job. That's what convinced me to apply.
Has anything surprised you at Action?
I expected a down-to-earth, Dutch company. That turned out to be right, but we've also got an international culture. By way of example, I work with our software developers in India quite a lot. While I was preparing to apply, I read about how big the company is, and it was only once I started working at Action that I realised just how huge our organisation actually is! Last year we opened 280 stores, which equates to one store every working day. It surprises me how successful our formula is in every country we operate in.
"I love the fact that I come into contact with different people."
What's the best part of your job? And what can be challenging?
I love the fact that I come into contact with different people. I manage people in the project teams and get them going. I also enjoy coaching external colleagues. Our challenge of developing within Action is also fun at the same time. 'Let's go!' is often my colleagues' motto, as everyone wants to innovate. I'm there to select what we do and what to prioritise.
What are you proud of at work?
Last year, I took commercial and financial portfolio management to the next level. The people in the business can now see how the projects are going at a glance, and they know they can run ideas by me. We map out the goals for their projects together.
What's the working atmosphere like?
Action is a very flat organisation: everyone wants to help each other and colleagues are always happy to have a chat. And people ask you to have lunch with them on a regular basis. It's hard work, but I haven't got a bad word to say about it!
Do you have any tips for future colleagues?
Our growth phase makes Action different to other organisations. When we open a new store, we see ten more opportunities for improvement. And our growth doesn't stop there, which offers lots of opportunities to shape your own job and continue to grow. As an example, I'll soon start a personal leadership training course.