How do we know our products live up to the performance, safety and sustainability standards we say they do? Ask Lidia – you’ll find her in our lab in Vallenoncello, Italy.
We have a long heritage when it comes to manufacturing high-performing and low consuming products. But the claims we make when it comes the benefits our products bring to customers need to be backed by data and documentation.
It’s the job of Lidia and her team to check the compliance of our products within Business Area Food Europe.
You role is Product Compliance & Sustainability Lab Manager – what does that job title really entail?
Along with my team, I’m responsible for the conformity of the products manufactured in our sites. That means – with the support our internal laboratory external third-party certifiers – we check that our products fulfil the requirements of the standards available for safety, electro-compatibility, energy- consumptionand all other requirements defined for each product, dependent on the market we want to address.
Our work includes compiling and making available the necessary documents, data and recognition that are required, both by law and by the market, to sell our products.
What route did you take in terms of studies and jobs to where you are today?
I have a degree in physics, which helped me in getting employed by Electrolux over 20 years ago as an acoustics specialist in their home appliance laboratory. Over time, I have taken on various lab responsibilities, from specialist to manager. My interest in aspects of compliance and reducing energy consumption led me in the direction of my current role.
What do you love about the role?
Firstly, it’s the possibility of contributing to product improvement for our customers in terms of performance, safety and sustainability. Every day, I feel that we are doing something better for the future and it’s important that my daily work is aligned with my own values and ethics.
Furthermore, I love to be in contact with people and this role supports the ongoing initiatives in our sustainability journey. Finally, I enjoy promoting the technical work we do through customer visits as well as visit colleagues from other departments and production sites.
What advice would you give to people wanting to work in a position like yours?
It requires a structured approach with the ability to stay open-minded to new challenges and a way of working based on evidence and facts while at the same time remaining flexible and agile. A passion for working with people openly and transparently is a must as well as activating new initiatives for innovation.
How would you like to develop further in your role or potentially do something completely different?
There’s a great opportunity to develop new partnerships to increase our network and bring in new competences. My job involves managing complexity, which means having clear rules to give direction, but it also required the ability to be open to deal with new possibilities daily – that’s an area where the role can be developed even more.
Tell us about your experience of the multinational working environment and the opportunities that exist within the company?
It’s never static and rigid! Interactions with different cultures can often be challenging and push you out of your comfort zone but at the same time they bring fresh perspectives, new ideas and are important in developing common values within the organization.
Why choose to work at Electrolux Professional Group?
Because if you know how to challenge yourself, seize opportunities and love to learn something new every day, this is a company that allows you to follow your path in line with your abilities in an open and familiar atmosphere.
Check out our global career site, if you aspire to pursue a career similar to Lidia’s.