Introduction
Meet our new Procurement Manager Anna Kniep. The main objective in her role is to make day-to-day actives for internal and external stakeholders easier from procurement perspective. This goes for everything from admin to strategic projects. “That’s what I love about this profession – there is a room for all these things; all are equally important and cannot be separated,” Anna says.
In one word, describe your life as a Procurement Manager?
I would say: priceless. Since I became a part of HFC, I believe in it more. My days are filled with challenges, but also wins and constant drive for better. That’ why I consider this opportunity to be special. I’m struggling to assign monetary value to these areas, because they are simply much more, and it is something what I was looking for in my new role. And I found it.
What has been the most rewarding part of your role?
The most rewarding parts of my role have been recognition and trust I have been getting from everyone at HFC. These are the most valuable things I find so far, after my first 5 weeks, and I’m super excited for what another 10, 25 etc. weeks will bring.
What do you hope to see happen soon with HFC?
I know that HFC is growing very fast and is striving for more. It is only a matter of time for HFC to achieve their targets and become the best in the hotel facility management.
What do you find the most challenging in your position at HFC?
Right now, Dutch! Luckily, it is not a big problem, but I would love to communicate with my colleagues in Netherlands in their native language. Clearly, there is some serious work to be done here to make it happen.
What is the favourite part about working in your position for HFC?
Freedom. In my career, I have always focused on opportunities which would allow me to express myself as a professional, therefore I’m very happy that HFC sees it the same way. I call it a perfect match!
In your experience, what factors contribute to excellent customer service?
I consider myself as a picky customer. Someone who pays attention to little things like the way a pillow on a hotel bed is placed or how long does it take for reception staff to notice me once I walk through a hotel door. The excellent customer service is not necessary when all these things are met, but when the hotel staff ask relevant questions about the stay and client’s experience before a check-out. There is nothing better than a direct engagement!
Do you have a favourite quote, motto, or personal mantra?
“Everything happens for a reason” - I live and breathe this quote.
I left my home when I was 20 years old and moved to the UK. Everything I saw, experienced, and learnt from people I met during my stay there, helped me to become a person I’m today. So, I continue my journey in the Netherlands, this time, and I’m looking forward to what the future will bring, because everything happens for a reason.
How do you define success?
Success is when you feel proud of yourself and things you have achieved. It’s important to reflect on them from time to time, so whatever comes next, is in line with our believes and values.
About
Anna’s roots are in Poland and her husband is Dutch. Her family has a mix of backgrounds, cultures, and languages. “It is heart-warming to see my grandma communicating with my mother-in-law, although they don’t have a common language,” she says. What most don’t know about Anna is that when she was 17, she did a course to become a guardian for disabled kids and kids with learning difficulties which she considered as a career path. In her free time, she loves to enjoy the mountains. Because she was born and got married there, the mountains have a very special place in her heart.
