Bernd Prinz

Head of Market Intelligence & Contract Coordination

My job

I used to live in Stockholm and held the position of Head of Commercial Governance at a leading international telecommunications group. Prior to that, in more than 19 years at my former employer, I had gained international experience in operative and strategic sales as well as in various management positions.

Nevertheless, I felt a strong desire for change, to tackle something new. While looking for new challenges, a good friend then drew my attention to a job advertisement at thyssenkrupp rothe erde in Dortmund. I had never heard of slewing bearings before and the idea of working in a traditional German industrial company was completely new to me. And that's exactly what aroused my curiosity.

In the job interviews with my later supervisor, I developed a fascinating and interesting picture of the company, the tasks and the opportunities to contribute my own experiences and ideas as well as to develop myself further. Then I was offered the opportunity to participate in the development of the Sales business unit at thyssenkrupp rothe erde. This convinced not only me, but also my family.

Joining thyssenkrupp rothe erde has been really special. My mentor, Tobias, had worked out a tailor-made induction plan for me, and my numerous colleagues helped me to get to know the company, the culture, the people and the products. A special experience for me was the so-called boiler suit phase at the Lippstadt plant. Here I was able to witness the development of a slewing bearing and to understand why we are world market leaders.

Within the Sales business unit of thyssenkrupp rothe erde I am now responsible for the Contract Coordination and Market Intelligence department. Two areas that appear to have nothing in common at first glance, and yet this is precisely where the special attraction lies.

Together with my colleagues, we observe and analyze global markets, players and trends for slewing bearings and seamless rolled rings. The results are concrete recommendations for strategic business development and the daily work of our sales colleagues worldwide.

In the area of contract coordination, our focus is not on the legal assessment of contracts, but rather on how contracts with our customers are approached in an international context.

My challenge

Our topics and tasks are varied and can often only be implemented together with the various sales companies. The particular challenge is to raise my colleagues' awareness of the common issues, to take them on board in their implementation and to deliver added value through specific results.

My typical working day

Typical for my working day are the regular discussions and the exchange with my team and colleagues about current topics, projects, customers and ideas. Of course, as in any job, a certain amount of routine tasks are part of it, such as processing e-mails, making phone calls or structuring my working day. Nevertheless, there is no monotony or boredom. This is important to me.

Our slogan is "engineering. tomorrow. together." Together means for me…

Each individual possesses valuable information, for example about his or her customers. For me, "Together" means being able to draw a more complete picture of our customers' needs by sharing information and crossing the finish line by a nose in front of our competitors.

Realizing your potential, having fun, being happy

Service by the book wouldn't do me any good. It is important to me to take on responsibility, to help shape my company and to develop my team and myself. This is fun for me and I am happy to be able to experience this at a traditional company like thyssenkrupp rothe erde.