After earning her degree in Applied Physics at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Jadey began her career as a process technologist. ‘In that position, I was fully focused on the technical side, but I quickly realized that I missed interacting with people. That’s why I started looking for a role where I could combine my technical knowledge with customer contact,’ she explains. She found that perfect mix in the position of Sales Engineer. Jadey has now been working as a Sales Engineer at Gpi Pharma for two years.
As a Sales Engineer in the Pharma division, Jadey is responsible for processing quotation requests from clients in the pharmaceutical industry. She develops initial product designs, including pricing proposals and production schedules. She does this together with a small, close-knit team in which everyone brings their own expertise. ‘I gain a lot of energy and knowledge from working together,’ Jadey says. ‘One colleague teaches me a lot about the commercial and sales side, while another is very technically skilled. Whenever I run into a challenge, we always manage to find a solution together.’
Jadey’s work week
Every Monday, Jadey starts her week with a meeting with her manager. ‘Together we go over the planning for the week so that we can focus on the right priorities,’ she says. Having a clear plan is important not only internally but also towards customers. ‘You create certain expectations for customers, and you want to meet them. Good internal planning helps with that.’ The rest of the week, Jadey works on the various projects and tasks on her schedule.
On Fridays, the team wraps up the week together. It starts at lunchtime, when they order sandwiches. At the end of the day, all departments finish an hour early to end the week with a drink and some snacks together. ‘I always look forward to Fridays, that’s when everyone comes together and we always have a great time!’
Every request is different
In her job, Jadey deals with a wide range of customers and requests. ‘Some customers are still in the early stages of their project, while others are already much further along and have worked out all their desired specifications,’ she explains.
Because the pharmaceutical industry is large and diverse, the types of tanks that customers need vary greatly. Gpi Pharma designs and manufactures each tank fully customized for each client. This means every project starts from scratch, and as a Sales Engineer Pharma, you need to consider every detail from the moment the quotation request comes in. Jadey explains: ‘Each tank is a fully custom-made product, and that’s what makes the job so much fun! The best moment is when customers trust you to carry out their project.’
A great work atmosphere
Jadey really enjoys being part of the Gpi team. ‘There’s such a great atmosphere at Gpi. You can approach anyone with questions, and colleagues are always willing to help each other. It makes it easy to ask for help,’ she says.
Jadey has experienced many great moments at Gpi. One highlight was a weekend trip to Bonn with all colleagues and their partners. ‘The weekend really showed what kind of employer Gpi is. Everything was perfectly organized, and we didn’t lack a thing,’ she says enthusiastically. Another favourite memory is the joint team outing of the marketing and sales teams to a climbing park. ‘It was such a fun outing because you get to know each other in a completely different way.’
Work-life balance
By working four days a week, Jadey also has time to pursue her other big passion: running her own dog training school, Jadey’s Dogschool. There, she works as a cynology and detection instructor. ‘By combining my job as a Sales Engineer with my passion for dog training, I’ve found the perfect balance between work and private life,’ she explains.
Improving every day
At Gpi, there is a strong focus on personal growth and development, something that aligns well with Jadey’s mindset. ‘I love learning and developing myself. If there’s a course available, I’m happy to take it. I think it’s important to have the opportunity to keep developing yourself,’ she says. Her eagerness to learn is mainly directed at her current position. Instead of planning far ahead, Jadey prefers to focus on the present. ‘I just want to get a little better every day at what I do. My goal is to keep growing within my role as a Sales Engineer.’
Excited to turn your passion into a career?
Does your passion, like Jadey’s, lie in both technology and customer contact? Discover your opportunities as a Sales Engineer at Gpi Pharma here.
