Maarten Spierenburg, Project Manager

‘Inventive as we are, we always make sure a customer is happy'.

Agile and stress-resistant. Important qualities that Maarten Spierenburg believes are part of a Project Manager job. What else is involved in the job and why Maarten finds this position so fun and challenging? Maarten tells in an extensive interview.

Can you tell us something about your career path at Algeco?

I have been working at Algeco since September 2020. I noticed the Inside sales vacancy and immediately decided to apply. And I haven't had any regrets. After more than two years in this position, I had the opportunity to grow internally as Project Manager. A move that suited me down to the ground.

Why did you decide to change positions?

I have always said that when opportunities arise internally, I want to grow. And this was a great opportunity and I didn't want to miss it. I was particularly attracted to the technical planning and development part. That is exactly what I find interesting about this job.

How would you best describe your job (as PM)?

It is a very diverse position with different tasks and responsibilities. One minute you are busy planning and engaging with subcontractors about options, the next you are handling various administrative tasks. This position also requires you to go over all the details of a project on-site with the client and determine how the project will proceed.

What qualifications do you think are needed to do this job well?

Of course you need the right certificates like the VCA- VOL, because you will be on-site with customers. But you also need to bring certain work characteristics. For example, you must be stress-resistant, because this job does ask a lot of you. And important to mention: you need to be agile. You usually don't know in advance how a day will go. You must be able to jump easily from one project to another if necessary.

What motivates you in your daily work?

Happy customers. If I can help in the right way, a project goes smoothly, contact is smooth and a customer is happy, I am logically happy too. I also enjoy interacting with colleagues. It is sometimes hectic, but when we achieve a good result together, you know what you are doing it for.

What do you like most about your work?

That no workday and no project are the same. No matter how hectic sometimes and how differently a day turns out than you expected, inventive as we are, we always make sure that a customer is satisfied.

How would you describe your colleagues?

That is actually impossible. There are so many of us and everyone is so different. I can't put labels on that. But that is also exactly our strength. Because we are so different, together we form a strong team. Each colleague has their own top qualities, expertise, and good qualities.

Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself that is not on your LinkedIn profile?

My work is important, but I also like to spend a lot of time with my family and friends. Doing fun things together, going out, that's important to me.