The three hundred employees in the fresh produce departments of supermarket chain Nettorama are all employed by Vion. These specialists are in contact with the customer every day and provide tailor-made solutions. Kimberley Leijten and Bianca Kranendonk talk about what they do for Nettorama and what makes their work so pleasant.

Kimberly Leijten (26) is fresh produce manager at Nettorama Korvelseweg in Tilburg, Brabant. Her sister operates the same department at the other Tilburg Nettorama, on Wagnerplein. Kimberley learned the tricks of the trade from her during five years before being asked to work at her current supermarket. Kimberley followed the training course for the butcher shop on the floor. She now trains new employees herself. “First, you make sure that someone gets to know the entire workplace. Production work comes after that.”

Everything on a roll

“The fresh produce manager manages the fresh produce department,” says Kimberley. “I make sure that the employees know what to do and that everything runs smoothly. There are seven people in my team. When they asked me to become a fresh produce manager two years ago, I did not have to think twice. I was looking for more of a challenge and I still find it here every day.”

Best for the customer

Kimberley and her team ensure that the products are packed every day and fill the cheese, meat, deli meat and fish shelves. “We also take care of orders. There is always one of us behind the counter and two of us are involved in the production. We are continuously working on what is best for the customer and we respond to, for example, the weather forecast or the season.”

Heads in the same direction

Working in a team is what Kimberley likes most about her job. “Together, we make sure that everything runs smoothly and that heads are in the same direction. People who show initiative, bring experience, and try things out inspire me. Not a single day is the same for us and that keeps it varied. Vion’s support is good. I can always call or the formula manager or send him an e-mail. In case of problems, the office is there to help. We are currently facing a staff shortage, as is the case throughout the Netherlands, and HR is doing everything it can to find staff. Staff who come to work for us never stop learning. I think that is an advantage: learning something new every day and doing it together!"

Ambitions

Kimberley's ambitions for the future are in the field of HR, a completely different direction. “I have completed the Dutch Social Work course and that social aspect is also in my nature. I think it is important to always stay connected with people. Then you quickly end up at HR. Who knows, there may be work for me in this field in the future within Vion.”

'Rolling along' for 30 years

Bianca Kranendonk (47) works in the Nettorama on Blaaksedijk in Heinenoord. Her job started 32 years ago in the same building, and she has since seen several employers. “I have been rolling along, so to speak, for all those years, first part-time and now permanent as a fresh produce manager.”

Bianca's team also consists of seven people, including herself. “I am the second youngest. The attrition here is zero. Everyone is having an enjoyable time and likes it the way it is now. Our experienced team is very flexible and is completely attuned to each other. I love that!”

Knowing the customer

According to Bianca, the advantage of Vion's shop-in-shop at Nettorama is that the department is always well stocked and that it looks good. “There is always one of us here and we know our customers. They like that we often are in front of the counter and that they can talk to us easily. Because we have been around for so long, many customers know where to find us. Even if they cannot find something in the store themselves, we are happy to walk with them. That customer loyalty is really the biggest plus. The customer is number 1, production comes next. That is also what Vion stands for.”

Set up counter

Bianca loves to give demonstrations and have customers taste new products. “Setting up the counter is also a favorite job. We have a few promotional items that we can design completely to our own taste. This prevents routine and shows customers what we have to offer and what we can do for them. Anyone from Vion who would like to see it is very welcome!”