Martin 

How did you find out about Aurubis as an employer, and what made you decide to join Aurubis?

Like many others, I was always fascinated when driving past the huge Aurubis factory site on the highway, and I was always interested in what exactly happened there on the factory premises and in the halls. The final trigger for my move to Aurubis was the good reviews I heard from friends and acquaintances about the company, as well as the right job opening.

What has your career at Aurubis been like so far? Have you held different positions or perhaps even worked in different departments and locations since you started at Aurubis? If you haven't been with Aurubis for very long, what are your impressions and experiences after your first few months?

I started as a strategic purchaser at Aurubis at the end of 2018. In my first three years, I was mainly responsible for purchasing packaging, event and marketing management, and electrical engineering. In addition, there were always exciting projects, such as change management for a global IT rollout of our purchasing platform. In 2021, I took over the coordination of all purchasing investments of approximately EUR 70 million for our FSH22 shutdown.

Following this and with a reorganisation of purchasing, the opportunity arose to become active as Global Category Manager in the CAPEX area for construction and plant engineering. This involved working across projects and locations on an international level.

What has motivated you in your career so far? What motivated you to take these career steps (at Aurubis)?

I have already worked for several large companies in the automotive and aerospace industries. At Aurubis, I experience a very dynamic company and I am motivated by the fact that I can still help shape the future here and that few working days are the same. Working as a Global Category Manager is exactly that, but it also requires me to work proactively on issues and act strategically.

What do you do in your current role at Aurubis? Feel free to give examples of current projects, if applicable.

I am responsible for analysing the requirements of the plants and strategic projects in the area of construction and plant engineering, and for bringing the right suppliers into the running so that they can be deployed in a targeted manner. Logically, this is always done in close coordination with engineering and purchasing. Past experience has shown that suppliers do not wait for Aurubis, so we need to secure capacity in the market at an early stage. We are currently establishing strategic partnerships with installation partners who will assemble our complex systems safely, quickly and to a high standard of quality with skilled personnel.

How would you explain your job to a toddler?

From my own experience, I know that this is not so easy and that it can often result in an adventurous story at the end of the day. At Aurubis, I would explain that without purchasing machinery and buildings, copper etc. cannot be produced. In order to build these facilities, it is necessary to conclude contracts in advance. A good practical example for children would be the task of building a sandcastle according to a drawing (e.g. with a large chimney) within a defined time. In return, the children receive play money in stages when they have successfully completed sub-tasks.

Which five technical terms are important for your work?

• CAPEX
• Project Procurement
• RFQ
• Business Partner Screening
• Commodity Strategy

What makes Aurubis unique for you?

For me, the most important thing is my colleagues, who bring together their expertise from so many different areas and locations and with whom I really enjoy working. The products are extremely exciting and diverse in their manufacture and processes, and quite impressive in their dimensions. I am also proud that we process metal concentrates, scrap metal and metal-containing recycled materials into various metals for state-of-the-art applications. This means we are very broadly positioned and operate in a very sustainable manner with valuable raw materials.

If Aurubis were a person, what would characterize that person?

• Full of energy
• Crisis-proof
• A rock in the surf
• Very versatile and dynamic

Is there anything, a nice anecdote or a special experience that you associate with Aurubis?

Actually, I have many fond memories associated with Aurubis. A particularly labour-intensive and instructive time was the purchasing support for the complete FSH22 shutdown. Both in the planning and implementation phases, there were of course always challenges that had to be overcome. For example, emergency plans had to be drawn up, solution-oriented implementations created and the right balance between costs, quality and time found. During the shutdown itself, there were often staff shortages and emergency deliveries. The right logistics concepts ensured that the employees and companies had the parts for installation available just in time. In addition, it was ensured that the construction sites were provided with sufficient qualified personnel for unforeseeable work, so that the measures could be implemented within the required time frame.

Is there a big dream that you would like to fulfill someday?

At the top of my list are a bike tour across Germany on a gravel bike and a hike across the Alps from Germany to Italy.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy cycling and have rediscovered hiking over the past year. Football has been a part of my life since my youth. I've stopped playing actively, but I coach a youth team that my son plays in. We also love to travel as a family in our camper van and can be found at various campsites across Europe.