"Planning is constantly evolving. That’s exactly what makes the job so interesting to me."
Olen | Thursday, October 8, 2026
A planning that works today can look completely different tomorrow. As Coordinator anode planning and administration, Tom works together with his colleagues to ensure that the right raw materials are available at the right time for Contimelt and the Electrolysis department. It is a job where structure and accuracy are essential, but where the ability to adapt quickly makes the difference every single day.
- Tom Ooms
- 49 years old
- Coordinator anode planning and administration
- Working at Aurubis Olen since October 2022
> Tell us, Tom, what attracted you to Aurubis Olen?
It was mainly the position itself that appealed to me. I studied logistics because it offers opportunities in many different industries. Planning plays an important role everywhere: materials come in, production processes keep running, and inventories need to be monitored.
The fundamentals of planning are the same in every company. A structured approach, thinking ahead, and being able to respond to changes are all essential. That is exactly what I find interesting about the job.
> What does your role as Coordinator anode planning and administration involve?
Together with two colleagues, I am responsible for planning the supply and delivery of raw materials for Contimelt and anodes for the Electrolysis department. We ensure that the right materials are available at the right time so production can run smoothly. To achieve this, we create forecasts and schedules, continuously monitor inventory levels, and handle the administrative follow-up of the planning process.
Every week, we align our figures and expectations with different Aurubis sites during a planning meeting. How much will we consume? How much stock do we have? And what will we need in the coming period?
Our planning is constantly evolving. We closely monitor forecasts, inventory levels, and deliveries, making adjustments whenever necessary. This allows us to stay aligned with the needs of the different departments.
> What does a typical workday look like for you?
I usually start my day with a walk around the site. I check inventory levels, see what has been delivered, and assess how much storage space is available. I enjoy that practical aspect of the job. Although you spend a large part of the day behind a desk, you still get to see what is actually happening on site.
In addition, I follow up on scheduled deliveries, process incoming materials, and update administrative records and planning schedules. Each month, we also prepare an overview of figures for the departments involved.
A workday may start in a very structured way, but throughout the day new questions and information arise. Being able to react quickly and make adjustments is therefore an important part of the job.
> What role does your planning play in the production process?
Our planning ensures that the Electrolysis department has sufficient supplies available to keep production running smoothly. At the same time, we carefully balance inventory levels. This allows us to use the available space and resources as efficiently as possible.
> What qualities do you need to be good in this job?
A structured and accurate approach is essential. Flexibility is equally important. As a planner, you need to respond quickly to changing circumstances. That creates variety and makes every workday different.
> What makes your team and Aurubis Olen a great place to work?
Within our team, we support one another. If someone is on leave or something unexpected happens, we step in and help out. I also appreciate the approachable culture. You can talk to anyone if you have a question.
There are around 720 colleagues working at Aurubis Olen, yet I never feel like just a number.
In addition, many things are well organized. Everyone has their own responsibilities, which allows people to focus on their tasks. Safety is also taken very seriously, down to the smallest details. And of course, the employment benefits are an added bonus: competitive compensation, insurance plans, and benefits such as bicycle leasing.
> What advice would you give someone starting at Aurubis Olen today?
Get to know as many people as possible as quickly as you can. In a company like Aurubis Olen, you work with many different departments and colleagues. And above all, stay curious.
Personally, I would like to deepen my understanding of the various processes within Aurubis Olen. I know my own planning processes well, but I also find it interesting to learn more about the chemical side of the business and gain a better understanding of how the processes work behind the scenes.
Are you Tom's future colleague?
- Apply quickly and easily online.
- We would be happy to welcome you for an introductory interview. See you soon?