Let’s sit down AND TALK WITH NIEK

TODAY WE’RE TALKING TO NIEK. NIEK, YOU’VE BEEN A BRAND COMPANION FOR 5 YEARS NOW AND YOU WORK AS A SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER AT DFROST. CAN YOU ANSWER A FEW QUESTIONS ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR WORK?

Sure, I’d love to.

COULD YOU BRIEFLY EXPLAIN WHAT YOUR ROLE AS SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER ENTAILS?

The tasks of a Senior Project Manager are very varied. First and foremost, it’s my job to fulfil the customer’s wishes and manage the projects from conception to the finished retail experience on site. This also involves communicating a lot with suppliers, organising cost statements and various things such as deliveries. However, the most important thing is to always have a good overall view of all projects.

WHAT MAKES DFROST SPECIAL FOR YOU?

What makes DFROST special for me? It’s the mix of challenging projects, diverse international clients and a strong team spirit. The innovative approach to implementing projects and the outstanding retail experiences we create for our clients. It never gets boring. And although I work remotely from Portugal most of the time, I always feel part of the team because the flat hierarchies mean that communication lines are always short, which makes my job as a project manager much easier.

SINCE YOU MAINLY WORK FROM PORTUGAL, HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO STAY SO CLOSE TO THE TEAM AND YOUR CLIENTS?

In my opinion, I have been part of the team for some time now. I lived and worked in Stuttgart for three years before moving to Portugal, so I know all my colleagues personally, have gained their trust and know which screws to turn. The fact that I am a very communicative person also helps me to be close to the team and the client, whether by phone or in video calls in teams, to keep in touch and exchange ideas and actively drive the projects forward.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

I find inspiration in the sea and the surrounding nature in Portugal, but also in nature in general. I am also fascinated by art, museums, architecture and city centres. I also find inspiration in meeting interesting people. I find living as a hermit in paradise in Portugal, with occasional visits to the urban environment, a real source of inspiration.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST HIGHLIGHT AT DFROST SO FAR?

A Christmas campaign for a special client in the Kaufhaus des Westens department stores’ in Berlin was definitely my highlight at DFROST so far.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE SO FAR?

Exactly the campaign I just mentioned. Although it was my personal highlight, it also presented some major challenges. As is often the case with Christmas campaigns, time was of the essence and the timeframe for implementation was very tight. It was difficult to keep the project on track and meet the client’s high expectations. It’s important to remember that the run up to Christmas is generally a stressful time of year for most people. However, we managed to do it and the client was very pleased.

WHAT COULDN’T YOU WORK WITHOUT?

That would definitely be my notepad, my phone (aka, my line to the outside world) and espresso.

IS THERE A RUNNING GAG OR INSIDE JOKE ABOUT YOU IN THE TEAM?

Yes, I’m the one “who’s always on holiday”. …and yet I’m at home at DFROST.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND INTERESTS, AND HOW DO THEY INFLUENCE YOUR WORK?

As my job involves a lot of interacting with people, I enjoy activities where I can create something. I like working on my house and upcycling found materials. I love activities where I can meditate and get away from it all. I also enjoy going on long hikes where I can just get away for a few days… without the internet or any other outside influences.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE OF RETAIL? BUT ALSO IN YOUR WORK AS A SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER?

I definitely see the future in high street retail. With the trend towards online shopping and self-checkout, the design of the retail space needs to be completely rethought. Brands need to create a special experience for their customers in a way that is not possible online. In my opinion, a photo, a swipe and a click can never replace the real experience of being in a store – and I hope it never will.

HOW WAS THE TIME BEING IN STUTTGART NOW? AND WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WHEN YOU’RE HERE?

It’s always great to be here in Stuttgart. I particularly enjoy meeting my colleagues in person and having a quick chat at the coffee machine. It creates a completely different atmosphere. It’s always fun to go out for lunch together or to eat together in the kitchen and experience the hustle and bustle of the team. If you’re not on site that often, it’s always nice to see someone again. It is like coming home.

DESCRIBE YOUR WORK AT DFROST IN THREE WORDS.

Flexible, challenging & innovative.

WHO WOULD BE YOUR DREAM CLIENT?

So not a specific client, but an international Christmas campaign for a luxury label that would be in major department stores like Macy’s, Harrods or Bloomingdale’s. That would be a dream I would still like to fulfil.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG PROJECT MANAGERS?

Double check everything – delivery notes, customer emails, printing data, orders, quotations. And perhaps more importantly, take responsibility for your mistakes and admit when things don’t go as planned. You can learn from your mistakes and grow.

WHAT FINAL THOUGHTS WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEAVE OUR READERS WITH?

„Form follows Deadline.“ or „Immer Glück ist Können.“

Do you fit in our team? Let’s get in touch.