Enable U is made up of individual heroes. Some work with clients, others send invoices. Some are our first point of contact when we get a call and others work in the background to keep systems running or make new connections.
This time we spoke with our most Southern colleague Hat. He is the Purchase & Vendor Manager at Enable U
“Usually by train or car,” Hat says with a laugh. He adds, “About three years ago, Enable U approached me because they saw that I had experience with purchasing licenses. We started talking, and they mentioned that there were plenty of opportunities to work hybrid. After an introduction and positive conversations, I started as a Purchaser three years ago. A year later, I also took on the Vendor Management part.”
In busy times, it can be 80-90% purchasing and 20-10% for vendors. But this varies per quarter or even per day and can also be 50/50.
I handle purchasing, make purchasing agreements, assist in setting up contracts mainly for licenses, and regularly speak with our vendors/suppliers. I was also involved in setting up and furnishing our office at Kraanspoor in Amsterdam. Basically, I handle all purchasing within Enable U except for (car) lease contracts and groceries for lunch, etc.
I am the single point of contact for all vendors. For technical or commercial questions, I ensure contact with the right colleague and that it is picked up internally and followed up. I also help with the annual vendor audits for the necessary ISO certifications.
I really enjoy the contact with people. I like organizing and enjoy making agreements and ensuring they are met.
In my role, I consult with our vendors. Some of them are also in other countries and time zones. Much of the consultation is done through Teams, which I can do well from home. The facilities from Enable U for this are very good. I am regularly in the office, depending on the internal/external appointments I have at the office and to maintain the connection with colleagues.
During my onboarding, I received good structural explanations from colleagues who previously did purchasing. For the purchasing process, I research a lot and map things out. I find that very enjoyable and it is also a good way to increase my knowledge. Moreover, as a Vendor Manager, I attend all meetings with suppliers, including the technical ones. This way, I pick up all that information, such as roadmaps, updates, etc.
There are short lines of communication, and both colleagues and the management are easily accessible and approachable. Enablers like to help each other and take their own responsibilities. Moreover, I like that we create solutions that you see in everyday life, such as integrations with DigiD.
I had several sales roles, mainly in IT. After my HBO in business administration, I worked intermittently for 19 years at a local IT company, first in sales and later in purchasing. I also set up a new branch in Maastricht for that IT company with a colleague. Furthermore, I was a Product Manager for about 5 years at a large IT distributor in the south of the country.
Walking, cycling, traveling, sim-racing, and I like to go to Formula 1 races. I am what they call a Petrol head and love everything with wheels.
When recommending new colleagues, they don’t necessarily have to come from the Amsterdam region. It would be nice if we could get some more Southern colleagues, for example. I am currently the only one from Limburg, but we have colleagues from almost all over the Netherlands. Enable U is a company that supports hybrid working. Moreover, it is relaxing to work from public transport, which makes the commute to the office manageable.
Are you excited about working at Enable U after reading this? Check out our vacancies to see if there is a position that appeals to you and how you can apply. Who knows, you might soon be one of our Integration Heroes!
