Meet Arjan, Regional IT/OT Project Specialist at Mondelēz International

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Tell us about your career journey at MDLZ.

I joined Mondelēz International (MDLZ) as an intern whilst studying for my Computer Science undergraduate degree. I enjoyed my time as an intern so much so that I applied to MDLZ’s graduate scheme, working in the digital experience tower, and overseeing the IT function for consumer insight and the social media management area.

After two years, I moved into a new role as a Regional IT/OT Project Specialist within Manufacturing. I oversaw the regional projects, often being the project manager and supporting activities for critical projects, including digitalisation, virtualisation, and plant security.

In the past few months, I have transitioned into a new role as S/4 Hana Device, Network and Integration Lead and will drive elements of strategic global projects.

Having been an intern here myself, I’ve always wanted to manage and mentor early career employees and was lucky enough to be given the chance to support the recruitment process for future interns and graduates. I also have had an intern reporting to me and mentored other employees.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working at MDLZ?

One of the most rewarding aspects of working at MDLZ is learning new things every day. I have been working here for over five years, and there has not been a single day where I have not learnt something new or felt challenged. My curiosity drives me to learn and push myself, which motivates me to work every day. I also find it rewarding to be part of a global company that is constantly innovating and evolving. There are always opportunities for growth and development, and MDLZ encourages collaboration and creativity.

Working at MDLZ has allowed me to develop my skills, expand my knowledge, and build a strong network within the organisation. I am grateful for the support and opportunities I have received, and I look forward to making valuable contributions to the company's future projects and initiatives.

WHow does MDLZ’s commitment to diversity and inclusion manifest in your IT/OT Project Specialist role?

As a Sikh, turban-wearing man, I often worry about how people will treat me, given that I look different from those around me. However, MDLZ is very committed to diversity and inclusion, providing different resources and practical ways to be inclusive, and embed the essence of diversity in all we do.

The company has a personal goal to improve DE&I, and we hold each employee accountable for this – from our leaders down to our team members. Efforts like this make employees less anxious when working, as we know that the company is educating and helping people embrace diverse backgrounds and cultures. This commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in how we collaborate and communicate within the team. We are encouraged to share our unique perspectives and experiences, leading to more innovative and inclusive solutions. We also promote and celebrate cultural events and holidays, creating a sense of belonging and respect for all employees. Overall, this has positively impacted my experience as a career journey, fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

How does Mondelēz International support professional development and growth for its employees?

We are supported at MDLZ to grow every day in many ways. We have our internal learning portal and regular meetings to learn about new topics. Recently, Mondelez launched “Match & Grow,” a gig work setup that allows people to take on different work for a brief period, giving them a flavour of a distinct function aligned with their personal development goals. We also have mentorship programmes where our leaders support new employees' career development. Additionally, opportunities for cross-functional and cross-border assignments provide exposure to different markets and business functions. MDLZ truly values the growth and development of its employees, providing them with the resources and support needed to excel in their roles.

Can you describe a project you worked on that you are particularly proud of?

Digitising our factories through IOT applications. I am proud to work on this project as it helped us reduce losses, ultimately reducing our carbon footprint. I have also worked on projects to deploy an AI-driven knowledge management and trend-building solution. It is gratifying to be a part of projects that positively impact the company and the environment.

What is the company culture like at MDLZ?

I am lucky to have travelled abroad to many plants and offices in our company and to see the diversity and cultural differences. I am pleased to work for a company that embraces and celebrates everyone’s beliefs and cultures. MDLZ has a very family-like culture, and for me, this makes it a great company to work for. MDLZ is a place where we strive to collaborate to better the company that we work for.

I also appreciate the strong partnership and innovative culture at MDLZ. There is a strong focus on teamwork and creativity, which fosters a dynamic and engaging work environment. The company also encourages a culture of continuous learning and development, providing many opportunities for employees to grow and advance in their careers. Overall, the company culture is inclusive, supportive, and driven by a shared commitment to excellence.