Meet Magdalena Jedrzejczak, Senior Business Area Manager

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Magdalena Jędrzejczak; I am the Business Area Manager for WD1 and Carle line and an RFS Champion and mentor in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Currently, I am the deputy section manager. But above all, I am a mum of two beautiful daughters. I am a fast-living person; I like it when many things happen around me.

When and why did you decide to join MDLZ?

I decided to join MDLZ almost 18 years ago. I wanted to work for chocolate brands. Previously, I worked in the meat industry, where working conditions were challenging - low temperatures and high humidity. In the chocolate factory, I have sweet work in good working conditions.

What is your current role? What do you find the most exciting about this role?

I am currently in an interim role, and what is best about this role is probably greater decision-making, better knowledge of topics, and getting involved in new projects concerning the factory, not just my lines. And the feeling that what I do or participate in is happening.

What personal qualities or skills make you successful in your position?

Career development and learning is very important to me, as I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself and grow. At Mondelēz I’ve had the opportunity to be part of strategic business projects, which is something I haven’t experienced at other FMCG companies.

I love the Lean and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) methodology, and my dream is to conduct production processes so that I see significant added value from IL6S tools in everyday work.

How has your career developed at MDLZ?

I started in 2007 as a supervisor on the Carle line, and after 3 months, I became a shift manager; in this position, I also define, measure, analyze, improve, and control (DMAIC) projects, internal audits, and production management at many levels.

In 2013, I took the position of CI Engineer, where I started working on the implementation of IL6S and preparations for the project’s kick-off. I was also the leader of the Education & Training (E&T) Pillar. After the phase zero assessment, it was time for personal projects, and I had a 2.5-year break to build a family. After returning, I took the position of IL6S champion and was responsible for preparing the factory for the phase 1 assessment and the E&T pillar.

After a successful assessment, I returned to the production area, where my heart was closest. I took the position of Business Area Manager for the WD1 line, Carle line, being an RFS champion and leader of the Autonomous Maintenance Pillar.

What projects or assignments have you done outside the traditional career moves that helped you further your career?

For me, a breakthrough project was organizing an inter-factory competition of 12 Kobetsu Kaizen, called Mundialeiros, where I had to coordinate the content and presentation of the projects and manage it for seven factories. It taught me the principles of cooperation in a large interdisciplinary team and how to set priorities.

What professional and career advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t be afraid of new challenges and put off good things until later.

And finally, why do you continue to be in MDLZ?

MDLZ is a stable and growing company that is very well-rated, highly values safety and quality, and respects diversity. And for me, the best thing is that I produce chocolate that makes everyone smile, and I work in a committed and positive team of great people.