ONDŘEJ PÁNEK Role: Production Director; former: project engineer, launch leader, lean manager Area: chemical engineering Employer: Procter&Gamble   What can I help my mentee with? project management (from research to production line start-up) working with people insight into the workings of a large company presentation skills personal development

Ondřej is a graduate of UCT Prague, with field of study of pure chemistry and technology of environmental protection. He prolonged his studies by one year because of Erasmus in Sweden and also because he always tried to explore other activities beside his studies, for example he was a member of ESN. Studying abroad inspired him to start looking for a job as soon as he returned. He successfully passed Procter & Gamble's selection procedure and started a one-year internship at a manufacturing plant in Rakovník. His task was to increase the efficiency of the sulphonation unit, which he did - he ended his internship by presenting his results to the company's management, and he was also offered a full-time job once he graduated. During his last summer as a student, he also managed an internship in the R&D department of a company in Frankfurt.

When Ondřej resigned, the company was opening a new engineering centre in Rakovník, which seemed to him to be an ideal combination between production and R&D. This proved to be the case and he spent eight years in the department, during which time he worked in various project management positions and was in charge of projects for the production and packaging of detergent powders throughout Europe. At the urging of his manager, he subsequently decided to try a job more in the manufacturing area. As a launch leader, he took over a newly installed unit from the engineers and was tasked with bringing it to life, including all the necessary certifications and testing. He then handed over the equipment to the production department.

Another role was that of lean manager, who is responsible for keeping an eye on how the production processes are set up in terms of efficiency. "Here again, I got a glimpse into the imaginary kitchen to see how production works here." After a few years in manufacturing, however, he wanted to return to project work, and took up the position of technical director, with all investments going through the engineering group under his direction. Today, Ondřej is Production Director for Lenor's manufacturing and packaging operations. 

In his role as a mentor, he hopes to make contacts outside of the corporate environment and looks forward to sharing his experience from six different roles in one chemical company. He is also interested in reconnecting with his alma mater and student energy.