| Marinus |
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| "It is a challenge but at the same time a privilege working with some of the smartest brains across Africa."
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Regional Commercial Planner |
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- Location: Abidjan; Ivory Coast
- University: Technical University Berlin; Germany
- Studied: Dipl. Ing (Mphil equiv.) Civil & Structural Engineering
- Joined Shell: May 2001
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What other career options did you consider? |
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| I had quite a few options after I finished studying. But Shell instantly was offering me something unique; the prospect of a broad based career in Africa.
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How would you describe your role at Shell? |
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| I am the Hub business analyst for the Commercial Business. This covers 15 countries and 1500 Customers in the West & Central African hub and involves a lot of travelling. Typical roles include management/supervision of the capital expenditure process, regular Customer Profitability Analysis and Portfolio Management, and a lot of adhoc analysis for senior management.
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How would you describe your typical working day? |
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| I spend more than 50 per cent of my time away from Abidjan, my base. While out in one of our 15 countries, I am either conducting training and implementation of new commercial management tools, or together with the commercial managers of the countries, reviewing different aspects of the business and thinking of a way forward. I provide them with analysis of how their business is fairing and seek explanations for existing gaps so as to provide quality data and explanations to senior management for decisions. Back in the office it is analysis, analysis, analysis. I am either analysing new investment proposals for their profitability, reviewing our existing client portfolio per country and sector in terms of what they actually contribute to our business, or analysing different aspects of the commercial business as requested by senior management.
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What do you like most about the job? |
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| It is a real dream job. Three months after joining Shell I had an accident and have been in the wheelchair since then. But the amount of support I am getting from Shell in general and my bosses in particular actually makes my job even more fulfilling than before. It is a challenge but at the same time a privilege working with some of the smartest brains across Africa. It keeps you constantly alert and gives you the opportunity to learn a lot. The amount of career development training the company offers is wonderful too.
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Have you travelled to other countries/regions within your role? |
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| As already mentioned, my role is a regional role, which means a lot of travelling. I have travelled practically to all the countries in our region, but also to many countries outside our region in Africa and Europe. It makes my career even more exciting. Particularly after my accident, this gives me a great sense of normality.
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