Communication at eye level
#MyStory - Alexandra Bittern tells her BWF Group story
As Assistant to the Management, I not only deal with our Managing Partners on a daily basis, I am also networked with many other colleagues and managers through various projects. Respect, appreciation and tolerance are lived and communicated with everyone at eye level. I am shown a lot of trust and I really enjoy my work. Every day is a little highlight. My 7 years at BWF Group are just the beginning ...
Alexandra Bittern (45)
Executive Assistant, BWF Group
In the right place at the right time - my path to the BWF Group
After my training as an industrial clerk and a few years of professional experience at a medium-sized manufacturing company, I started at the Swabian Chamber of Industry and Commerce as assistant to the President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr Stefan Offermann (then Managing Partner of the BWF Group) was Vice President for the West Swabia area (Günzburg & Neu-Ulm) at the time, which is how we got to know each other.
During a chance encounter in 2014, it turned out that he was looking for a successor for his assistant. Due to the previous good cooperation, he knew my way of working and said he could well imagine someone like me taking over from his previous assistant. After completing a trial day and gaining an insight into the area of responsibility, I was so enthusiastic about the company that I decided to join the BWF Group.
Versatile tasks and excellent working atmosphere
I have an absolutely versatile job. First and foremost, I am the Managing Partner's assistant, and in addition to office management, other areas of responsibility also fall within my remit, e.g. coordinating travel services and reception, as well as acting as the interface between gastromenü and BWF Group for Johann's, the company restaurant. Besides the everyday tasks, I particularly enjoy designing the annual report, preparing the annual company council meeting or designing and planning various events, among other things.
In addition to my fixed and recurring tasks, I really appreciate that the Managing Partners always give me new, varied, creative and challenging projects to work on. Due to my cross-divisional activities at the BWF Group, I work not only with the Managing Partners, but also with the managers and employees of many departments. I really appreciate the collegiality among each other and the good working atmosphere at the BWF Group.
My biggest highlight
My biggest highlight so far was organising the 120th anniversary celebration in April 2016. We started planning for the day a year in advance and it was worth it because the event was a complete success. Many employees are still raving about it. I'm personally very pleased when you receive such positive feedback even years later. That makes working all the more fun, of course.
One time that will be particularly remembered was the change in the Management from the 4th generation (Dr. Wolfgang Schmid & Stefan Offermann) to the 5th generation (Dr. Philipp v. Waldenfels & Maximilian Offermann). I am happy that I was / am allowed to work for both the fourth and fifth generation.
You have the feeling of being part of something big.
Everyone is inspired by each other's commitment and it's great to see what you can achieve together. Here it is lived that every employee is valuable. Every employee's opinion counts and is sought after. You also notice this in the mutual respect and appreciation. You get the feeling that you are part of something big at the family-owned BWF Group.
Why is the BWF Group the right employer?
The BWF Group is located in the Günzburg district and is firmly rooted in the region, and it has a special flair for me to work for a family business. Traditions are preserved and combined with modern aspects.
The width of the product range also makes the working day particularly interesting. For example, BWF Envirotec does something good for the environment and BWF Feltec, as the original business unit, preserves old traditions while developing modern and very beautiful products.
And because I have bosses you couldn't wish for better.
