SWARCO Employee
Spotlight
Name: Jürgen
Position: Head of Sales - SWARCO Road Marking Systems
Responsibilities: Selling the best glass beads of the world
One word that describes my job: Passion
Must-haves: Customer focus
From summer job to manager
Jürgen got to know the world of sales from many different perspectives. Today, as Head of Sales, he coordinates two global markets within the SWARCO Road Marking Systems Division in Amstetten. His main area of responsibility is the sales of road marking glass beads – an innovative product that helps save lives worldwide by ensuring better reflection and visibility in road markings.
What he particularly values in his daily work is the interaction with people. For Jürgen, it doesn’t matter whether he’s dealing with customers, representatives, or local colleagues – he simply enjoys communication and collaboration. Interestingly, his career at SWARCO began many years ago in a rather non-communicative setting.
“Those who are motivated and ambitious are in the exact right place with us.”
The beginnings
After completing his schooling and compulsory military service, Jürgen joined SWARCO’s founding site in Amstetten as an order processing clerk in internal sales. "I had a somewhat unusual start, however. Due to renovation work, there was no office workspace available at the time. So, for the first two weeks, I was assigned to the archives, sorting old files. But from there, everything gradually developed in a fantastic direction," recalls the now Head of Sales.
A major advantage when joining the company was that he was already familiar with it from his school days. “I had a summer job in production several times, and already at the age of 14 or 15, I was handling the sacks of glass beads. That definitely gave me a valuable connection to the company and its products," says Jürgen, who now shoulders a great deal of responsibility.
From Amstetten to the world
He has now been with SWARCO in Amstetten for nearly 20 years. During this time, he has continuously pushed beyond his limits. His motivation, curiosity, and willingness to keep growing have ultimately led to his current role as Head of Sales for the entire Road Marking Systems Division in Southern and Eastern Europe as well as in Latin America.
"My motivation for taking on this exciting leadership position is clearly our outstanding sales team. We work very well together because everyone puts in great effort, but we also make sure to have fun along the way. This balance between hard work and fun is incredibly important – both for me personally and for our team," Jürgen says. On a personal level, he finds both working from behind a desk and being physically present in the markets he oversees to be fulfilling. "Personal contact makes a decisive difference in collaboration," the expert firmly believes.
"In my first two weeks at SWARCO, I was assigned to the archives, sorting old files.”
Overcoming challenges
As in all industries, market pressures are increasing. While challenges are constantly changing, they are certainly not decreasing. Staying competitive requires hard work. "The diversity of our customers also brings specific demands," Jürgen explains, adding: "Every personality is different, and each customer has different expectations and wishes. We are happy to respond to them, and this personalized attention – along with our commitment to truly engaging with our customers' concerns – is one of our secrets to success, as we are repeatedly told." To make this possible, it’s crucial to stay up to date with the times.
In recent years, numerous procedures and processes have been completely overhauled. "A concrete example: In the past, our sales staff here always had personal contact with every single truck driver delivering our goods – whether domestically or internationally. Today, we have a dedicated logistics department, simply because the volume and the associated tasks have grown enormously," Jürgen explains. Thus, constantly adapting and remaining agile within the company environment is an absolute must.
#ProudOf
When reflecting on which event has particularly shaped his career at SWARCO, the construction of the new Neufurth site immediately comes to Jürgen’s mind. "This multi-million-euro investment was a clear commitment to the future of SWARCO in our region," says the expert, who values not only the facilities themselves but also the deeper meaning of the project.
The result is a fantastic company building with comfortable office spaces and a first-class, state-of-the-art production facility. "I’m proud to be able to present our company to customers and visitors – and proud to work here," says the long-standing SWARCO employee, whose passion for both his work and the company is unmistakable.
“This balance between hard work and fun is incredibly important.”
A recommendation for prospective applicants
For Jürgen, recommending SWARCO as an employer comes easily, and he immediately begins listing off the many excellent reasons to apply: "At SWARCO, many doors are open to people. Those who are motivated and ambitious are in the exact right place with us. There are countless opportunities for personal growth and to evolve along with the company," Jürgen assures.
He has often witnessed people start in one area, get to know the company better, and then reorient themselves as needed. "There are plenty of examples – not just in sales. What matters is commitment, because that’s what is valued most at SWARCO. It’s also crucial to approach your work with joy and a willingness to get involved. If you do that, almost anything is possible at SWARCO," says Jürgen.
Discover your possibilities.
Explore job opportunities at SWARCO.
Close to the customer, close to success
SWARCO is the right place for anyone who enjoys connecting with people from all over the world. Organizational skills, strong communication abilities, and the talent to understand customer needs and find the right solutions are key qualities. Exciting career opportunities are available both in internal and external sales.
Those with technical talent will find the technical field sales role to be the perfect opportunity to apply their skills and work together with customers to achieve the ideal result.
“At SWARCO, we shape the future together – with a modern working environment and the ambition to not just meet, but exceed the diverse expectations of our customers. I’m proud to be part of this journey.”