In the Spotlight: André Schneider

André Schneider, Manager Fyte @ Team Operations

André, you are Team Manager Operations at Fyte. In recruitment you cover several areas and functions within the corporate structure. Can you tell us which ones?

André: As Team Manager of Operations at Fyte, my team's recruitment expertise begins with identifying skilled Procurement Managers, whose acumen in securing high-quality goods and services sets the foundation for our company’s operational efficiency. From there, we move to Supply Chain Managers, who are pivotal in integrating these acquisitions seamlessly into our business flow, ensuring that every step from supplier to customer is optimized.

Next in our structure are Logistics Managers, who are the tacticians responsible for the precise movement and delivery of goods, critical to maintaining our promise of efficiency and reliability. Their efforts are complemented by Functional Safety Managers, who ensure that all products meet stringent safety criteria, a non-negotiable aspect of our operational integrity.

The narrative of our operational excellence is incomplete without Category Managers, who bring strategic vision to product management and drive competitive sales strategies. Parallel to this, Demand Planner/Managers forecast market demands, a key factor in aligning our inventory and production strategies.

OpEx Managers are the efficiency experts who scrutinize every process for cost-saving opportunities without compromising on quality. Risk Managers are the sentinels, foreseeing potential risks and preparing strategies to safeguard our operations.

In the specialized domain of logistics, we have Freight and Warehouse Consultants advising on the most efficient warehousing solutions and freight operations, ensuring our logistics network is both robust and agile. Tender Managers play a strategic role in procuring profitable contracts through meticulous bid management.

And finally, the Process/Project Managers, the orchestrators of project timelines and resources, ensure that each project is a testament to our operational prowess, concluding our comprehensive oversight of the operations team's recruitment responsibilities at Fyte.

Why is there a difference between companies regarding sustainability?

The compliance requirements of bigger companies are stricter. They risk high penalties and must file detailed records. SMEs still have some time. They distribute the fulfilment of requirements on different people in the company. Excellence in processes as for sustainability depends on voluntary implementation. So far, they get along, but they will have a “aha effect.”

André, you mentioned OpEx, operational excellence in procurement. This seems a complex topic.

Yes, indeed. Operational excellence refers to ongoing efforts and a disciplined approach of streamlining and optimizing processes.  The overarching goal is to foster a culture where problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership result in ongoing improvements across the organisation. Operational excellence is a long-term commitment to a way of working and thinking. I like to work on these positions as focus and strategy are required in the positions and placements. An example of such a position is a category manager procurement service role I worked on recently. This Position had to create matrices and evaluate them regarding sustainability. It represents the interface between procurement and excellence.

Companies must create their base for the future. Production and everything around must be adapted in a way that meets the economic change.

What do you mean by economic change?

It is an ongoing Process that happened in the past and will happen in the future. Some developments will be more some will be less influential. AI is a more influential technique. All Companies have functions that will be replaced through AI. Some professions will be eliminated, others will be created. We do and will use AI. The consequence is a change of the working method, the mode of operation which has a major impact on operational excellence. Despite the clear benefits that digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) bring to fostering growth, driving innovation, and enhancing overall success and competitiveness, companies are still grappling with the optimal integration of AI tools. The ever-growing interest in AI technology presents a thrilling challenge, often pushing the boundaries of human capabilities. This eagerness for knowledge is encouraging, especially considering the complex and fascinating nature of AI.

The landscape of AI is dynamic; new tools emerge continually, and novel applications are discovered regularly. The endeavour to assimilate these advancements into everyday business operations is not trivial—it requires unwavering commitment and investment of time. Furthermore, the time aspect cannot be overlooked. Many AI tools offer simplification in various aspects of the workday as well as daily life. However, most AI tools are not as fast and easily accessible as a simple chatbot. Therefore, before purchasing a license for advanced AI tools, one must carefully consider the benefits and how to integrate the tool into their routine. In my opinion, generalist tools will likely prevail in the long term, while niche tools may remain more in the background.However, it is important to recognize that these expenses are an invest in actual and future process optimization.

Do you apply AI in recruiting?

We definitely use AI tools to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the recruitment process, allowing me to quickly sift through large volumes of applicant data to find the best matches. These tools also enable me to provide a more personalized experience for both clients and candidates by leveraging data-driven insights. Additionally, AI assists in reducing biases in.Think of Bardeen.ai as for automation, Monica, Claude and Chatmind for example. These tools are sophisticated. The business world is becoming more complex and with complexity also more challenging. We need to implement AI guards, a control system to avoid misinformation, filters, and biases. For us AI is an amazing tool, helping to save time and optimize recruiting in different ways.

Do you consider AI dangerous and a tool that may replace your job?

I can utilize search criteria to identify matches or write job ads and handle some other tasks, and AI will certainly alter the landscape and structure our work. The aspect of time efficiency, being faster, is impressive, but it is beneficial to have personal communication with people at some point, namely where there is an aspect that AI cannot fully replicate. Speaking personally, face-to-face with someone, is an act of respect and appreciation. I dedicate my time to an individual. I sense the energy and can interpret subtleties. Right now, it seems challenging to envision AI accomplishing this.

When we all learn to use AI tools effectively and in real-time, I'm optimistic. At present, it appears that AI, though a sophisticated tool, will not supplant personal interactions with stakeholders. Yet, history has repeatedly shown us that developments in this field can often bring surprising changes.

High tech with High touch!

André Schneider
Manager Fyte, Team Operations
(Connect on LinkedIn)