Success story: Learning, growing, leading – An investment in the future
Manuel Pichl shows how personal commitment, diverse experience, and continuous training enable real career advancement at SENNEBOGEN. In our interview, he talks about his journey from starting out in pre-assembly to managing the paint shop in Wackersdorf, and why lifelong learning is not just a challenge for him, but a driving force.
Manuel, take us on a journey through your career so far - how has your path been from joining SENNEBOGEN to your current position?
My start at SENNEBOGEN was actually more of a coincidence. I had previously worked as a temporary employee at BMW in Wackersdorf and drove past the SENNEBOGEN plant every day. I always thought to myself: "These are really great machines they build here." One day there was a sign outside: "We're looking for employees." I jumped at the chance.
My career at SENNEBOGEN then began in 2018 in the classic way, in pre-assembly in slide gate construction as an assembly employee. After about a year , I switched to the jumper team, where I was deployed in various departments and gained a lot of insight. As a trained painter, I was later able to switch to the paint shop, where I also became section manager . Due to an internal restructuring, I was offered the position of area manager at the beginning of 2024 - since then I have been responsible for the entire paint shop at the site with four areas and several section managers.
Against this background, I finally decided to take the long overdue industrial master craftsman's certificate in industrial painting when I was offered the position of section manager in 2024 - which had been canceled due to corona and only reformed during the pandemic.
"Those who show commitment can really achieve something at SENNEBOGEN."
What does it mean to you personally to have not only successfully completed your training, but to have done so with outstanding performance?
That makes me really proud. My own ambition was to complete the course as well as possible - and that's exactly what I did. This reinforces my belief that I took the right path because I followed my ambitions and achieved them.
How do you experience the concept of "lifelong learning" at SENNEBOGEN?
Lifelong learning is definitely a challenge for me - especially if you want to live up to your own high standards. I am always open to new things and find it exciting to integrate learning into my everyday working life. For me, this means being open to everything I can still learn.
During your time at SENNEBOGEN, you have already had the opportunity to gain insight into various areas: In your opinion, which stations were particularly formative for your personal development?
As a jumper, I always had to go exactly where the "fire" was. You have to switch gears immediately, adapt quickly to new people and find your way into unplanned situations. The great thing about it is that I now know almost everyone here in Wackersdorf.
My first experience with leadership was particularly formative for me when I became section manager. I had a lot more personal contact with the employees. I had to respond to them and take responsibility for them at the same time. That was a big challenge, especially because I have very high standards myself. It wasn't always easy.
When you look back on your professional development in five years' time, what would be a sign for you that the investment in your further training has paid off?
A first sign for me would be when I have consolidated my position and the paint shop is working so reliably that my section managers can take over their tasks independently. Of course, I'm also looking ahead - I could well imagine developing further if the opportunity arises.
What makes SENNEBOGEN special for you?
The impressive machines that we build here are simply not commonplace. Then there's the collegiality, which I've never experienced anywhere else, not even at my previous employers. And last but not least, I really appreciate the crisis security here. Even in turbulent times, I have always had confidence in the security of my job. That gives me a really good feeling.
Manuel, SENNEBOGEN for you in three words?
Innovative. Gigantic. Family-friendly.
Thank you for the interesting interview with Manuel Pichl. The entire SENNEBOGEN team wishes you every success in your new position!