What was thought to be a two-week-long summer temporary role turned into 25 years. But Camilla Lögdström, Purchasing Manager at Wallenius Marine, continues to find her job challenging and exciting. “I love the unpredictable nature of shipping,” says Camilla.
For Camilla Lögdström, it was (almost) love at first sight. Starting with invoice management as a summer temp, she felt the work slightly monotonous, but at the same time, she felt truly welcomed.
Now it’s been almost 25 years at Wallenius Marine. Initially starting with invoice management for vessel-related purchases, Camilla gradually moved into procurement. She was involved in the transition from manual to electronic invoice processing, ensuring all invoices could be electronically matched with purchase orders.
Everyone kept asking me how long I would stay. I said two weeks, but they all told me, ‘No, you’ll be here longer. I like being part of the operations at Wallenius Marine, working with shipping and at the heart of the company. That’s what made me realise I could see myself staying.
A constantly evolving industry places high demands on flexibility. External factors can sometimes affect operations, making them unpredictable.
“When things get disrupted, we often joke about it, saying ‘it’s shipping’. For instance, we might plan for a delivery on a certain date, only for things to change two days before. While it can be challenging, we always try to find solutions. That’s what makes the job so varied – it’s never boring.”
Moving from one fleet, one client and one invoice address to handling four or five clients makes the work more complex as it requires different approaches when it comes to trades, schedules and tonnage. But this is also what drives Camilla in her work: adapting, thinking ahead, coming up with new ideas.
I like the forward-thinking attitude embedded in our culture, being an innovative group, exploring new and untested solutions, while at the same time encouraging people to grow. Ten years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined becoming a Purchasing Manager. But I’m glad I took the opportunity. And as I’m still quite new in the position, I’m looking forward to continuing to learn.
An inspiring workplace. Wallenius Marine is part of Soya Group who encourages people to grow, to express their own minds and bring up new and great ideas. It is a joined teamwork that goes beyond the department borders. With shipping, real estate and a stud farm within the group, there are also opportunities to change lanes and try a new career.