Journey of an Engineer: Alev Koç’s Career Development at Turkiye Gebze Plant

Monday, December 1, 2025

How did you start your career at Mondelēz International Türkiye, Gebze Plant?

My journey with Mondelēz began eight years ago, after graduating from university, when I started working as a Process Engineer in the Chewing Gum department. The first four years were spent understanding the processes, tackling challenges, improving efficiency, and reducing production line losses. Over time, my passion for continuous improvement grew even stronger. Since I was the process engineer for the model line, I felt a strong connection to these topics. As a result, I worked as a process engineer in the chewing gum department for a while, while also providing IL6S coaching to the department. An opportunity opened, and I moved to the IL6S department. This allowed me to combine my technical background with something I truly enjoy; helping people grow and achieve things together.

What initially attracted you to Mondelēz International, and how has your experience aligned with your expectations?

When I joined, I was looking for a place where I could take initiative, have a voice, see the impact of my work, and grow as a new engineer. What I found at Mondelēz was much more than that: a culture that values openness and learning. Every project, every challenge, and every success helped me grow as both an engineer and an individual. I also learned something very important here: teamwork, the ability to be one soul in many bodies.

What skills have been crucial for your career advancement in IL6S?

Communication, analytical thinking, and empathy have been key to my IL6S journey. One of the projects that stands out for me is leading the Training and Education Department at the Gebze Plant. We developed a comprehensive training roadmap, strengthened the 10-20-70 learning approach, and created new ways for employees to take ownership of their own development. Seeing teams become more confident and skilled, and seeing this contribute to the company across all areas, has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role.

What is unique about working at the Gebze Plant, and how does Mondelēz encourage innovation and continuous improvement in IL6S practices?

Gebze has a unique energy; teamwork and innovation go hand in hand. People are always open to trying new things, sharing ideas, and learning from each other. Mondelēz supports this mindset with a robust IL6S framework that gives everyone, regardless of role, the tools and freedom to make truly significant improvements. Furthermore, achieving positive results is the most rewarding part of the job.

How do you balance the demands of your role with your personal life, and what support does Mondelēz provide in this area?

For me, staying balanced means keeping my energy high both at work and outside of work. I make time for sports, theatre, and travel; these help me recharge and come back stronger. Experiencing new cultures and connecting with different people also contribute to maintaining this balance. I also appreciate that Mondelēz truly fosters flexibility and well-being, allowing me to manage my responsibilities without losing my personal space.

What advice would you give to current IL6S professionals who aspire to move into management roles, based on your own career path?

Be curious and proactive; don't wait for opportunities; create them. IL6S isn't just about processes and tools; it's about people. Listen, support, and share your knowledge. The more you help others develop, the more naturally you'll develop as a leader. Being able to communicate with different people in their language and empathize is also a key factor.

Continuous improvement starts with people — when you invest in them, everything else follows. 🌟