Meet Helin Karaçam, Line Leader

Thursday, April 2, 2026

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

I started my career at the Gebze Plant in May 2017 as a Quality Assurance Engineer. Working closely with production teams gave me the opportunity to understand manufacturing processes in depth. My role in the Quality Department helped me gain strong process knowledge and build effective communication with the core team, which later became a solid foundation for my career progression in manufacturing.

In 2018, I started to work as Process Engineer in the Candy Section. My responsibilities in this department both contributed to my personal development and provided me with valuable experience in managing my responsibilities within a large team. Approximately four years of experience as a Process Engineer brought me the role of Line Leader with those valuable insights. I’m currently focused on developing our team’s performance and providing result-oriented solutions for them while producing our products in a safe and high-quality way

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

Mondelēz products have been a part of my life since childhood, so the opportunity to be involved in the entire production journey of these iconic brands was very exciting for me. In addition, Mondelēz is a global company that has a wide range of factories across the different countries, providing collaboration opportunities for all employees. It is a company where learning never stops, and each day brings new challenges and opportunities that keep us motivated and engaged.

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

Strong communication skills have been the most critical factor in my career advancement. Manufacturing requires close collaboration with many people, so understanding the needs of the team and providing the right solutions is essential. Moreover, effective teamwork, time management, prioritization, and the ability to coordinate with multiple departments at the right time have played a key role in managing production processes successfully.

Could you describe a significant challenge you faced in your role and how you overcame it?

The production area is highly dynamic, and facing multiple challenges at the same time is quite common. In such situations, crisis management becomes critical. I focus on bringing together the right people, making the right delegations, and maintaining a result-oriented approach. This structured way of working helps me overcome complex challenges efficiently while ensuring continuity in production.

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

I maintain work-life balance by engaging in various activities outside of work. Despite having a dynamic and busy role, I make time for sports, concerts, theater, and travelling to different cities and countries, which helps me recharge and stay motivated. Mondelēz also places strong emphasis on well-being by sharing informative content and organizing seminars that increase awareness and support employees in maintaining a healthy balance.

What would you say to someone considering a career at Mondelēz?

My advice would be to be patient and open to learning. Gaining experience and building expertise takes time, and flexibility is essential throughout the career journey. Regardless of the department, learning the fundamentals of the job and understanding the operational steps makes career progression much stronger. Confidence, continuous learning, and building strong relationships are key elements for long-term success at Mondelēz.