Meet Adam Kopera, Section Manager

Wednesday, October 18,2023

Please introduce yourself

My name is Adam and I am 37 years old. I graduated from Warsaw University of Technology. It’s been already 8 years that I work at MDLZ. In my private and professional life, I value openness, simplicity and engagement.

Work-life balance is extremely important to me. Spending quality time with my closest ones is how I charge my batteries. I also enjoy traveling with my wife and friends. Over the last 10 years, I had the opportunity to visit many countries and learn about cultural diversity. Traveling influenced the way I am perceiving life today.

I try to be an active person. Sports and other activities not only help me to be in shape but as well support me in socializing, networking and establishing ambitious goals. I successfully ran the marathon a few years ago and last year I completed ¼ Iron Man. Sport shapes my character and persistence. My favourite sport to watch is Formula 1. It is interesting for me from a strategy, team management, and innovation perspective which in many ways is like running a business.

When and why did you decide to join MDLZ?

I joined MDLZ 8 years ago. At that time MDLZ opened HUB for Supply Planning in Warsaw office. In my previous company, I was responsible for Demand and Supply Planning + Project Management on introducing Sales and Operations Planning.

Once my project in my former company finished, I was striving for further development. Prospect to join MDLZ turned out to be a perfect match! At that time in our company, we were building ways of working and processes for global FMCG company in quite a short time which was a challenge. Since that moment I have learned a lot and I changed my role a couple of times.

2 years ago, I decided to move from supply chain planning to the manufacturing path to understand MDLZ end to end from factory to shelf. It turned out to be an eye-opening experience and I am thankful for this great opportunity.

What is your current role? What do you do you find the most exciting about this role?

Currently, I am Section Manager at Płońsk biscuit plant in Poland - this is a position in Bakery Category with direct manufacturing operations in scope. Every day, together with my team, we are producing delicious snacks for our customers ensuring safety and quality standards. The most exciting part of this role is daily contact with co-workers and direct impact on the business. Our decisions are impacting production, suppliers, and customers. Those decisions have an immediate influence on our final products on the market.

What personal qualities or skills make you successful in your position?

I believe everything starts with listening skills. The ability to listen, filter and prioritize things are extremely important in my current role. It is helping me and my team to drive the agenda and decisions. During the day I am trying to be focused, action-oriented and at the same time not to forget about putting people first and managing the team with empathy.

How has your career developed at MDLZ?

I did a couple of steps in my career in MDLZ but the most important for me was the moment of moving from individual specialist to people manager. MDLZ development and business need at the time enabled me to grow as a leader after 3 years in the company. In the following years, I was growing in the role, extending my leadership skills thanks to learning by doing, working on the development of myself and my team members. Additionally, I graduated from SPARK program – MDLZ internal robust development training for leaders.

One of the most satisfying moments in my career was when I was changing my role and team. I was 100% confident that I am leaving a team of self-aware, motivated and well-equipped people who can take over the agenda fully without me.

What kind of projects, assignments have you done outside of the traditional career moves that helped you further your career?

I was involved as a supply chain expert in a few acquisition projects, integrating new business to MDLZ as well setting up collaboration with external vendors. Those projects helped me to build a strong network internally and externally. I believe networking is a very powerful tool in development. The supply chain world is not big so if you are good at something people will recognize it and it can open some doors in the future.

What professional and career advice would you give to your younger self?

I have one career observation to share: your superpower that helps you to succeed in your current role does not necessarily guarantee to succeed in your new role. As a result of that, my advice is the following: always try to look at a situation from a fresh perspective and never stop learning new things.

And finally, why do you continue to choose MDLZ?

MDLZ it’s a place with unique culture and great people who want to develop. I am happy that MDLZ supports and encourages personal growth and offers great career opportunities in so many fields. I am also proud to be a part of an organization that takes environmental impact seriously and builds a 2023 vision of growing in a sustainable way.