The first and so far only female manager of a REWE Group production plant: Birgit Kutzner-Schwartz one: Mrs Kutzner-Schwartz, you have always worked in a male domain - what was and is that like?

Birgit Kutzner-Schwartz : I come from a craft background, my parents had a butcher's shop. From an early age, I used to go to the meadow with my dad on Sundays and pick out the animals for slaughter. We were always one big family with the employees and apprentices. That's why I know this industry, the whole profession.

one: How did the career change actually come about?

Birgit Kutzner-Schwartz : I've been here at Wilhelm Brandenburg in Timmendorfer Strand since 2001 and then spent twelve years as Head of Quality Management and Product Development. My boss at the time then had the idea: would you also go into technology? I found that very exciting and said: I'll do it. I've never regretted it. I've been responsible for technology in the company since 2013 and have learnt a lot in that time. I have been Deputy Operations Manager since 2015. After the previous operations manager decided to move on, I was asked if I would do it. For me, it was only logical that I should do it now - full-time, so to speak, and not just as a deputy.

one: Did you have to think long and hard about it?

Birgit Kutzner-Schwartz: No, I didn't have to think long when I was asked. It was a bit of a foregone conclusion, although I felt very comfortable as Head of Division. I've already covered a lot of things that are part of operations management.

one: How do you deal with male dominance?

Birgit Kutzner-Schwartz: I don't make a big distinction. Everyone does their job. For me, there's no difference, I get on just as well with women as I do with men. We are a really good team here in Timmendorfer Strand. It's fun to work with my colleagues. I see myself as a team leader. The employees are behind me, they have told me that they will support me.

one: How high is the proportion of women in Timmendorfer Strand?

Birgit Kutzner-Schwartz: We have a large proportion of women, if only because of the packaging. Production is a male domain, although there are also women who operate machines, for example. Of course, several women also work in administration. The former picture is no longer the same: administration only women, production only men, it's now very mixed.

one: Were there any acceptance problems?

Birgit Kutzner-Schwartz : We now have six production plants at Wilhelm Brandenburg, and I'm the only woman there. Nevertheless, it's totally normal. My colleagues all gave me a warm welcome and said: "We think it's great that you're here. There were no acceptance problems. Nobody looked at me funny or scrutinised me. Then that was done, and we got on with the day-to-day things and challenges that everyone has, regardless of whether they're men or women. Ultimately, it's the results that count.

one: What has changed for you as a result of your appointment as Operations Manager?

Birgit Kutzner-Schwartz: Nothing has changed in my attitude. The responsibility has become even greater. I used to have 40 employees, now I have over 500. I also feel the responsibility for every single employee, no matter what they do. You have to be careful that it doesn't become too much. But in principle, anyone can approach me, and that is also very important.

one: What were you most looking forward to?

Birgit Kutzner-Schwartz: I was most looking forward to taking responsibility for the employees. What's new are the Business Administration topics, which I haven't had to deal with to this extent before. That's very exciting.

one: Where do you see the biggest challenges?

Birgit Kutzner-Schwartz: We have a shortage of skilled labour here on the coast, and we are an industry that is not attractive to everyone. It's hard work, physical labour, and you have to do something for employee satisfaction. But I think we manage that quite well. I think we are quite well positioned as an employer. But it's really difficult to make it appealing to young people. They want to learn other professions where it's supposedly easier to earn money. That's a shame, because the opportunities are really good. And during the pandemic, the old adage "there's always food" has proved true. We've been busier than ever. While others went into short-time working, all hell broke loose for us. Everyone realised: we are important, we are needed. That's also a great feeling. It would be nice if we could convey that, as well as the good earning opportunities as a butcher's apprentice.

one: Do you think you lead differently?

Birgit Kutzner-Schwartz: I would describe my management style as very direct and open. I have made that my motto: I want to be transparent and involve my employees. If an employee knows why they should do something, then it often happens all by itself. This is especially true when it comes to change. If you only give instructions, you can't expect acceptance. On the other hand, clear instructions are also important so that everyone knows where they stand. Then, of course, it's important that I radiate and exemplify positivity and provide perspective. This is transferred to the employees. Because it's true: REWE is a good employer.

one: If you could make one wish for the management team at Wilhelm Brandenburg - what would it be?

Birgit Kutzner-Schwartz: It would be nice if we could recruit another woman or two for the management team. Not because it has to be a woman, but because women are automatically added. It's not always so easy to reconcile work and family life. It always sounds good, but then something has to take a back seat. If I still had small children, it would be difficult. When you do a job like this, you can't look at the clock, you have to have your back free.

one: Do you have any career advice/tips for other women?

Birgit Kutzner-Schwartz : Women should have confidence in themselves. Many women are very ambitious and are already hard-working at school. Women should not doubt themselves, but go ahead and be courageous. And you have to stay true to yourself. You can't pretend, that's important. Just stay authentic.