Career Talk: Retail Account Manager Johan Schotanus

His interest in supermarkets began at fifteen, when he worked as a shelf stacker. After a stint in the hospitality industry, he ended up at Jumbo Kooistra in Bolsward. There, he grew into the person responsible for the entire bakery department. "Planning, ordering, quality, presentation, and mentoring staff. My passion for the bakery really grew there."

Building a great department together

But the field sales role was calling. "Visiting different clients, providing advice, and looking for commercial opportunities. That’s what I enjoy." So, when his predecessor at Bakker Goedhart retired, he seized the opportunity. "I applied immediately. I’ve now been working as a retail account manager for the Poiesz account for almost four and a half years."

A little better every day

Together with a colleague, he is responsible for 85 Poiesz stores. In this role, he acts as the link between the stores, the Poiesz head office (category manager Wytse Jansma), and Goedhart. "Working together to create a sleek, tidy, and well-organized department. One that makes both the staff and the customers happy." No two days are the same. "Training new staff, checking and improving work processes. But just as importantly: getting people excited about their profession."

A thrill

From branch 71 on Vlieland to store 85 in Loppersum: as a retail account manager, Johan has already overseen dozens of openings and re-openings. "Building a bakery department from the ground up and guiding the staff through it is wonderful. And when everything clicks at the moment of opening, I really enjoy it." But there is more that makes him happy. A slice of Lodewijker Goudkorn bread with cheese, for example. But also the dynamics of his work. "Switching gears quickly. That’s what I thrive on." Achieving results also makes him proud. "Digging deep to reduce waste and pushing hard on commercial opportunities—that gives me a real thrill!"

Keep developing

As a retail account manager, you are a partner. And the Middle Management training he took last year comes in handy for that, too. For a year, he spent one day a month working on his leadership style. "A great opportunity to further develop myself. Not just commercially, but especially in the areas of communication, coaching, leadership, motivation, and bringing people along through change." While he used to be focused primarily on results, he approaches things differently these days. "Listening more, getting people on board. Working toward a goal together. On balance, that actually gets you better results."

Focusing on what someone can do

He applies that same philosophy as a coach for the Football+ team at SC Bolsward, for players with disabilities. "Focusing primarily on what someone *can* do. Having fun and developing together. I think that’s wonderful." And he continues to look ahead himself. "I want to keep challenging myself. I hope to make a great next step within Goedhart someday." And until then? "Enjoying the stores, my colleagues, and making our bakery departments better together."

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Working at Bakker Goedhart

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