Job Talk: Senior HR Business Partner Twan Relouw

Lovely Limburgish

Twan is a real Limburger and that fits in well with Goedhart Patisserie: “The regional character of Goedhart Patisserie, that connection with the environment, appeals to me.” Together with colleague Johan, he is involved in HR matters at the bakeries in Panningen and Sevenum. The tasks are divided: “The direct responsibility often lies with the line managers, but we ensure that they are facilitated in the best possible way. In doing so, Johan focuses more on absenteeism and inflow, while I do the overarching part: think of development and training, cooperation with external parties, recruitment campaigns, preventive absenteeism policy and communication”

HR with impact

And there is plenty of room for that. “The great thing about Bakker Goedhart is that it is not a centrally managed organization. Here, not everything is conceived from a head office; you immediately see your input in the workplace.” And that is very wise, according to Twan: “Patisserie has specific challenges, such as sourcing, and trainers in the region. You have to look at that locally.” But there is also cooperation. The HR departments at the various bakeries are increasingly working together on themes such as AFAS, ELO and the elaboration of the collective labor agreement. Twan: “By adding more structure to this, we can work more efficiently and use economies of scale together.”

Connect and improve

What does Twan love most about his work? “That I can contribute something concrete.” For example, he worked on an improved onboarding policy. “I've developed practical tools that help new employees get off to a better start. That has now been rolled out and is going to run.” He also set up a monthly newsletter. “It goes home with employees, giving the company more life.” He is proud of the continuous learning curve for operators and managers. “We're really investing in internal development and advancement.”
Nevertheless, Twan also sees challenges. “Not everyone here has Dutch as their first language, so you have to invest in communication. And take more time to train.” In addition, production planning involves challenges. “We always have to deliver on time, but you don't always know how the day will go. That requires flexibility from everyone.” And it's there: “With Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, King's Day, Easter and Christmas, we achieve the impossible together. It's not really possible, but we'll do it anyway.”

Well arranged

What makes working at Bakker Goedhart so attractive? “We are an artisan company, we make beautiful products, but on a large scale. So things are well organized here.” And that's why you don't have to get up as early as you think: “The vast majority starts here at about 7 a.m.” What if you still have doubts? “Take a look at the store. Chances are that the pastry you see comes from us. It's nice to make something tangible, something you see in the store, isn't it?” And his favorite product? “A fresh slice of crumb pie, it's hard to miss.”