The path to becoming a site manager
Niko has been working at CWS Fire Safety since summer 2022. He initially started in the Sales Support team, where he dealt with customer enquiries. He was already familiar with the fire safety industry, as he had previously worked as a product manager in the fire safety sector. After two years in Sales Support, however, his desire for more responsibility grew: "I told my line manager that I was open to new challenges. It was important to me to express my desire for change openly and honestly." And so it was that another branch manager approached Niko about the vacancy and asked whether he could imagine working as a site manager. Since October 2024, Niko has been Branch Manager for Münster and has moved from the central team to the branch.
Tasks of a site manager
‘I am operationally responsible for all processes and employees,’ explains Niko. This ranges from equipping employees and liaising with the newly introduced ERP system to meeting sales and margin targets and looking after key accounts. The role of site manager encompasses a wide range of tasks, which Niko takes on with commitment and a sense of responsibility.
When asked what he enjoys most about his new position as site manager, Niko replies: "The variety! Although the basic processes are similar, everyone in my team has different issues and challenges that need to be solved." The ability to constantly embrace new things and remain flexible seems to be one of the most important qualities to be successful as a site manager.
Preparation and dealing with challenges
‘At the start of my new role as site manager, I drew up a three-month action plan together with my line manager to get an overview and implement the first measures,’ reports Niko. Niko is also in regular dialogue with other branch managers to discuss various topics.
Leading and managing a team of over 20 people directly was a major challenge, especially as there were many changes in the branch and at regional level before Niko arrived. However, with his line manager at his side as a mentor, who offers him support in both short daily meetings and longer weekly dialogue sessions, Niko has already overcome a few hurdles. "Things are slowly settling down. It's getting better, even if there are still a few areas to work on," he adds.
Balance between job, family and friends
‘Getting everything under one roof is challenging,’ says Niko. The new responsibility as site manager also has an impact on other areas of his life. Niko is now in the office almost all week. Fortunately, he can rely on the support of his wife, who helps a lot in the background. However, he had to give up his voluntary work as he had to reprioritise his life. Today, he enjoys getting off work early once a week to take his children to the sports field or play a game of paddle tennis with his friends.
Equal opportunities at CWS Fire Safety
In our conversation, Niko emphasises what he particularly appreciates about CWS Fire Safety: ‘At CWS Fire Safety, it doesn't matter what country you come from, what religion or what gender you are - everyone has the chance to develop, including in management positions.’ We are naturally pleased with this statement, because we take equal opportunities for granted, which is apparently not the case in every company.
Recommendation for prospective site managers
Finally, we asked Niko what advice he would have given his "self" five years ago. His answer is: "I should have taken this step earlier, I held back for too long. It's important to formulate your goals openly and build up a network. I also had to learn to say “no” so that the quality of my work didn't suffer. The balance between work and private life is crucial. I can only advise everyone to have the courage to try new things."
We are happy to take this on board...
Join the team!
If you are looking for a change and would like to become a site manager or take on another management position, then take a look at our job market or send us an unsolicited application.