Name: Sabrina Konrad

Age: 19

Apprenticeship: Specialist for System Catering

Year of apprenticeship: 2nd Year

 

What brought you to NORDSEE?

I came to NORDSEE through my mother as she’s been working for the company for more than 10 years. When the end of my schooling approached, she posed the big question of which training I would like to do now. Listening to my mother it was soon clear that this was the right profession for me. 

 

What are the tasks of a specialist in system catering?

It’s about advising, selling and gastronomic service but also involves business activities. Also the products, which I would like to sell, must be appetisingly prepared then presented extremely well. It’s clear that there is no room for boredom in this job. 

 

Which skills / characteristics make a good specialist in system catering?

The following characteristics distinguish a good specialist in system catering: firstly one should enjoy selling and dealing with guests in an advisory capacity, because friendly and competent handling of the variety of guests is our daily business. Also one must keep one’s head in busy / stressful times and react courteously to all inquiries. Good co-operation in the team is very important, since everything must go hand in hand for procedures to run smoothly. 

 

What aspect of the job is most fun for you?

The aspect of working at NORDSEE I particularly enjoy is that each day is versatile and varied. I can work in the restaurant and snack area or I can use my knowledge in the kitchen and at the grill. I also find the work in the office very exciting. This involves, among other things, planning the staff work schedule, ordering goods, analysing sales figures and the success of marketing measures then recognising which measures must be taken to obtain even better results.

 

What do you particularly appreciate about NORDSEE and the training at NORDSEE?

During our training we have regular apprentice seminars, in which an incredible amount of specialised knowledge and topics are dealt with, such as marketing, quality management and controlling. It is also really interesting to get to know and exchange views with the other apprentices from all over Germany.

 

What has been your most enjoyable experience with NORDSEE so far?

My most enjoyable experience at NORDSEE was the SAIL 2010 in Bremerhaven. We put up a large tent and from there we presented our products. It was really interesting to see the ships and their crew and tourists from all over the world. I had the most fun selling our seafood.

 

Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years with NORDSEE?

I see myself as a NORDSEE store manager in the future. Firstly of course I want to successfully complete my final examination as that is the basic prerequisite for a successful career at NORDSEE. After the training I would like to become 1^st Sales personnel, then assistant and finally take over my own store.

 

What would you say to anyone interested in working for NORDSEE?

To school leavers interested in working for NORDSEE I would say the following: NORDSEE offers a versatile and multi-faceted apprenticeship, with excellent career opportunities.

Whoever attracts attention through good performance makes quick progress at NORDSEE.

 

What’s more we don’t sell typical fast food at NORDSEE, but rather delicious fish and seafood in a maritime atmosphere with excellent service.

Name: Oleg Diel

Age: 24
Apprenticeship: Specialist for System Catering

Year of apprenticeship: 3rd Year

 

What brought you to NORDSEE?

At that time I received a tip from a good friend that NORDSEE was looking for trainees. I looked on the internet and found out more about the company and the training and it all looked really exciting. I applied immediately and have now been training for two and a half years. At present I work in Weserpark in Bremen and have my final examination very soon.

 

What are the tasks of a specialist in system catering?

The tasks of a specialist in system catering are very versatile and varied. It’s about looking after and advising guests, but the business activities, which form a large part of the work, are often underestimated.

 

Which skills / characteristics make a good specialist in system catering?

You must keep your head in stressful times and react courteously to all inquiries. Good co-operation in the team is very important, since everything must go hand in hand for procedures to run smoothly. And naturally the pleasure of dealing with the guests.

 

What aspect of the job is most fun for you?

The moment the guest has finished eating, says goodbye with a smile and contentedly leaves our branch is when work is the most enjoyable. When they return to the store another day then I know they were satisfied with our products and service and that I have done everything correctly.

 

What do you particularly appreciate about NORDSEE and the training at NORDSEE?

With regards to the training at NORDSEE I particularly appreciate the extensive specialised knowledge we receive on the products, service and the business activities. It creates a great working atmosphere and it’s really very enjoyable to work in such an excellent team. And we are very well prepared for the examinations by the numerous trainee seminars, that helps with our confidence.

 

What has been your most enjoyable experience with NORDSEE so far?

My most enjoyable experience with NORDSEE so far has been the port birthday in Hamburg. We had an additional stand on the jetties and it was fascinating to see so many people and all the different ships. There was a lot going on and it helped create a great atmosphere among the colleagues.

 

Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years with NORDSEE?

The opportunities for further training are good here at NORDSEE. I would really like to use that so I can become store manager and manage my own branch in the future.

 

What would you say to anyone interested in working for NORDSEE?

NORDSEE training is really broad and diversified. Progress can be fast with good performance. It’s a lot of fun, come and find out for yourself!

Name: Sibel Bilgic

Age: 20
Position: Sales personnel
Employed since: August 2008

 

Ms. Bilgic, would you please introduce yourself?

My name is Sibel Bilgic. I am 20 years old and work at NORDSEE as sales personnel. I have been with the company for 4 years and I really enjoy indulging our guests with delicious NORDSEE snacks and varied dishes.

 

What are the tasks of sales personnel?

For my work in sales it is important to integrate myself well in the team. The tasks and activities which belong to sales personnel are; preparing meals for sale, that means presenting them appropriately and appetisingly whilst paying constant attention to quality and hygiene standards.

However, I particularly enjoy having direct contact with our guests and taking care of them during their entire stay in our restaurant - from greeting and advising on their individual needs, with regards to meals and drinks, right up to saying our goodbyes.

It is important that the whole team co-operates well together so that everything runs smoothly to the full satisfaction of our guests.

 

What skills / characteristics are important for your profession?

Above all, good sales personnel enjoy being of service to the customer.

 

What aspect of your job as sales personnel do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy receiving feedback from our guests, when it tasted good and they felt content and comfortable in our restaurant.

 

Why do you like working at NORDSEE?

I enjoy working at NORDSEE because we have an excellent team and the work is so varied. What’s more I am really enthusiastic about our delicious, innovative and healthy products and it never gets boring!

 

What would you like to achieve within 5 years at NORDSEE?

What would I like to achieve in 5 years at NORDSEE? Definitely a job in sales!

 

What would you say to anyone interested in working for NORDSEE?

If you enjoy service and are looking for a very varied job, then NORDSEE is right for you. We look forward to having you!

Name: Philipp Gerbig

Age: 20
Position: 1st sales personnel

Employed since: August 2008

 

Mr. Gerbig, would you please introduce yourself?

My name is Phillipp Gerbig. I am 20 years old and work as the 1st sales personnel at NORDSEE. 3 years ago I began training at NORDSEE as a retail clerk, which I successfully completed last year.

 

What are the tasks of 1^st sales personnel?

What I enjoy the most about my work at NORDSEE is the variety of tasks. As well as the usual sales activities I am, during the absence of management, responsible for the receipt of incoming goods and cash accounts.

What’s more I am allowed to assist with ordering and merchandising and am responsible for carrying out hygiene and quality checks.

I have the most fun when I can pass on the knowledge I have acquired from internal seminars and training courses onto my colleagues when training in the restaurant.

 

What skills / characteristics are important for your profession?

The most important characteristics of good sales personnel are to be able to adjust flexibly and quickly to new situations, to keep control in stressful situations, to enjoy working in a team and above all to have fun in service.

 

What aspect of your work do you enjoy the most?

I like it when I can bring in my own ideas and then watch my suggestions being successfully implemented.

 

Why do you like working at NORDSEE?

I like working at NORDSEE because every day is different. I appreciate that NORDSEE as an employer offers many internal employee development programmes, which make it possible for me to constantly develop my specialist and personal knowledge and skills further and accept new challenges.

 

What would you like to achieve at NORDSEE in 5 years?

My dream is to have successfully completed the store manager junior training and be free to take over my own NORDSEE restaurant, preferably with a seafood buffet.

 

What would you say to anyone interested in working for NORDSEE?

Come to NORDSEE if you are sociable, communicative, dynamic and flexible!

Name: Mirka Koese
Age: 34
Position: Store manager
Employed since: June 1999

 

Mrs. Koese, would you please introduce yourself?

My name is Mirka Koese. I have been working at NORDSEE for 11 years and at the moment I’m the store manager at Düsseldorf airport.

 

What brought you to NORDSEE?

A friend had mentioned NORDSEE and as I was looking for a temporary job while I was studying economics I applied.

After finishing my studies I began working as 1st sales personnel, after just a short while I was allowed to take over the job of assistant and since 2008 I have been working as store manager in various locations.

 

What are the tasks of a store manager?

The exciting thing about being a store manager is the various aspects of the job. The internal 3 month training to store manager, which every store manager must complete, is also varied. It’s a combination of theory and practical training and as well as the required in-depth product knowledge of fish and seafood we are taught about quality and hygiene, sales control and marketing, controlling and business management and operations.

For me personally, employee management is the most enjoyable and the greatest challenge. As store manager it’s my job to challenge and motivate the employees.

 

What has been your personal highlight since starting at NORDSEE?

The NORDSEE store at Düsseldorf airport is, due to its special location and centrality, a particular challenge for me.

First of all, the day to day work is extremely varied, partly due to visits from international guests and regular customers from radio and television and partly because of the often unforseeable and unexpected heavy demand due to extreme situations such as flight cancellation.

The store is also now a training store for national and international management personnel for our new franchise partner. What’s more enjoyable than being able to pass on your own enthusiasm for NORDSEE?

  

What does the profession of store manager mean to you?

As store manager I wear many hats at the same time. I’m a host, manager, employee’s coach, expert, team developer, employee and sometimes leader of the pack or lion tamer.

The responsibility of the store manager is to satisfy the customer through NORDSEE’s gastronomic service.

 

What skills are required for the profession of store manager?

A store manager needs to have an open manner, good communication and teamwork skills, a talent for organisation, distinct leadership qualities, a good service philosophy and above all the ability to fill oneself and others with enthusiasm for NORDSEE.

 

What would you say to anyone interested in working for NORDSEE?

Come to NORDSEE If you enjoy service, would like to develop yourself and others and would like to be an active part of NORDSEE in the future! 

 

Name: Jörg Rückels
Age: 44
Position: Group store manager
Employed since: January 1986

 

Mr. Rückels, would you please introduce yourself?

My name is Jörg Rückels. I’ve been working at NORDSEE for 25 years now. At the moment I’m the store manager in Bonn and I’m responsible for the Bonn store group, which is made up of 4 stores.

The best thing about my work is delighting our guests and employees with NORDSEE each and every day.

 

What brought you to NORDSEE?

During my training as a chef I realised that instead of only being in the kitchen I much preferred to have direct contact with guests. After successfully completing my training I applied to NORDSEE and began as store manager in Düsseldorf. Over the years I have worked in Hürth and Siegburg.

I have been responsible for all 4 stores in the Bonn area since 2006.

 

Describe a typical day for a store manager.

I appreciate my work as store manager because there is no typical day. Naturally there are tasks which belong to my daily routine or at least have to be done regularly, such as merchandising and ordering, managing incoming goods, quality control, cash accounts and work schedules. But something new can develop every day.

I lead a team of 70 employees which means that there are new challenges, big or small, to be met daily.

I particularly enjoy planning store or regional events and promotions and providing support during their implementation phase.

 

What´s more every appropriately qualified NORDSEE employee has the chance to participate in working groups or projects e.g. in the product development or product innovation area.

 

What has been your personal highlight since starting at NORDSEE?

My personal highlight at NORDSEE was the opening of our first stores in Dubai. I was there for 3 weeks with a colleague and supported the store team in the opening phase by training and assisting in the structuring and organisation of work processes.

It was an unforgettable and wonderful experience to be there at that time and see how our NORDSEE concept can also be established in other cultures.

 

What are the tasks of a store manager?

The NORDSEE store manager is a business within a business.

It is the responsibility of the store manager to organise the store procedures optimally and to recognise and use sales potential thereby reaching the turnover and profit goals of the company.

The store manager is always an example to his/her employees and, to external business partners, a representative of NORDSEE.

 

What skills are required to be a store manager?

As store manager I need to be able to organise myself and my area of responsibility. This requires a high dose of self-discipline.

I need comprehensive business knowledge, must be able to handle criticism and have a healthy amount of ambition.

Being responsible for several stores also means I must be able to delegate.

 

What would you say to anyone interested in working for NORDSEE?

Come to NORDSEE if you love fish, enjoy working with people, take responsibility for your actions and seek a challenge!

Name: Natalie B.

Age: 28

Position: Store manager

Employed since: April 1999

 

What brought you to NORDSEE?

A good friend of my mother’s asked if I would like to work at NORDSEE to supplement my pocket money during school time. I said yes and so began my era at NORDSEE. After a good year as a temporary help I began my training.

 

Which professional training did you undergo at NORDSEE and how was it exactly? 

I was trained as a specialist in system catering. The training took over 3 years. You are trained according to the so-called dual system, which means that there is in-company and vocational school training. I had block instruction - 2 months in the company and then another 3 weeks in the school. So there was always a change. In the company itself (I studied in the Sögestraße in Bremen) it began with cash accounting.  

 

My tasks included carrying out orders independently, stocktaking, learning about personnel management, office administration, merchandising and much more besides. You don’t just stay in your training area either but are also sent on exchanges with other apprentices into other stores (e.g. Bremen Weserpark), to learn company operations. The visit to Deutschen See (German sea) was also really exciting. For two days we were allowed to experience how goods are packed, transported and delivered. We had to get up really early for that…

 

During the three years of practical training we drove once a year to Wremen on the North Sea for one week to take part in the apprentice seminar. There all apprentices of that year met to listen to Mr. Wolter’s lectures.

A tour with our respective regional sales manager was also a component of the training. The reason for this was to become acquainted with his tasks. At that time I was travelling with Mr. Amicone.

As with every training course there were also examinations, which everyone had to take. An oral and a written. These took place in the vocational school at the end of the training. You sit opposite an examiner and show what you have learnt. Then it’s simply “Good luck!”

How has your career continued with NORDSEE up to today?

When I had finished the professional training, I stayed for a short time in the Söge Street where I was deployed as an assistant in Weserpark Bremen. I remained there nearly four years. In 2007 I began my junior career training with the store manager in Wolfsburg, in Oberhausen and occasionally in Bremerhaven of course. After passing the examination there is the ‘springer’ where you do a variety of jobs or also ‘special duty’ which I did for about one year. I got to know a lot of new colleagues and was in many different cities. I enjoyed this tremendously and would highly recommend this job. In September 2008 a new shopping centre opened in Bremen called „Waterfront “, in which I am now store manager.

 

Please describe your current area of responsibility at NORDSEE. 

Since the opening of the shopping centre „Waterfront“ in Bremen about a year ago, I have been store manager of the branch located there. At the moment our team consists of 13 colleagues including me. It isn’t a usual store, since we are in a food court. There are several catering businesses in this almost circular guest area and we share the seating.

 

What do you particularly appreciate about NORDSEE?

The internal promotion opportunities. If you train at NORDSEE, you can, in time, go very far. There are also opportunities for further employee training, which keeps us up to date and supports our daily work.

 

Where do you see yourselves in ten years?

Perhaps further than now. I would like to work in a larger store with a seafood buffet. That would be a challenge!

Name: Marion M.

Age: 27

Position: IT supporter

Employed since: 2002

 

What brought you to NORDSEE?

I was on the lookout for a training place and being from Bremerhaven I landed at NORDSEE, which is a name in Bremerhaven as it is throughout Germany. My teachers at the vocational school congratulated me on the training place and said „You made a good choice, Ms. M.“.

Which professional training did you undergo at NORDSEE and how was it exactly? 

I trained as an IT management assistant at NORDSEE. During my training I worked to a large extent in IT support as well as learning NORDSEE systems and service. The area of reporting and our administrative store application NIL was growing with me and becoming much larger. There was and is always something new here.

 

I received projects to work on, which, on successful completion, were used productively and are still used all over Germany to this very day.

 

How has your career continued with NORDSEE up to today?

I had considerable luck in that upon completion of my training a position in IT support came up due to an employee’s maternity leave.

Once my training was completed my task field widened and I took over some of the tasks which were done previously by my colleague, and also got many new tasks.

 

Please describe your current area of responsibility at NORDSEE. 

I am active in many more areas in IT support besides the everyday store support (hardware, software). I write manuals and user guides for new programs or program extensions and oversee store re-openings, closures and reconstructions.

 

Since we co-operate closely with all departments, there is a wide range of activities such as item maintenance for marketing, co-operation and support of personnel software, support and co-operation with the audit department, etc. The great thing is that new things are always being added to my field of activity and I often have the freedom to slide these tasks in between my normal work.

 

What do you particularly appreciate about NORDSEE?

At NORDSEE there is always a very strong team spirit, both between colleagues in Bremerhaven and between the stores. As an employee of NORDSEE (particularly in IT support) one automatically has a point of reference in each city (where there is a store), because you know the people and can simply pop in and say hello.

Economically it is naturally very interesting to see how NORDSEE has changed over the years, becoming more modern and above all more international.

 

Where do you see yourselves in ten years?

With at least two children and a dog in the garden.

If the children don’t appear, then I still want to belong to NORDSEE in ten years...absolutely!

“I enjoy bringing a smile to the face of our customers”

 

Nicole L. (23) has successfully completed her training as a specialist for system catering recently. Nicole now works as the 1st buffet personnel in the Bremerhaven branch of NORDSEE.

 

„I discovered my profession through training as a specialist for system catering with NORDSEE! I am open-minded, committed and full of life. I enjoy planning, organising and selling for a living. For that reason I try not only to pursue economic interests but am really content when I make our guests in Bremerhaven a little happier and put a smile on their face.

 

My tasks are exciting and varied. It’s a very special combination so I never get bored. Among other things I am involved in the kitchen and service area with the preparation of salads and fish baguettes, dealing with guests, for example selling and advising, sales promotion, advertising and marketing, personnel management including the production of the personnel deployment plan, accounting, managing incoming goods and more exciting activities. I have a lot of fun at work and like the special atmosphere and pleasant team. I also have good opportunities for advancement from the first buffet personnel to deputy store manager.

 

My personal goal is to be a store manager one day“.

Name: Harun K.

Age: 30

Position: Group store manager

Employed since: 01.08.1998

 

What brought you to NORDSEE?

After my high school graduation I looked for a training place and noticed NORDSEE in a daily paper. It was advertised with the slogan „Abi and off to management “. ‘Abi’ means Abitur which is the German equivalent of A levels. That sounded good, so I applied. Originally I wanted to become a tax advisor, which luckily didn’t work out.

 

Which professional training did you undergo at NORDSEE and how was it exactly? 

I trained for the profession „specialist for system catering“ in the Schildergasse, Cologne branch. In the three year course I learnt everything from my trainer Rudolf G., to enable me to begin a career in management. This began with production then on to sales and then to management of incoming goods and administration. It is particularly important to mention that I had the opportunity to work in Munich on the Viktualienmarkt and help at the EXPO in Hanover.

 

How has your career continued with NORDSEE up to today?

After training I worked as the assistant store manager in Hohe Street Cologne for half a year. Then I went through the store manager training. The first store I was allowed to manage was the restaurant in Moenchengladbach. After one year I was active for a further six months in the region North-Rhine/Westphaliain ‘special duty’. In January 2004 I took over my first store in Frankfurt am Main: The restaurant in the northwest centre.

 

After two and a half years I transferred to Siegen and took over the restructuring of the company in the Siegen group. After a further two years, in July 2008, I transferred to Stuttgart and have managed the group in Stuttgart with three stores since then. The special thing about this group is that all three NORDSEE concepts are represented: seafood buffet, restaurant and snacks.

 

Please describe your current area of responsibility at NORDSEE.

My task field is really varied at the moment.

As group store manager you are required in all NORDSEE divisions such as sales and business management and are involved in important personnel decision making. However more importantly still is the job of being host in our stores.

 

What do you particularly appreciate about NORDSEE?

I appreciate that there is always the opportunity to develop myself further at NORDSEE. And in my present position I actually work like an independent entrepreneur only as an employee, which was always my goal.

What’s more I have made a great many friends in the company.

 

Where do you see yourselves in ten years?

Still working at NORDSEE. I’ll see what further development possibilities there are for me...