Facility & procurement manager Joan on working at Conclusion

Joan has enjoyed working as facility & procurement manager at Conclusion since 2016. Before taking this step, she flew around the world. Among other things, she worked as regional aircraft operations manager Africa, Europe and Kazakhstan at Martinair-Air France-KLM Cargo. After 32 years in aviation, it was time for something different. ‘I got into a conversation with Conclusion's CEO Engbert Verkoren and it clicked immediately. A ‘job application’ in the form of 3 interesting and pleasant conversations is of course quite unusual, but Conclusion's energy and charisma appealed to me quite a lot. It was a logical step for me to continue my career here and I haven't regretted it for a day.’

Great workplace for everyone

‘As facility & procurement manager, I have a wide range of tasks. My main objective? That is to ensure that everyone can work as pleasantly as possible at Conclusion and really feel at home. Together with my team, I contribute to this in various ways. For example, I am responsible for monitoring the property portfolio, making sure the parking facilities are in order, that there is food and drink to suit the different needs of our employees and much more. Sustainability plays a big role in this. I think it is a great achievement for our team to ensure that everything in this area is as well organised as possible. There is a lot more to this than people often think.’

An Conclusion sauce

‘Together with my team, I have the daily care of four properties and assist with several others. Conclusion's property portfolio is hugely diverse and growing every year. Since the corona period, we have renovated several properties so that our employees are provided with every convenience. Whether they work in the office, at home or hybrid. We are an ecosystem of more than 25 different companies and I think it is important that each company can work in a way that suits their identity. So when we do a refurbishment, we take stock of what needs each company has. I do think it's important that when you walk into a Conclusion building, you recognise it as such. When furnishing buildings, I therefore take into account the identity of a company and also pour a Conclusion sauce over it.’

Catering for 400 people

‘Catering also falls under my responsibility. Together with my team, I make sure that around 400 people have delicious coffee and tea every day, find fresh fruit in their section and have a choice in the kitchen between halal, gluten-free, veg and vegan products and much more. We have been offering many of these products for years, but in recent years the range has grown significantly. Mainly because the quality of these products has improved enormously. When it comes to catering, we also have a panel at Conclusion. In this way, we try to match supply and demand as closely as possible.’

Major renovation

‘Last year, our premises in Nieuwegein were completely rebuilt. This building now meets everything needed to provide a nice workplace for everyone. Everything has been thought of. For instance, the building is fully wheelchair-accessible, has a prayer room and an emergency pump room with all modern conveniences. We also have a gender-neutral toilet there, a well-maintained garden and a central printer room that does not affect the climate of the working environment. This kind of major investment is important to take the best possible care of your employees. We have already received many positive reactions to the refurbishment.’

With an eye to the future

‘At Conclusion, we make conscious choices as much as possible. We think about everything. For example, we are actively working on making our premises more sustainable. In Nieuwegein, for example, we have installed 200 solar panels on the roof that provide energy to 13 charging stations. And I also try to motivate our property managers as much as possible to take sustainability measures. In addition, Conclusion now has two forests. I planted 45 trees here myself last year. When it comes to catering, we also buy consciously and pay attention to what happens to our waste. For example, our coffee grounds are collected by the Sligro so that oyster mushrooms can grow on them. In terms of sustainability, we still have plenty of challenges ahead of us. By 2028, for instance, all our businesses must run on Dutch wind energy. And we aim to eat as organically as possible in a green environment. This is something I am happy to commit to together with my team in the coming years.’