Interview with Julien Souvrain, Director of Operations
Hello Julien, you have had an impressive career within the group, can you tell us about your journey?
I am trained as a mechanical engineer and started working at Tractel right after graduation 6 years ago. My first job in the group was as a Project Manager, then followed a position as Group Product Manager, and recently I was promoted to Operations Director of Tractel Solutions. I am based in Lyon in France, where I am responsible for the entire entity with a team of 30 people.
Has working in an international company opened your mind to different points of views and inclusiveness?
Yes! Even though I have only worked and studied in France, my work is quite international. Living in Lyon eases foreign travels due to the central location in the middle of Europe. My native language is French, and I speak English as well on a professional level. My English skills help me to coordinate projects worldwide in an efficient manner and to be able to speak with different people with an open mind making it easier to understand different approaches and point of views across cultures and boarders.
How were you first introduced to Alimak Group – or Tractel group as the company was called when you started?
This was by an opportunity. The previous operations manager of Tractel Solutions introduced me to the job as a Project Manager and hired me, right after I had finished my university studies.
Can you think of any leaders you have admired and why?
I cannot think of a specific person as such, but I admire people with visions that can reach new heights and see problems from above in order find the best solution.
Can you think of any bigger challenges you have had in your job – and as well successes – until today?
I like challenges and up to now, I had the chance to lead the biggest project for Tractel with the delivery of hook blocks for nuclear plants.
Another big challenge in my career was during my time as Group Product Manager where I got the chance to completely redesign our Measurement and Control (M&C) product range, i.e wireless load links and scales, leading the development on every aspect during the COVID period. The result was a launch of a completely new portfolio for M&C. Nowadays I am leading a manufacturing site which is another type of challenge. I find it exciting and every day I do my best to make sure the people reporting to me are developing, happy and that our customers are satisfied.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I am driven by challenges, rational thinking and implementing methods. I am always trying to see if a better solution exists and giving my best in every position, role or project I am leading.
I try to make every day a little different which is also a good way to develop myself. I learn new things every day. My job is international which allows me to travel, and this gives me great opportunities in discovering and understanding new countries and new cultures which I really enjoy.
What do you do in your spare time?
I like all mountains and endurance sports: skiing (cross country, alpine, road cycling, hiking).
I also like to watch “Japanese animes” as well, it helps to think out of the box, completely different. It like to “unplug the brain”, and this really feels good.
Can you think of any advice you would offer to another person considering a career within Alimak Group?
Alimak Group has focus on development and opportunities for their employees. My recommendation is to have an open mind to opportunities and always try to catch them if you see them. Dare to try new things, even if it’s not completely within your scope. You can grow from getting out in the unknown!