Amanda Johansson has grown into her role as Operations Manager through several positions within Axelent, gaining a broad understanding of the entire value chain along the way. Today, she leads the development of production and warehouse operations, with a strong focus on continuous improvement, efficiency and safety.

You have now been in your role as Operations Manager for some time. How would you describe your journey so far?

It has been a very rewarding and educational journey. I learn something new every day and constantly gain new perspectives.

“It has been a very rewarding and educational journey, I learn something new every day and constantly gain new perspectives.”

What has been the most valuable learning since moving from Purchasing Manager to Operations Manager?

I joined Axelent a few years ago, and it has been a very developing and rewarding time. I started as Purchasing Manager, where we focused on restructuring the purchasing function and creating clear goals and processes for supplier evaluation.

After that, I moved into the role of Supply Chain Manager, leading purchasing, warehouse and planning. It was a dynamic role where one moment could involve discussions about sustainability in our supply chain, and the next about improving planning processes in the warehouse.

These experiences have given me a broader understanding of the entire value chain and the importance of structure and flow in creating a balanced operation. About a year ago, I stepped into my current role as Operations Manager. What I value most is now being able to lead production and warehouse processes as one integrated whole together with the production managers.

Which improvements or development areas have you focused on the most in your role?

A key focus has been creating a process where all employees are involved in driving continuous improvement, both on a daily and a strategic level.

By learning from deviations and working together, we can continuously move in the right direction and strengthen our way of working.

How do you work to create efficient and sustainable processes in daily operations?

We are working with implementing Lean across the entire organisation and have made good progress. This creates engagement at all levels and supports our daily efforts to identify and develop more sustainable and efficient processes.

Safety is always at the centre of what we do. How do you and your team work with safety in everyday operations, and what is top of mind right now?

We currently have several projects running in the factory aimed at creating a safer working environment. This includes everything from improving walkways to enhancing ergonomics.

“We want to create an environment where employee engagement and drive are at the centre, and where we continuously learn from yesterday to become more efficient today.”

Looking ahead, what are your goals and ambitions for the Operations department in the coming year?

Our ambition is to build a factory where Lean is fully integrated and where safety is always in focus. We want to create an environment where employee engagement and drive are at the centre, and where we continuously learn from yesterday to become more efficient today.