Connected to the chain #19 | Carmen de Oude

Carmen de Oude works as a Category Manager within the Supply Chain Management department at TenneT. At the age of 31, Carmen brings a wealth of expertise and passion to her role, fuelled by her dedication to promoting efficiency and innovation within supply chain management. Outside of work, Carmen enjoys tending to her collection of over 50 houseplants, demonstrating her green thumb and love of gardening. She also enjoys exploring theme parks, adding a touch of adventure to her free time.

What is your role within SCM?

As a strategic project buyer, I manage the procurement activities for both (one of) the 2GW Clusters and 700MW project, ensuring the acquisition of essential resources and services. My main focus is to support the LPO projects through all stages of procurement, carefully navigating through the tender rounds to efficiently meet project requirements.

I also hold the role of Category Manager and am involved in supporting the submarine cable category.

You mentioned the 2GW projects. What are your personal highlights?

The 2GW projects stand out for its long-term partnerships, especially in the cable and station areas. My involvement in one of the cable tenders over two years underlines the careful planning of the project. With an international team and partners, including TenneT Netherlands and TenneT Germany, collaboration is paramount. The complexity of the projects is reflected in the involvement of several business units, reflecting its comprehensive nature.

How do you implement partnership in your procurement?

Due to the relatively small number of offshore projects in the past, there used to be a transition from one project to another within Large Projects Offshore compared to today. However, with the increasing number of projects, the old approach is no longer adequate. The ongoing energy transition has brought a large number of projects on the horizon, requiring a change in mindset and methodology.

There are several key elements to this new way of working. Adopting a long-term perspective to address the evolving landscape, engaging multiple partners within a single contract framework to promote collaboration and efficiency, and increasing capacity to meet the demands of the growing project portfolio. In addition, collaborating on joint bids, including with German colleagues on the team, to leverage synergies and optimise resources is critical. Finally, prioritising a way of working that benefits all partners, ultimately increasing efficiency across the board.

What achievements in your job are you most proud of?

In 2018, I started my journey as a trainee with limited knowledge of procurement and technical matters. Over the past six years, I've been fortunate to have had numerous opportunities to contribute to TenneT, offshore projects and the energy transition. Through these experiences I've experienced significant personal growth, particularly in the areas of procurement, offshore operations and cables. Reflecting on this journey, I'm proud of the substantial development I've achieved.

What motivates you to work on the energy transition?

Working closely with different project teams, I appreciate the diversity of our work, which includes international dynamics and cultural differences. It's gratifying to see the alignment between different business units within the category, all working towards a common goal. In addition, working with international suppliers who bring innovative perspectives and approaches adds a fascinating dimension to our work.

How do you maintain a good work-life balance?

Maintaining a consistent routine is something I value, although it can be challenging given the demands of my work schedule. I usually spend four out of five days at the Rijnpoort Arnhem office, where I prefer to commute by bike. Starting the day with a refreshing bike ride helps to clear my mind, and returning home feeling mentally refreshed is rewarding.

Regular exercise at the gym is also a priority for me, as it provides both physical and mental benefits.

What makes SCM a unique place to work?

In my role, I have colleagues from both Dutch and German backgrounds, in addition to being involved in the relevant projects. This gives me ample opportunity to interact with a wide range of departments, allowing for continuous learning and development.

In addition, my position offers me the flexibility to work with numerous project teams and partners, which contributes to a dynamic and enriching working environment.

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