A day in the life of Cyrille Puts, a Business Controller at Grodan
As a Business Controller at Grodan, I find myself at the intersection of commercial strategy and financial analysis. It’s a role that combines my passion for sustainability with my expertise in finance, making each day an exciting challenge. I joined Grodan in April 2023, and I have to say my journey here has been deeply fulfilling, allowing me to contribute to a company dedicated to sustainable growth.
In my role, data plays a crucial part. While I recognize its significance, I also believe that collaboration and communication are key components of our success. Much of my time is spent consulting with colleagues, discussing what strategies align with our goals as a company and our business unit focused on Northwest Europe.
At Grodan, we strive to base our decisions on data analysis, but it’s the people behind the numbers who truly drive our initiatives forward. For instance, our Shared Service Centre in Poland manages the accounting, and while I don’t directly handle that work, I often connect with them when I notice trends or discrepancies in the data. It’s about understanding the ‘why’ behind the numbers, fostering a culture of inquiry and insight.
My journey to Grodan was somewhat serendipitous. Living in Roermond, I was well aware of ROCKWOOL’s presence as the largest employer in the region. I was working for a real estate developer when I saw the vacancy at Grodan. Since Grodan is part of ROCKWOOL Group, I was immediately interested in joining this well-known company.
What appealed to me most was not just the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in horticulture, but also how close it is to my home, allowing me to cycle to work.
Embracing the corporate culture
Working at Grodan means being part of a large yet close-knit organization. While we are a significant player in the industry, we also maintain direct lines of communication that empower every employee to make an impact. I appreciate that my ideas are not just heard but also acted upon, enabling me to bring about real change.
For example, I recently worked on standardizing our deal submission process for our account managers. Previously, submissions varied widely, leading to confusion and inefficiencies. By developing a unified format, we’ve streamlined this process, allowing our sales team to present their deals more effectively.
Commitment to sustainability and growth
The future of the horticulture sector is bright, filled with opportunities and challenges alike. As we work towards feeding and treating a growing global population, we are also addressing the urgent need for sustainable practices. At Grodan, we’re dedicated to helping our customers grow more efficiently, using less water and energy.
Personally, I am passionate about contributing to societal goals (such as supporting “de Voedselbank”), and I find it rewarding to work for a company that prioritizes sustainability. The motto “Designed to grow together” resonates with me on multiple levels. It reflects our commitment to our customers as they cultivate their crops, but it also symbolizes our collective ambition as a company.
Advice for future employees
For anyone considering joining Grodan, I can confidently say that it’s a fantastic place to work. The team shares a common goal of doing what’s best for the company, fostering a “can-do” mentality. Here, hard work is met with recognition, and there is always room for personal and professional growth.
As I continue my journey at Grodan, I look forward to contributing to our ongoing success and innovation. With a strong team by my side, I am excited about the future we are building together – one that supports both our growth and the health of our planet.
