Ernesto Felix
VP Cement Operations & Technical
AMEA & Philippines
“CEMEX culture thrives on enthusiasm, new challenges, hard work, and the desire to be better.”
Life @ CEMEX
Life @ CEMEX
Exciting work, great people, improvement, innovation.
At CEMEX, it all starts with our people.
We have great talent, provide great development opportunities, and are proud of our low employee turnover. We believe in promoting from within and instill a sense of ownership in our employees, so we all share in CEMEX's successes.
To help you understand what it is like to work at CEMEX, we have asked our people to share their experiences. Read the stories and envision how your life at CEMEX could be.
Meet Our People
Working at CEMEX is stimulating, challenging and rewarding. You will get “best in class” on the job training while enjoying a fast-paced work environment and collaborating with smart, talented colleagues who thrive on finding solutions to complex problems
The best evidence to life at CEMEX is the words of the people who work here. Read some of their stories—their career journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome and their insights to help envisage how your career could develop.
There are three fundamental reasons for which I joined CEMEX:
- The desire to be part of a company that provides me with ample opportunities for development in various areas and has a global presence that allows me to interact with diverse cultures
- The employee development program
- The desire to be part of a team that had successfully positioned CEMEX as a global company with a presence in more than 50 countries
CEMEX culture thrives on enthusiasm, new challenges, hard work and the desire to be better. These are the attitudes that enable our company to achieve—and surpass—its goals.
During my time at CEMEX I have had the opportunity to work in various places, countries and cultures. Because of these experiences, I now have a more global and conciliatory perspective; I find opportunities in differences. I started as a Processes Specialist working in the plants; now I oversee and support the integrated strategy of the business, and it is very rewarding.
“I find opportunities in differences.”
The greatest challenge of my career at CEMEX occurred when I began leading work teams at the cement plants. Going from working with machines, calculations and efficiencies, to managing people was a fundamental change in my career. I soon realized that in managing people, the relationship must be reciprocal; we as team leaders have to provide people with the necessary tools, leadership and direction, among other things, in order to receive excellent work from them and the support necessary to achieve the objectives and goals.
I enjoy very much working here; specially working with the great people that this company has. CEMEX greatest assets are its culture and people!
Andrew Spencer
Director of Sustainability
UK
“CEMEX attracted me because of its clear commitment to make a positive change in the environment and society.”
CEMEX attracted me because of its clear commitment to make a positive change in the environment and society. I joined the company in March 2006, and the remainder of that year and 2007 was an intense challenge—building a new team, managing environmental sustainability, taking a lead on developing strategies and action plans, and exploring customer demands.
To succeed in CEMEX, personal drive, collaboration, flexibility and innovative thinking are essential skills. I enjoy the results-focused culture and collective desire to succeed. As a result, change happens very quickly.
“CEMEX is committed to make a positive change
in the environment and society.”
After an intense but successful 2007, I finished early for Christmas due to the birth of my daughter. Three days after she was born, the phone rang informing me that I had been selected to act as Sustainability Director! I was both delighted, and proud; and was formally appointed in March 2008.
We had a new Country Manager and senior team, so this was a real opportunity for further improvement and change. We analyzed stakeholders’ views and marketplace and competitor trends. Then, we developed, and quickly deployed such innovative strategies as multi-site ISO 14001 implementation, responsible sourcing, carbon modeling and employee training programs. This enabled our business to remain competitive in changing markets, reduce its impact on the environment and society, contribute to a more sustainable building industry, and empower all of our employees to make a difference. We have achieved all of this through a talented team, excellent support and drive from senior management, great buy-in and effort from operational units, and collaboration from committed colleagues. I am absolutely delighted at the progress we have made in a relatively short period of time!
There are three fundamental reasons for which I joined CEMEX:
- The desire to be part of a company that provides me with ample opportunities for development in various areas and has a global presence that allows me to interact with diverse cultures
- The employee development program
- The desire to be part of a team that had successfully positioned CEMEX as a global company with a presence in more than 50 countries
CEMEX culture thrives on enthusiasm, new challenges, hard work and the desire to be better. These are the attitudes that enable our company to achieve—and surpass—its goals.
During my time at CEMEX I have had the opportunity to work in various places, countries and cultures. Because of these experiences, I now have a more global and conciliatory perspective; I find opportunities in differences. I started as a Processes Specialist working in the plants; now I oversee and support the integrated strategy of the business, and it is very rewarding.
“I find opportunities in differences.”
The greatest challenge of my career at CEMEX occurred when I began leading work teams at the cement plants. Going from working with machines, calculations and efficiencies, to managing people was a fundamental change in my career. I soon realized that in managing people, the relationship must be reciprocal; we as team leaders have to provide people with the necessary tools, leadership and direction, among other things, in order to receive excellent work from them and the support necessary to achieve the objectives and goals.
I enjoy very much working here; specially working with the great people that this company has. CEMEX greatest assets are its culture and people!
CEMEX attracted me because of its clear commitment to make a positive change in the environment and society. I joined the company in March 2006, and the remainder of that year and 2007 was an intense challenge—building a new team, managing environmental sustainability, taking a lead on developing strategies and action plans, and exploring customer demands.
To succeed in CEMEX, personal drive, collaboration, flexibility and innovative thinking are essential skills. I enjoy the results-focused culture and collective desire to succeed. As a result, change happens very quickly.
“CEMEX is committed to make a positive change
in the environment and society.”
After an intense but successful 2007, I finished early for Christmas due to the birth of my daughter. Three days after she was born, the phone rang informing me that I had been selected to act as Sustainability Director! I was both delighted, and proud; and was formally appointed in March 2008.
We had a new Country Manager and senior team, so this was a real opportunity for further improvement and change. We analyzed stakeholders’ views and marketplace and competitor trends. Then, we developed, and quickly deployed such innovative strategies as multi-site ISO 14001 implementation, responsible sourcing, carbon modeling and employee training programs. This enabled our business to remain competitive in changing markets, reduce its impact on the environment and society, contribute to a more sustainable building industry, and empower all of our employees to make a difference. We have achieved all of this through a talented team, excellent support and drive from senior management, great buy-in and effort from operational units, and collaboration from committed colleagues. I am absolutely delighted at the progress we have made in a relatively short period of time!
Jürgen Winkelmann
VP Human Resources Projects
Corporate
“I am passionate about diversity and change; that is part of CEMEX’s DNA!”
During my 13 years with CEMEX, I have had the opportunity to grow in several roles: I started as the head of business development in Germany, was given the responsibility to run the country’s IT department, was assigned to corporate strategy in the UK, played a leading role in a post-merger integration process, and am now the Vice President of Human Resources for CEMEX Germany. The company has allowed me to change roles, cultures, languages and functions at a constant pace. This variety of experiences has enriched my professional and personal life.
“I am passionate about diversity and change;
that is part of CEMEX’s DNA!”
Today, as the Vice President for Human Resources in Germany, I am committed to driving diversity and change. The diversity of talent in this country and across CEMEX worldwide is reflected in the recruiting process, in succession planning, in the deployment of careers, and in the further development of our leadership model and practices. Furthermore, change is mandatory due to the evolving business environment, and rapid transformation is a critical factor for competitive success. Within human resources at CEMEX, I am part of our engine for change—change processes are on my daily agenda.
For me, CEMEX is and has always been a place where diversity and change are “built-in.” Our future success depends strongly on our leadership ability to use diversity to drive change, and to adapt more rapidly than our competitors.
Ricardo Naya
President CEMEX Colombia
Colombia
“I have met hundreds of extraordinary people that make this a great place to work.”
I joined CEMEX immediately after my graduation from college. At that time, the country was in the middle of a severe crisis. The first thing I learned, as a planning analyst at Mexico, is that CEMEX always gives challenging opportunities in high impact projects, regardless of seniority.
What I like about CEMEX is that we push for more: to innovate, to change, to be different, to break paradigms, to share, to learn from others, to take risks, to leverage the benefits of the newest technologies, and to be responsible and accountable for our performance. For all of these reasons, I consider this a great place to work, develop, enjoy, and have fun.
Some people might think that working in the basic construction materials industry is not very attractive, but we are helping others to build their dream house, the tallest buildings, the longest bridges and the cities of the future.
During my journey from different positions, CEMEX has offered me a tremendous opportunity to grow personally and professionally. I have had the opportunity to travel to almost all of the places where CEMEX has operations, and have met hundreds of extraordinary people that make this a great place to work.
I find working in CEMEX invigorating because we are all surrounded by extremely professional, committed and motivated individuals; from the top management team that drives our company to the wheeloader operator in any of our plants. We have the right balance of highly experienced managers and young entrepreneurial executives.
During my 13 years with CEMEX, I have had the opportunity to grow in several roles: I started as the head of business development in Germany, was given the responsibility to run the country’s IT department, was assigned to corporate strategy in the UK, played a leading role in a post-merger integration process, and am now the Vice President of Human Resources for CEMEX Germany. The company has allowed me to change roles, cultures, languages and functions at a constant pace. This variety of experiences has enriched my professional and personal life.
“I am passionate about diversity and change;
that is part of CEMEX’s DNA!”
Today, as the Vice President for Human Resources in Germany, I am committed to driving diversity and change. The diversity of talent in this country and across CEMEX worldwide is reflected in the recruiting process, in succession planning, in the deployment of careers, and in the further development of our leadership model and practices. Furthermore, change is mandatory due to the evolving business environment, and rapid transformation is a critical factor for competitive success. Within human resources at CEMEX, I am part of our engine for change—change processes are on my daily agenda.
For me, CEMEX is and has always been a place where diversity and change are “built-in.” Our future success depends strongly on our leadership ability to use diversity to drive change, and to adapt more rapidly than our competitors.
I joined CEMEX immediately after my graduation from college. At that time, the country was in the middle of a severe crisis. The first thing I learned, as a planning analyst at Mexico, is that CEMEX always gives challenging opportunities in high impact projects, regardless of seniority.
What I like about CEMEX is that we push for more: to innovate, to change, to be different, to break paradigms, to share, to learn from others, to take risks, to leverage the benefits of the newest technologies, and to be responsible and accountable for our performance. For all of these reasons, I consider this a great place to work, develop, enjoy, and have fun.
Some people might think that working in the basic construction materials industry is not very attractive, but we are helping others to build their dream house, the tallest buildings, the longest bridges and the cities of the future.
During my journey from different positions, CEMEX has offered me a tremendous opportunity to grow personally and professionally. I have had the opportunity to travel to almost all of the places where CEMEX has operations, and have met hundreds of extraordinary people that make this a great place to work.
I find working in CEMEX invigorating because we are all surrounded by extremely professional, committed and motivated individuals; from the top management team that drives our company to the wheeloader operator in any of our plants. We have the right balance of highly experienced managers and young entrepreneurial executives.
Anke Schneider
Senior Manager Financial Planning
Czech Republic
“I can make a positive difference at CEMEX.”
Before I joined CEMEX, originally as a Sales Controller, I spent several years in the controllers department of national real estate and beverage corporations. I was attracted to CEMEX by the challenge of playing an active part in an international corporation, and now I have acquired great experience in my current role as a Senior Manager in Financial Planning.
At CEMEX, we constantly encounter international projects for improving processes, and implementing best practices. Here, we can continuously extend our knowledge about the way certain situations are handled, and resolved in other countries—always with the goal of creating a competitive advantage for CEMEX. To this end, an open mind toward different cultures is essential!
“I can make a positive difference at CEMEX.”
For example, right from the start, I participated in an international project, implementing a new SAP system. During the project, I learned that each culture has its own operating methods and procedures and that the way of thinking of my colleagues in other countries was not only complementary to my own, but also enriched the project.
I know that through my active involvement and on my own initiative I can make a positive difference at CEMEX. I can say it doesn’t get boring at CEMEX! There is always a new and exciting challenge waiting for a solution.
Enrique Alanis
Director Global Enterprise Risk Management
Global
“I embrace the level of professionalism and excellence of the culture.”
What attracted me to CEMEX was the desire to work for a proven, successful company, with a high level of challenges and, at the same time, opportunities to learn; a company that has constantly established a positive benchmark—from its operations processes to its business practices.
At CEMEX, I have had the opportunity to increase my capabilities through complex global projects and implementations, good and adverse market conditions, and different cultural challenges, with the constant willingness to excel both individually and through teamwork.
“I embrace the level of professionalism and
excellence of the culture.”
I enjoy CEMEX’s cultural diversity. It allows me to learn from other cultures and to broaden my point of view. I further embrace the high level of professionalism and excellence that are part of the culture.
Before I joined CEMEX, originally as a Sales Controller, I spent several years in the controllers department of national real estate and beverage corporations. I was attracted to CEMEX by the challenge of playing an active part in an international corporation, and now I have acquired great experience in my current role as a Senior Manager in Financial Planning.
At CEMEX, we constantly encounter international projects for improving processes, and implementing best practices. Here, we can continuously extend our knowledge about the way certain situations are handled, and resolved in other countries—always with the goal of creating a competitive advantage for CEMEX. To this end, an open mind toward different cultures is essential!
“I can make a positive difference at CEMEX.”
For example, right from the start, I participated in an international project, implementing a new SAP system. During the project, I learned that each culture has its own operating methods and procedures and that the way of thinking of my colleagues in other countries was not only complementary to my own, but also enriched the project.
I know that through my active involvement and on my own initiative I can make a positive difference at CEMEX. I can say it doesn’t get boring at CEMEX! There is always a new and exciting challenge waiting for a solution.
What attracted me to CEMEX was the desire to work for a proven, successful company, with a high level of challenges and, at the same time, opportunities to learn; a company that has constantly established a positive benchmark—from its operations processes to its business practices.
At CEMEX, I have had the opportunity to increase my capabilities through complex global projects and implementations, good and adverse market conditions, and different cultural challenges, with the constant willingness to excel both individually and through teamwork.
“I embrace the level of professionalism and
excellence of the culture.”
I enjoy CEMEX’s cultural diversity. It allows me to learn from other cultures and to broaden my point of view. I further embrace the high level of professionalism and excellence that are part of the culture.
Career Journeys
As a CEMEX employee, you will embark on an exciting, individual adventure. You will be empowered to shape your personal experience and chart your own career path. You can go deep in one area of expertise or move across functions or geographies to capture a broad range of opportunities. And since our culture provides everyone who works here with opportunities to grow professionally and personally, you will have the support of your manager and colleagues, as well as access to a variety of institutional resources.
Our company believes in developing our people through a mix of on-the-job experiences, coaching and a course offer to improve performance, where the end goal is to build a solid leadership pipeline for the future. Our Institutional Leadership Development Programs combine real-world experience with formal classroom study. Through on-the-job assignments, executive mentoring and global networking, participants strengthen the skills that are crucial to their long-term success.
Matthew Wild
VP of Logistics
United States
“Working for CEMEX is a whole different experience.”
My career started with the company in 2001 with RMC, prior to its acquisition by CEMEX in 2005. I was working in procurement in the cement operations part of the business. During the post-merger integration (PMI) period, it quickly became evident that working for CEMEX was going to be a different experience than working for RMC. It wasn't that one culture was better than the other. They were just different. CEMEX is a very fast paced, results-driven business with a focus on key values: Leadership, Collaboration and Integrity.
Following the PMI, I was offered the opportunity to run our ash and import terminals operations in the UK. A year later, in 2006, I was chosen to attend an Institutional Leadership Development Program. This is an intensive, one-year program, which brought CEMEX people from around the world to work and study together. Aside from the obvious learning experience, it gave us a real opportunity to network with colleagues from other CEMEX countries, and to make new friends, while having lots of fun along the way. That year remains a highlight of my professional career and is something that I will remember, and cherish forever.
“Working for CEMEX is a whole different experience.”
The following year, I had the opportunity to change jobs again, becoming Regional Director for Aggregates in the South of England & Wales. One of the real benefits of working for CEMEX is that they are not afraid to toss you a real challenge if you are up for it. You don't need to have years of experience in a particular function or business area to be considered for a position here. We like managers to have good all-round business experience in all areas, which really widens the career opportunities in the company for those that seek, and engage challenge and change.
I now perform another role as Vice President, Cement Commercial, Building Products and Logistics. It really has been a whirlwind of a ride. I genuinely believe I have been fortunate to have amassed as much management experience in the relatively short time I have worked for CEMEX—experience that some people don't even get in a lifetime. I have been offered opportunities to tackle new and challenging roles, to lead, and work alongside with some fantastic people along the way. I'm not sure you can ask for much more!
Marvin Calderon
Director of Cement Operations & Technical
Costa Rica
“I’m passionate about my work at CEMEX.”
We guarantee a safe and healthy work environment for our people, and continually provide them development opportunities that are interesting and challenging. Team work capacity, leadership and the continual search for innovative business improvements and opportunities—are the key elements for achieving personal goals, and contributing to the company success.
Working for CEMEX gives me the opportunity to live with passion; on a daily basis I get to listen to the members of my team explain new value proposals to improve our productivity. I also communicate with colleagues around the world who have the same expertise in order to exchange points of view, information and knowledge; in my experience, my colleagues are always happy to share their expertise and informed opinions.
“I’m passionate about my work at CEMEX.”
My career at CEMEX began in 1999 with CEMEX’s acquisition of Cementos del Pacífico S.A., where I had worked in the maintenance department since 1985. CEMEX promoted me to Milling Manager, and the following year I became the Technical Services Manager, where I was responsible for providing maintenance support to our operations and new projects. A year after that I was named Production Manager for the Colorado Plant, and in March of 2003 I was then promoted to the position I currently hold: Director of Cement Operations for Costa Rica.
During my time as Director, the Costa Rican operations have achieved several notable accomplishments: We had the best safety record among the South America & Caribbean’s operations during the years 2003, 2008, and 2009; we significantly reduced carbon emissions by reducing the clinker factor; and in CEMEX’s Latin-American operations, we are the leaders in substituting alternative energy for traditional power.
It is inspiring for me to work in a business that it is constantly striving to reduce its footprint on the world. That it is not afraid to innovate and to take accountability for its people’s safety and development. As an operator this has inspired me to perform and proudly continue working at CEMEX.
My career started with the company in 2001 with RMC, prior to its acquisition by CEMEX in 2005. I was working in procurement in the cement operations part of the business. During the post-merger integration (PMI) period, it quickly became evident that working for CEMEX was going to be a different experience than working for RMC. It wasn't that one culture was better than the other. They were just different. CEMEX is a very fast paced, results-driven business with a focus on key values: Leadership, Collaboration and Integrity.
Following the PMI, I was offered the opportunity to run our ash and import terminals operations in the UK. A year later, in 2006, I was chosen to attend an Institutional Leadership Development Program. This is an intensive, one-year program, which brought CEMEX people from around the world to work and study together. Aside from the obvious learning experience, it gave us a real opportunity to network with colleagues from other CEMEX countries, and to make new friends, while having lots of fun along the way. That year remains a highlight of my professional career and is something that I will remember, and cherish forever.
“Working for CEMEX is a whole different experience.”
The following year, I had the opportunity to change jobs again, becoming Regional Director for Aggregates in the South of England & Wales. One of the real benefits of working for CEMEX is that they are not afraid to toss you a real challenge if you are up for it. You don't need to have years of experience in a particular function or business area to be considered for a position here. We like managers to have good all-round business experience in all areas, which really widens the career opportunities in the company for those that seek, and engage challenge and change.
I now perform another role as Vice President, Cement Commercial, Building Products and Logistics. It really has been a whirlwind of a ride. I genuinely believe I have been fortunate to have amassed as much management experience in the relatively short time I have worked for CEMEX—experience that some people don't even get in a lifetime. I have been offered opportunities to tackle new and challenging roles, to lead, and work alongside with some fantastic people along the way. I'm not sure you can ask for much more!
We guarantee a safe and healthy work environment for our people, and continually provide them development opportunities that are interesting and challenging. Team work capacity, leadership and the continual search for innovative business improvements and opportunities—are the key elements for achieving personal goals, and contributing to the company success.
Working for CEMEX gives me the opportunity to live with passion; on a daily basis I get to listen to the members of my team explain new value proposals to improve our productivity. I also communicate with colleagues around the world who have the same expertise in order to exchange points of view, information and knowledge; in my experience, my colleagues are always happy to share their expertise and informed opinions.
“I’m passionate about my work at CEMEX.”
My career at CEMEX began in 1999 with CEMEX’s acquisition of Cementos del Pacífico S.A., where I had worked in the maintenance department since 1985. CEMEX promoted me to Milling Manager, and the following year I became the Technical Services Manager, where I was responsible for providing maintenance support to our operations and new projects. A year after that I was named Production Manager for the Colorado Plant, and in March of 2003 I was then promoted to the position I currently hold: Director of Cement Operations for Costa Rica.
During my time as Director, the Costa Rican operations have achieved several notable accomplishments: We had the best safety record among the South America & Caribbean’s operations during the years 2003, 2008, and 2009; we significantly reduced carbon emissions by reducing the clinker factor; and in CEMEX’s Latin-American operations, we are the leaders in substituting alternative energy for traditional power.
It is inspiring for me to work in a business that it is constantly striving to reduce its footprint on the world. That it is not afraid to innovate and to take accountability for its people’s safety and development. As an operator this has inspired me to perform and proudly continue working at CEMEX.
Edwin Hufemia
VP of Ready Mix & Pavements
Philippines
“I must admit that – in the beginning – I did not have a clue about the company.”
When I first heard of CEMEX in mid-2001, I must admit that I did not have a clue about the company. Yet, four months later, I became part of CEMEX Philippines’ new logistics team, as Logistics Planning Manager. The company had just crafted a pioneering direct-to-retail distribution strategy and the role of logistics was critical. The plans were aggressive—a real CEMEX trait—and I was tasked to introduce supply chain management to the company, and to improve customer service through better collaboration among the sales, logistics and production areas.
In July 2004, the Country President called me into his office to tell me that the Logistics Vice President had suddenly left the company, and he assigned me to take charge of the department. The management team proved to be very supportive. The president, along with other department heads, took turns mentoring, and giving me management pointers.
“I must admit that I did not have a clue about the company.”
In 2006, I joined an Institutional —a course designed exclusively for CEMEX to give its executives access to a world-class education, and to enhance networking among the company’s executives. CEMEX believes that innovation and collaboration is best taught through sharing each other’s ideas and experiences.
In August 2008, the logistics and commercial departments were merged, and I was assigned to head the new group. It was a tough time since we needed to increase our cash sales, and reduce trade receivables significantly. Nevertheless, a year later, our trade receivables were cut in half, and we were selling more than the previous year.
Since August 2010, I have assumed my new role as the Country Director for CEMEX’s operation in Bangladesh. Overseeing an entire business unit is a totally different responsibility for me. But I am not overly concerned; I am confident that the training, experiences and values that I have gained from CEMEX will enable me to get this new job done.
Velimir Vilović
Director of Commercial Ready Mix & Logistics
Croatia
“CEMEX is different.”
In my view, the qualities that a colleague needs to thrive in our company’s culture are: a willingness to learn continuously; an execution mentality; a customer orientation—both external and internal; and leadership—the ability to inspire and unleash the best from each individual.
I graduated in 1996 from Zagreb University with a major in International Trade. In 1998, I joined RMC as an export manager in Croatia. RMC was acquired by CEMEX in 2005. I remember watching our new CEO's greeting in which he mentioned “exciting times ahead of us.” Frankly speaking, at that time, I did not realize the full depth of those words; the real excitement had just started!
“CEMEX is different.”
A couple of months later, I was sent to Bosnia and Herzegovina to establish a CEMEX company. Before the end of 2005, I became the first Director of a newly founded CEMEX’s company in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At the same time, I was a member of Board of Directors of CEMEX’s daughter company in Montenegro. In early 2006, I became a member of the team that started, and implemented the process of reshaping of our commercial strategy, which resulted in partnerships with almost 500 business clients, producers and retailers across our local markets.
CEMEX sponsored my MBA studies at IEDC business school in Bled, Slovenia, from which I graduated in December 2006. In early 2008, I became Director of Human Resources in Croatia, and I led the department for the next two years. I believe that very few companies are truly open to cross-departmental moves, but CEMEX is different. We see that such moves really increase the potential for career growth. Furthermore, I was most impressed by the amount of attention and effort that CEMEX puts on some concepts, which for other organizations are just “buzzwords.” The best example is Health and Safety. Our management meetings always start with safety as the first topic and the message is clear—safety comes first. We genuinely care that all of our workers and contractors return home from work just as safely as they came to work in the morning.
Two years later, I returned to the commercial area, leading CEMEX Croatia's commercial and logistics department throughout Croatia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Montenegro. I look forward to new excitement, bearing in mind one famous quote: “The most important question to ask on the job is not 'What am I getting?'; the most important question to ask is 'What am I becoming?'”. At CEMEX, we all have a great opportunity to become better people and better professionals.
When I first heard of CEMEX in mid-2001, I must admit that I did not have a clue about the company. Yet, four months later, I became part of CEMEX Philippines’ new logistics team, as Logistics Planning Manager. The company had just crafted a pioneering direct-to-retail distribution strategy and the role of logistics was critical. The plans were aggressive—a real CEMEX trait—and I was tasked to introduce supply chain management to the company, and to improve customer service through better collaboration among the sales, logistics and production areas.
In July 2004, the Country President called me into his office to tell me that the Logistics Vice President had suddenly left the company, and he assigned me to take charge of the department. The management team proved to be very supportive. The president, along with other department heads, took turns mentoring, and giving me management pointers.
“I must admit that I did not have a clue about the company.”
In 2006, I joined an Institutional —a course designed exclusively for CEMEX to give its executives access to a world-class education, and to enhance networking among the company’s executives. CEMEX believes that innovation and collaboration is best taught through sharing each other’s ideas and experiences.
In August 2008, the logistics and commercial departments were merged, and I was assigned to head the new group. It was a tough time since we needed to increase our cash sales, and reduce trade receivables significantly. Nevertheless, a year later, our trade receivables were cut in half, and we were selling more than the previous year.
Since August 2010, I have assumed my new role as the Country Director for CEMEX’s operation in Bangladesh. Overseeing an entire business unit is a totally different responsibility for me. But I am not overly concerned; I am confident that the training, experiences and values that I have gained from CEMEX will enable me to get this new job done.
In my view, the qualities that a colleague needs to thrive in our company’s culture are: a willingness to learn continuously; an execution mentality; a customer orientation—both external and internal; and leadership—the ability to inspire and unleash the best from each individual.
I graduated in 1996 from Zagreb University with a major in International Trade. In 1998, I joined RMC as an export manager in Croatia. RMC was acquired by CEMEX in 2005. I remember watching our new CEO's greeting in which he mentioned “exciting times ahead of us.” Frankly speaking, at that time, I did not realize the full depth of those words; the real excitement had just started!
“CEMEX is different.”
A couple of months later, I was sent to Bosnia and Herzegovina to establish a CEMEX company. Before the end of 2005, I became the first Director of a newly founded CEMEX’s company in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At the same time, I was a member of Board of Directors of CEMEX’s daughter company in Montenegro. In early 2006, I became a member of the team that started, and implemented the process of reshaping of our commercial strategy, which resulted in partnerships with almost 500 business clients, producers and retailers across our local markets.
CEMEX sponsored my MBA studies at IEDC business school in Bled, Slovenia, from which I graduated in December 2006. In early 2008, I became Director of Human Resources in Croatia, and I led the department for the next two years. I believe that very few companies are truly open to cross-departmental moves, but CEMEX is different. We see that such moves really increase the potential for career growth. Furthermore, I was most impressed by the amount of attention and effort that CEMEX puts on some concepts, which for other organizations are just “buzzwords.” The best example is Health and Safety. Our management meetings always start with safety as the first topic and the message is clear—safety comes first. We genuinely care that all of our workers and contractors return home from work just as safely as they came to work in the morning.
Two years later, I returned to the commercial area, leading CEMEX Croatia's commercial and logistics department throughout Croatia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Montenegro. I look forward to new excitement, bearing in mind one famous quote: “The most important question to ask on the job is not 'What am I getting?'; the most important question to ask is 'What am I becoming?'”. At CEMEX, we all have a great opportunity to become better people and better professionals.
Rewards
We offer an attractive value proposition for our employees to attract, sustain, and retain them. We know that a competitive salary is likely to be high on the list of requirements. That is why the overall package that we offer is competitive and designed to directly involve employees in the company's success. We also offer an array of benefits that support individuals’ well-being now and in the future.
Benefits that may be available, depending on the location and position, include:
