ICE Questionnaire #WeAreICE Josef Sedláček

Pepa Sedláček is originally from Pilsen, where he worked at Škoda Electric. He joined ICE five years ago based on a friend's recommendation. His journey within the company has been diverse - he started as an electromechanic, then moved through positions as a assembler and chief assembler, to his current role as a Product Owner.

➡️ Can you tell us what your job at ICE is like at the moment? 

As Product Owner for installations, I am responsible for managing the project from an installation perspective. My job is to oversee the project, checking that everything is to our standards and most importantly to the customer's requirements. I also keep an eye on any follow-up on the project and solve any problems with my colleagues. I also communicate with the customer. Apart from that, I am involved in the running of the installations.

➡️ How has your position changed since you joined us?

I joined ICE in 2019 as an electrical engineer, I spent the first six months in Germany with a great team who trained me properly and showed me how things work here at ICE. After that, I assembled lines for various customers, traveling with the line to places like Sweden or Italy. After a few years, I started working as a chief assembler for Amazon lines that were deployed across Europe. Over time, the structure of installations changed, and I advanced to the position of Product Owner. 

➡️ What does your typical working day look like?

Every day is actually different. It depends on a lot of factors, especially how many active projects I have and what stage they are in. Regardless of whether the projects are with us or already with a customer, I plan my week so that I can keep an eye on each one. And I spend my free time doing overhead things that are related to the running of the installations.

➡️ What have you been up to lately in your work? What are you happy about?

We managed to hand over the project to the customer, that's always a pleasure. And outside of the project, I'm happy when we manage to streamline the process, which saves time and money. We're trying to find better solutions, for example with regular material take-offs, labels and so on.

➡️ What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the variety in the projects. Every project brings a lot of new things. Each machine is designed for a different purpose and it must always be approached individually. We never get bored. I also enjoy organizing extracurricular activities. For instance, on the project in Žebrák, after work, we went with the guys for beers or to the cinema.

➡️ And how do you think we have an advantage over our competitors as a contractor?

First and foremost, I would say that at ICE, we strive to see things through to the end. We handle the entire project ourselves, from drafting in design to commissioning, and this helps us address any issues more effectively and flexibly. All colleagues are very flexible with their time and are willing to start resolving problems even in the afternoon, after their work hours.

➡️ One last question - how do you like to spend your free time?

My one-year-old son Kuba and my wife take up most of my free time, and when I do have some to spare, I enjoy playing field hockey and also like to go out for a beer.  🙂

And what does Jakub Krejčí, a colleague and leader of the installation team, say about Josef?

"Pepa has become an inseparable part of our installation team, where he is a great support on projects. He's an experienced guy who constantly strives to improve himself. We know we can rely on him both professionally and to keep the team in good spirits. Pepa certainly doesn't spoil any fun and his favorite thing to do is have a beer."