"You have to keep studying based on your major knowledge. English and Chinese skills are also useful for work."

by Manager Kim Jae-won (Logistics Operation Team)

Q. Please tell us about your job.

The purchasing division consists of Plant Purchasing Office in charge of plant equipment, Outsourcing Office in charge of ordering outsourced companies, Purchasing Office in charge of purchasing construction materials/raw materials, and Quality Management Office in charge of quality management. Among them, I am a member of the Logistics Operation Team under the Plant Purchasing Office, in charge of transporting various tools and equipment for Hyundai E&C projects being undertaken in Korea, as well as in the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.

Q When was the most rewarding moment during your work?

Recently, the world has suffered a lot from COVID-19, and the situation is getting worse in overseas countries where Hyundai E&C is active. We have decided to send health masks to all overseas sites/branches for the health and safety of employees. To send masks to 23 countries around the world, we prepared shipping by reviewing customs clearance issues and transportation methods for each country. There were a lot of difficult processes because the customs clearance procedures and required documents were all different for each country, but in the end, all masks were transported safely. After receiving an e-mail that said, “The masks arrived all right. Thank you,” it slightly relieved the heavy heart I had for the employees suffering from the COVID-19 situation overseas.

Q What kind of competencies do you think you need to do your job?

First, you need a quick sense of decision-making and judgment. Purchasing/outsourcing performs the task of ordering materials/outsourcing that can comply with specifications and delivery schedules required within the budget. Specifically, we are in charge of various tasks such as discovering partner companies and strategic alliances, PQ (Pre-Qualification), bidding, negotiations, and contracts. In this process, the best decision-making sense is required, considering the three factors of purchasing (budget, delivery time, quality (specifications)). For these, insights that consider and review a wide variety of factors are important.

The second is communication skills. To me, communication is a means of understanding each other’s interests and reaching better conclusions. As we work with various counterparts such as our internal stakeholders and many domestic and overseas partners, the ability to arrive at better results through mutual respect is extremely important.

Q Is there a corporate culture of Hyundai E&C that you are very proud of?

I believe Hyundai E&C has this DNA. I would describe it as the DNA to “hustle.” For example, on site, we need to pay attention to various elements such as design, construction, public affairs, safety/quality, and cost management. Despite the complex interests of each employee, under the common goal of “successful execution of the project,” we work together harmoniously to create synergies. To me, this is the proud DNA and corporate culture of Hyundai E&C. It’s like we all hustle together.

I expressed it as the DNA of Hyundai E&C is because, in most cases, no matter which department you are in, you have to work with other relevant departments, so this work method is engrained in Hyundai E&C employees like a habit. Although each person has different duties and responsibilities, the culture of moving toward the common goal of Hyundai E&C is the corporate culture that we are very proud of.

Q Could you say a word to juniors who dream of working at Hyundai E&C?

Hyundai E&C is the top construction company in Korea. It’s great to dream of working at Hyundai E&C. It is important not only to have a grand dream but also to become a person who is worthy of such a dream. This is something that I always think to myself. I hope your great dream comes true and that you could also dream of a new future.