Stories at
WE Fashion
"At WE®, people work together and everyone is truly welcome. You can make progress here and I believe this explains why I've been working with the company for so long."
Kim Middelweerd, Talent & Development Manager
"At WE®, people work together and everyone is truly welcome. You can make progress here and I believe this explains why I've been working with the company for so long."
Kim Middelweerd, Talent & Development Manager
Development
"I am a Talent & Development Manager," Kim Middelweerd begins. "This means I carry responsibility for recruitment, learning & development and other HR projects." It's 2022 when Kim takes on this multifaceted role, but she is no stranger to the organisation. "I previously worked as a sales assistant and – after I’d quit – still met up with old colleagues every year. My then former Store Manager informed me about a vacancy for Retail Recruiter," she says. "I decided to send in my CV and in doing so, my second position within WE Fashion was a reality." Just under three years later, Kim makes the switch to Corporate Recruiter. This makes her no longer responsible for the recruitment of store staff, but rather that of the head office. "I enjoyed this a lot and it brought me loads of new knowledge. When my former manager left, I offered myself - with this thought and a bit of boldness - as a replacement. I now carry the role of Talent & Development Manager."
Development
"I am a Talent & Development Manager," Kim Middelweerd begins. "This means I carry responsibility for recruitment, learning & development and other HR projects." It's 2022 when Kim takes on this multifaceted role, but she is no stranger to the organisation. "I previously worked as a sales assistant and – after I’d quit – still met up with old colleagues every year. My then former Store Manager informed me about a vacancy for Retail Recruiter," she says. "I decided to send in my CV and in doing so, my second position within WE Fashion was a reality." Just under three years later, Kim makes the switch to Corporate Recruiter. This makes her no longer responsible for the recruitment of store staff, but rather that of the head office. "I enjoyed this a lot and it brought me loads of new knowledge. When my former manager left, I offered myself - with this thought and a bit of boldness - as a replacement. I now carry the role of Talent & Development Manager."
"The influence my team and I have contributes to the work happiness of our WE® colleagues."
"The influence my team and I have contributes to the work happiness of our WE® colleagues."
Diversity
"I feel right at home within my job because I can really make an impact with my team. The influence we have affects efficiency and the way we work," Kim says. "This contributes to the work happiness of all WE® colleagues." She therefore labels this corollary as her main motivation. A second motivator is the diversity of tasks within her job, she says. "My team and I are big contributors to innovative projects, such as our Learning Platform and Employer Branding. These all have a positive impact, no matter how big or small. A lot can be learned from this, and plenty is." According to Kim, this is due to the variety within the department; no day is the same. "Where one project is completed, another starts up. This results in a continuous challenge, but also requires a lot of cooperation," she explains. "An essential and characteristic process within my inspired team of - now - six people. We are all different individuals, but each has an eye for talent. I think this is where our strength lies." And the latter is not only felt within the HR department, as cooperation is key in other layers of the organisation too. "At WE® people work together and everyone is truly welcome. You can make progress here and I believe this explains why I've been working with the company for so long."
Talent
Kim recognises talent in others, but has also managed to discover it in herself. "I turn big, woolly stories with many storylines into a concrete plan. I get all the freedom in my role and that motivates me enormously." She also likes to convey this enthusiasm to her colleagues. "I think along with them, ask about the desired way of coaching and try to find out how I can contribute to their development. I also encourage them to try new things and, above all, to be curious."
The future
What the coming years will look like, Kim does not yet know. "My focus is currently on the implementation of some major projects. But when these are completed, new challenges will certainly present themselves." One thing she does know for sure: working at WE® is challenging, familiar and fun. "I would recommend it to anyone," Kim says.
Diversity
"I feel right at home within my job because I can really make an impact with my team. The influence we have affects efficiency and the way we work," Kim says. "This contributes to the work happiness of all WE® colleagues." She therefore labels this corollary as her main motivation. A second motivator is the diversity of tasks within her job, she says. "My team and I are big contributors to innovative projects, such as our Learning Platform and Employer Branding. These all have a positive impact, no matter how big or small. A lot can be learned from this, and plenty is." According to Kim, this is due to the variety within the department; no day is the same. "Where one project is completed, another starts up. This results in a continuous challenge, but also requires a lot of cooperation," she explains. "An essential and characteristic process within my inspired team of - now - six people. We are all different individuals, but each has an eye for talent. I think this is where our strength lies." And the latter is not only felt within the HR department, as cooperation is key in other layers of the organisation too. "At WE® people work together and everyone is truly welcome. You can make progress here and I believe this explains why I've been working with the company for so long."
Talent
Kim recognises talent in others, but has also managed to discover it in herself. "I turn big, woolly stories with many storylines into a concrete plan. I get all the freedom in my role and that motivates me enormously." She also likes to convey this enthusiasm to her colleagues. "I think along with them, ask about the desired way of coaching and try to find out how I can contribute to their development. I also encourage them to try new things and, above all, to be curious."
The future
What the coming years will look like, Kim does not yet know. "My focus is currently on the implementation of some major projects. But when these are completed, new challenges will certainly present themselves." One thing she does know for sure: working at WE® is challenging, familiar and fun. "I would recommend it to anyone," Kim says.
TRENDING STORIES
Meet Marije, Buyer
Marije has been working at WE Fashion for three years and knows all the ins and outs of buying: "It's important to keep your eyes open, observe what's happening in the market and translate these outcomes - together with current sales results - into a new and even better collection. In all this communication and teamwork are key."
Meet Shannon, Merchandiser
Shannon has completely settled in at WE®: “I’ve been promoted several times. I believe that anything is possible, as long as you are eager to learn.”
Meet Patrick, European Marketing Director
Patrick is a big believer in teamwork and very proud of his team: "I love working with them to develop an idea, starting with little more than a piece of paper and a pencil."
WE WOULD LIKE
TO KEEP IN TOUCH
This website uses cookies
We, and third parties, use cookies on our website. We use cookies to ensure that our website functions properly, to store your preferences, to gain insight into visitor behavior, but also for marketing and social media purposes (showing personalized advertisements). By clicking 'Accept', you agree to the use of all cookies. In our Cookie Statement. you can read more about the cookies we use and save or change your preferences. By clicking 'Refuse' you only agree to the use of functional cookies.