Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Languages
Accomplishments
Certification
Work Availability
Work Preference
Timeline
Generic
Astrid VANHOOREN

Astrid VANHOOREN

Aalst

Summary

With a proven track record at Volvo Group Europe, I excel in operational excellence and cross-functional team leadership. My expertise in quality management and a customer focus mindset have driven significant improvements. Leveraging visual management and conflict resolution, I consistently enhance performance and customer satisfaction.

Overview

34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Quality and Lean Coach EMEA

Volvo Group Europe
Oostakker
04.2021 - Current

QRIT (Quick Response IT) is a methodology created based on VPS QRQC (Volvo Production System Quick Response Quality Control). The main goal is to drive continuous improvement on what really matters for Volvo. It means focusing on problems that are creating losses and waste for the business.

  • Facilitated problem solving meetings with cross-functional teams to improve performance efficiency.
  • Developed action plans for continuous improvement projects involving multiple departments.
  • Analyzed current processes and created recommendations for improvement based on results, and based on benchmarking.
  • Identified root causes of operational issues through data analysis and value stream mapping.
  • Conducted regular Kaizen events with staff members to identify potential process improvements.

QRIT Chair Person Ghent Site

Volvo Group Europe
Oostakker (Ghent)
03.2017 - 04.2021
  • Established performance metrics to monitor progress towards organizational goals.
  • Served as an intermediary between internal departments regarding sensitive topics brought before the board.
  • Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
  • Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
  • Exceeded customer satisfaction by finding creative solutions to problems.
  • Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
  • Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.

Acting Market Research Manager EMEA

Volvo Construction Equipment HQ
Brussels
01.2016 - 03.2017
  • Formulated reports based on collected data, highlighting key insights and recommendations.
  • Created presentations summarizing findings from market research projects for senior management review.
  • Conducted surveys and focus groups to collect data from customers and evaluate their satisfaction with products and services.
  • Monitored competitors' activities to stay ahead in the market.
  • Maintained an up-to-date database of customer records for future reference.
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.

Local IT Support Engineer

Volvo Group Europe
Brussels
01.2012 - 03.2017
  • Set up equipment for employee use, performing or properly installing cables, operating systems or software.
  • Maintained up-to-date case documentation for future reference.
  • Escalated complex issues to senior technical staff, ensuring proper follow-through until resolved.
  • Assisted customers with various types of technical issues via email, live chat, and telephone.
  • Developed and maintained strong relations with customers to meet quality expectations.
  • Maintained composure and patience in face of difficult customer situations, applying de-escalation techniques and positive customer support.
  • Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.

Market Office Analyst/Installed Sales Coordinator

Volvo Group Europe
Oostakker (Ghent)
01.2008 - 12.2011
  • Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
  • Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
  • Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
  • Processed orders received from customers within specified timelines.

Level 1 Helpdesk Agent

Volvo Group Europe
Oostakker (Ghent)
04.2005 - 12.2007
  • Delivered local and remote Tier 1 IT support for hardware and software to company personnel.
  • Maintained composure and patience in face of difficult customer situations, applying de-escalation techniques and positive customer support.
  • Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
  • Researched, documented, and escalated support cases to higher levels of support when unable to resolve issues using available resources.
  • Responded to incoming calls, emails and tickets from customers seeking technical assistance.
  • Troubleshot daily IT desktop client issues, supporting multiple departments, and various offices.
  • Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.

Sales Coordinator

The Boat Reference
Ghent
01.2004 - 12.2005
  • Delivered superior customer support to improve account retention rate.
  • Conducted daily cold calls and emails to potential clients to generate new sales opportunities.
  • Coordinated and maintained customer accounts, including orders, payment processing, and order tracking.
  • Responded to customer inquiries quickly and professionally to maintain customer satisfaction.
  • Maintained accurate records of all customer interactions within the company's CRM system.
  • Participated in trade shows and sales events to promote products and network with potential clients.

Sales Executive Eastern Europe

Panasonic Battery Sales Europe NV
Groot- Bijgaarden
01.2001 - 12.2003
  • Responsible for Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Now and then, replacing colleagues for Russia, Romania and the Balkan countries
  • prepared business plans and marketing budgets for sales companies in each of these countries
  • followed up on local sales results

Customer Service Officer

Panasonic Battery Sales Europe NV
Groot- Bijgaarden
01.1999 - 12.2001
  • responsible for Russia and Poland
  • entered orders and forecasts in the system
  • prepared and followed up on shipments etc.

Sales Executive

Floréac NV
Lochristi
01.1997 - 01.1999
  • Responsible for the eastern region of France, Greece, Central, and Eastern Europe.
  • Combined sales and administrative functions.
  • Cultivated relationships with existing customers to encourage repeat business.
  • Initiated contact with prospects via email campaigns or cold calls to generate leads.
  • Built and maintained strong, long-lasting customer relationships to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
  • Contacted current and potential clients to promote products and services.
  • Attended industry events, conferences, and tradeshows to network and generate new business leads.
  • Coordinated with logistics teams to ensure timely delivery of products to customers.

Sales Coordinator Russia and CIS

Alcatel Bell NV
Antwerp
03.1991 - 12.1996
  • PR-related activities: organizing customers' visits to Belgium, planning trade shows and conferences for new product launches or existing product promotion.
  • Coordinated the work of Russian engineers in Belgium.
  • Provided administrative support to the sales team, including scheduling meetings and preparing presentations, as well as preparing and translating contracts.
  • Provided assistance throughout the entire sales process from initial contact through post-sale follow-up activities.
  • Managed client relationships by responding promptly to inquiries and addressing any issues that arose during the course of a sale.
  • Coordinated travel arrangements for sales representatives as needed.

Education

Master of Arts - Slavonic Philology

State University Ghent
Ghent
06-1991

Aggregated Teacher Secondary Education Level - Slavonic Philology

State University Ghent
Ghent
06-1991

Master of Arts - Slavonic Philology

State University Ghent
Ghent
09-1990

Skills

  • Visual management
  • Conflict resolution techniques
  • Customer focus mindset
  • 5S implementation
  • Operational excellence
  • Quality management
  • Cross-functional team leadership

Affiliations

  • ex-member of a classical choir (Altus) performing baroque oratoria on a regular basis
  • member of a Greek dance group , performing regularly in folkloric costume
  • volunteer in thrift shop
  • enrolled in painting class and sewing class

Languages

Dutch
First Language
French
Proficient (C2)
C2
English
Advanced (C1)
C1
German
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
Greek
Proficient (C2)
C2
Russian
Advanced (C1)
C1
Italian
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
Spanish
Intermediate (B1)
B1
Swedish
Elementary (A2)
A2
Bulgarian
Beginner (A1)
A1

Accomplishments

  • Master diploma received granda cum laude
  • appreciated colleague and business partner

Certification

  • ITIL certified

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse

Work Preference

Work Type

Full TimePart Time

Work Location

HybridOn-Site

Important To Me

Work-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursHealthcare benefits

Timeline

Quality and Lean Coach EMEA

Volvo Group Europe
04.2021 - Current

QRIT Chair Person Ghent Site

Volvo Group Europe
03.2017 - 04.2021

Acting Market Research Manager EMEA

Volvo Construction Equipment HQ
01.2016 - 03.2017

Local IT Support Engineer

Volvo Group Europe
01.2012 - 03.2017

Market Office Analyst/Installed Sales Coordinator

Volvo Group Europe
01.2008 - 12.2011

Level 1 Helpdesk Agent

Volvo Group Europe
04.2005 - 12.2007

Sales Coordinator

The Boat Reference
01.2004 - 12.2005

Sales Executive Eastern Europe

Panasonic Battery Sales Europe NV
01.2001 - 12.2003

Customer Service Officer

Panasonic Battery Sales Europe NV
01.1999 - 12.2001

Sales Executive

Floréac NV
01.1997 - 01.1999

Sales Coordinator Russia and CIS

Alcatel Bell NV
03.1991 - 12.1996

Master of Arts - Slavonic Philology

State University Ghent

Aggregated Teacher Secondary Education Level - Slavonic Philology

State University Ghent

Master of Arts - Slavonic Philology

State University Ghent
Astrid VANHOOREN