In my job, every day is a search for balance between timing, solutions, and relationships: and that’s exactly what makes it stimulating.
Michela: Eugenio, tell us a bit about your background: where do you come from and what brought you to Imesa?
Eugenio: I’m originally from Urbino, where I first studied Business Languages. Then I moved to Trento, where I completed my master’s degree in European and International Studies. I stayed in Trentino for eight years, also for work: I started as a buyer in a company that produced lighting fixtures for the public sector. That was my first real work experience, and it lasted five years.
Then, at a certain point, I felt the need to come back. My girlfriend had received an opportunity with the Ariston group, so we decided to return to the Marche region. I was looking for a solid, stimulating company and, through a contact who spoke very highly of Imesa – he had worked with our CEO Marco Achilli – I decided to apply. And here I am.
Michela: Was it difficult to enter a new field like electrical switchgear manufacturing?
Eugenio: In part yes, because every sector has its own logic, timeframes, and even its own language. However, some foundations were already in place: I had previously worked in carpentry, so certain processes weren’t entirely unfamiliar to me. What changed, and what made this experience more challenging, was the complexity of the projects and the management of materials with very precise timelines.
I had to learn quickly, including how to use a new management system like Gamma, but I found helpful colleagues and an environment that pushes you to grow.
Michela: What exactly is your role in the company today?
Eugenio: Right now, I’m fully dedicated to the Secondary Medium Voltage line, a particularly dynamic area that requires constant attention and strong organizational skills. The main challenge is to ensure that every component arrives on time, in a context where we basically work with zero stock. This means constantly monitoring back orders, anticipating needs, expediting deliveries, requesting quotes, and negotiating terms with suppliers quickly.
But it’s not just operational work: every day feels like a match to be played in real time, where you need clarity, readiness, and a good dose of problem-solving.
It’s a particularly demanding period because, in addition to reorganizing the warehouse, we’re preparing for an important product change: the transition to new SF6-free technology. This is a strategic shift for Imesa, requiring maximum precision in procurement, timing management, and coordination across the entire production chain. It’s a challenging but very stimulating context: knowing that your work concretely contributes to the company’s innovation gives deep meaning to what I do.
Michela: You’ve been at Imesa for about a year now; have you already worked on significant projects?
Eugenio: Yes, the project with ENEL is definitely one I’ll remember with pride. For me, everything was new, and right from the start it was clear that this was a demanding job requiring maximum attention. We’re not just talking about volumes or deadlines, but about the responsibility you carry when working for such an important and structured client. Precisely for that reason, it was also very rewarding: seeing that, despite the difficulties, we managed to meet the demands of such a key customer makes you feel part of something bigger.
I must also say that what I really appreciated was the trust I was given from the beginning. Being able to manage purchasing activities for such a strategic project firsthand was a strong sign of confidence from the company. And that trust motivated me even more. Contributing directly to advancing a team effort of this level helps you grow and pushes you to always give your best.
Michela What did you find different at Imesa compared to previous experiences?
Eugenio: One thing I noticed right away is the strong drive for continuous improvement. Ideas are not only listened to, but you’re often directly asked to suggest them. There’s room to express yourself and responsibility from the start.
On a human level as well, I’ve felt very comfortable. There’s collaboration, people help each other. I spend a lot of time with the Secondary Medium Voltage team, and we’ve built a great relationship. When a critical issue arises, we work together to find a solution.
Michela: What do you like most about your job today?
Eugenio: I really enjoy the possibility of managing a supplier portfolio independently. It’s a responsibility, of course, but also a recognition. I feel free to bring in my ideas, build relationships, and find new paths when needed.
The relationship with suppliers is crucial. Reaction times have to be very fast, and sometimes you need to find alternative suppliers within just a few hours.
Choosing a supplier isn’t just about evaluating price, but also looking at the company’s structure, certifications – such as ISO 9001 – and their ability to respond promptly to our requests. The dialogue is constant, because behind every order there’s a project that needs to move forward smoothly.
One of the things I appreciated right away at Imesa is the attention given to people’s growth. I was offered a training plan designed specifically for my role, and I see that as a concrete sign of trust and investment. Soon I’ll be attending a course on negotiation – an essential skill for anyone working in purchasing – and another on cost reduction, an activity that’s already part of my daily work but that I want to deepen with a more structured approach.
I’d also like to complement this training with a few hours in production: seeing the product up close, better understanding workshop dynamics, and learning what’s really behind every request. I believe that for a buyer, it’s essential to know what you’re actually purchasing, not just in terms of codes and specifications. It’s a way to be more aware and more effective in your work.
Michela: Thank you, Eugenio, and I wish you good work!