Ann-Sofi, purchaser at WFI, about her driving force and the joy of building relationships

About five years ago, Ann-Sofi (Fia) Svensson started her journey and career at WFI AB, then as a part of inside sales. Only six months later, the organization realized that her qualities and characteristics matched the role of a buyer – fearless, curious, and relationship driven. Without any experience, Ann-Sofi stepped into a completely new position that came to suit her very well. Five years later she enjoys her work just as much, above all because she gets to meet new people and develop herself all the time.

The desire to develop as a common denominator
Ann-Sofi’s background and competence are based on administrative functions from several organizations, especially within economics and personnel matters. She has previously worked at both smaller and larger companies and thus had the opportunity to acquire both broader and narrower tasks. Along the way, she has educated herself in relevant programs and participated in courses to gain more knowledge – constantly with the ambition to move forward.

– I think that I have always been quite fearless and had a longing to move on in life. To find the next step and then the next again. For example, I had never worked with purchasing before I started at WFI, but when the management suggested it, I saw it as a fun challenge. At the same time as I got the opportunity to learn something new, the role suited my personality very well as it requires a lot of analysis and convenience of confrontation, Ann-Sofi begins.

The desire to develop as a common denominator
Ann-Sofi’s background and competence are based on administrative functions from several organizations, especially within economics and personnel matters. She has previously worked at both smaller and larger companies and thus had the opportunity to acquire both broader and narrower tasks. Along the way, she has educated herself in relevant programs and participated in courses to gain more knowledge – constantly with the ambition to move forward.

– I think that I have always been quite fearless and had a longing to move on in life. To find the next step and then the next again. For example, I had never worked with purchasing before I started at WFI, but when the management suggested it, I saw it as a fun challenge. At the same time as I got the opportunity to learn something new, the role suited my personality very well as it requires a lot of analysis and convenience of confrontation, Ann-Sofi begins.

Purchasing, economics, and analog lists
On a typical day at the office in Gnosjö, Fia deals with everything from statistics, finances, and purchasing to reviewing delivery security, quotation requests, and imports. The work is governed by what comes in from the sales team and consists of finding the right balance through analyzes. She describes that even if the system provides a certain type of information, it is important to question that to make the right decision.

– My days always start with me taking care of yesterdays work by updating our system with the right information, a crucial step in the line which makes it possible for the next department inhouse to take it further. It could be explained like I supply the rest of the company with materials. Within that line, continuous communication is required with both sellers and warehouse staff, to close the loop successfully together. There is always a lot to sort out and that is what makes it so fun, I never get restless in this role!, says Ann-Sofi.

Furthermore, Fia describes that she likes when new, preferably unexpected, things happen. Things that lead to her having to re-prioritize and switch up the schedule. Then she brings out her lists.

– There is always a notepad in front of me on the desk! I like to write things down by hand and also, I save all the notes to be able to browse back again. My colleagues like to joke with me about it, that I am still a bit analog, *laughter*, Ann-Sofi continues.

To build relationships inside and outside of the house
What Ann-Sofi appreciates most about her work is also what she describes as the most challenging part, to get the business flow working and running. Within that, there is a lot of room for her to do what lies closest to her heart – creating togetherness with other people.

– Throughout everything in my life, it all comes down to building relationships in different contexts. I never stop being curious about other people’s thoughts and perspectives. Getting to know new individuals, understanding their feelings, and being able to make them feel good. At WFI, I get the opportunity to do that both with employees inside the house and suppliers outside. The whole organization is characterized by development, forward thinking, and courage – there is always something new going on and I look forward to continuing being a part of that journey!, Ann-Sofi concludes.

Three fast questions with Ann-Sofi!

What is your best memory from WFI so far?
-   One of my favorite memories from the past years is when we went to Barcelona together, everyone lost their job roles and suddenly we were just a bunch of friends on a trip. But really it applies to everything we do outside of work, it gives so much back when it comes to community and togetherness.

How would you describe WFI as an employer?
-   I felt welcome here from the first time I stepped through the door. What is most distinctive is that you really get to be yourself and who you are. There is no hierarchy, on the contrary, there is freedom and flexibility based on mutual trust.

What do you prefer to do in your free time?
-   Spend time with my family, hang out in the garden, and refill my energy depots in the forest. I love having the family around, cooking dinners and being able to share things with each other. Our home is an open home, and if there is one thing I want, it is that people around us feel like they can come here whenever they want. Beyond that, I also like to grow vegetables, plants, and flowers. I went through my tomato seeds ahead of the season and realized that I had 29 varieties, then I bought nine more! So, if there is anyone at WFI you should ask about tomatoes, that would be me.