Overcoming Setbacks: A Journey of Perseverance and Leadership
I am the lead for mechanical components development in the new Chassis Solutions Division at ZF, overseeing product design for safer, sustainable vehicles in a competitive market. Additionally, I manage growing teams in Izmir, Türkiye as the Engineering Site Manager. Discover how I navigate these and drive innovation - read my full story!
A Persistent Start in Engineering
My journey to ZF began after I earned my degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. I started my career at a local casting foundry but soon realized I wanted to work in a global organization. My path to ZF was not straightforward - I applied for a Test Engineer role but was initially rejected. Two months later, the position reopened, and despite my doubts, I reapplied. That decision changed everything, teaching me the value of perseverance and the importance of trying again.
Building a Career at ZF
In 2008, I joined ZF as a Test Engineer, and within three years, I was promoted to team leader. I played a key role in establishing the Izmir Engineering Center, which started as a small group of 4-5 engineers and has since grown to nearly 90 professionals.
Over the years, I have led chassis component teams in Türkiye, China, Germany, and Mexico. These experiences have given me invaluable insights into diverse cultures and ways of working. Today, I am proud to manage mechanical components development in the new Chassis Solutions Division while continuing as the Izmir Engineering Site Manager, ZF’s second-largest development location for chassis components.
Making Roads Safer
My role involves developing mechanical components for steering, braking, and chassis systems for new vehicle launches. Our designs focus on safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness while ensuring they are lightweight and standardized for manufacturability. Through our work, we aim to make roads safer and vehicles more reliable for users around the globe.
My Tasks
As a leader, I guide my team managers by setting clear and achievable goals. My daily responsibilities include managing product launch issues, addressing customer needs, navigating hiring and staffing processes, and supporting strategic planning for our location. I also strive to create a supportive environment where managers and their teams can thrive while achieving their targets.
Overcoming Challenges Together
The competitive nature of the market, tight deadlines, and high technical expectations from customers are some of the external challenges we face. Internally, preventing turnover and fostering a collaborative work environment are key priorities. Balancing these demands requires effective leadership and open communication, which I work hard to uphold.
A Work Culture that Resonates
ZF’s culture aligns perfectly with my personal values. I thrive in its diverse and global work environment, where collaboration across cultures is a daily reality. ZF also provides me with opportunities to grow, either through challenging targets or continuous learning. The flexibility to work remotely is another aspect I value, allowing me to balance work and personal life effectively.
Memorable Achievements
One of my proudest moments at ZF was achieving official R&D Center certification and establishing the Test Center in Izmir. These milestones were made possible by the dedication and growth of my incredible team. Seeing them lead projects with global OEMs and achieve success has been deeply rewarding.
A Challenging, Demanding, and Rewarding Journey
My work at ZF is best described as challenging, demanding, and constantly developing. Each day presents new opportunities to grow and contribute to meaningful projects. ZF, as an employer, stands out for being reliable, innovative, and truly global. It’s a place where I can push boundaries, collaborate with diverse teams, and be part of shaping the future of the automotive industry.
