Strong leadership also involves being willing to listen.

The meat processing sector is traditionally seen as a ‘man’s job’. At VanDrie Group, however, 23% of the personnel are women. The Coolstore location of T. Boer & zn. is pioneering in this context, as half of the two hundred employees are women. “This trend had already been established before I arrived”, explains Masha.

Nevertheless, it took her a while to get used to things during her first few months in the company. “The meat world is characterised by professionalism. Many of the people have been doing the job for years, and I was a relative newcomer. I came from an educated, professional environment, but it is more about traditional skills here.” It was sometimes a little nerve-racking because she had not had any previous meat and technical experience. Masha: “But I can be a good manager if I surround myself with trade specialists. In fact, you are demonstrating strong leadership if you have the courage to do this. I listen to the people with experience and also be myself. I may well wear a skirt or dress half the time, but I also throw on overalls and go down to production.”

Combined with her managerial qualities, Masha and the trade specialists quickly found they could support one another. This was great for Masha as she is very determined and rarely puts the brakes on. “I wanted to take that extra step. I realised it was essential to be authentic and work based on my own strengths. You shouldn’t try to be ‘one of the guys’. I am who I am, and I stand up for what I believe in. My added value is that I can oversee many tasks, am an excellent organiser, and take considered decisions. I am also incredibly enthusiastic and positive. I believe in open and honest communication and challenge myself and everyone else to excel in their roles.”

Carefully matching the right characters

At the Coolstore of T. Boer & zn., Masha heads up three departments. Once the boned-out meat has arrived, it is sorted, shared into equal portions and then vacuum packed. The meat then goes to the second department (expedition), where it will be prepared according to customer orders and sent out. The third department was founded by Masha Boer seven years ago. Here, consumer or special products are prepared for retail, the foodservice or catering. A loin, for example, will be turned into an entrecote. 

In this department, many of the (various) tasks are carried out by women. “It is more precise work”, says Masha. “These refined products primarily go to catering establishments and supermarkets in Germany, France and Italy. So, the quality must be very high.” Nevertheless, the strength of the business lies in the combination of men and women. There is no specific policy to recruit more women. The 50/50 ratio at the Coolstore location was a natural process. Masha: “I look at the individual and who will work best in that position. I particularly focus on people’s characters. Is there a match? Will they fit in? Are they seeking development or looking to specialise in something? I do that, and my team leaders do it too. They are my eyes and ears on the floor.”

I may well wear a skirt or dress half the time, but I also throw on overalls and go down to production.

MASHA BOER

Rooted in the region, and always on the lookout for talent

The biggest assumption about the meat world, i.e., it’s a ‘man’s job’, is simply no longer valid at T. Boer & zn. And that applies to personnel, wages and processes. “We all complement one another”, says Masha Boer. “Men can push forward with a specific approach. Women tend to be a bit more cautious but have good critical thinking skills, can see a discussion from different perspectives and are good at planning. They add another dynamic to the team. But there are so many different types within this context. It is the combination which gives our teams their strength.”

It has made T. Boer & zn. an attractive workplace for years”, adds Masha. “We have strong roots in the region and have many staff who have worked here for years. That speaks volumes. At the same time, we are always looking for new talent to strengthen our team. We are a pleasant company where you can always develop further.”

Working at VanDrie Group
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