My experience in project management spans multiple generations. I began my career in the automotive industry at an early age, observing my father's work at one of Turkey's first bus dealerships. Our family has been engaged in the automotive and tourism transport sector for generations. In this process, I gained invaluable experience in sales transactions, as well as insight into customer needs, the dynamics of international trade and the fundamental principles of success in the sector. The knowledge I gained during those years has formed the foundation of my career as a project manager today.
Sectoral Experiences
Prior to embarking on my professional career, I gained invaluable insights from diverse sectoral experiences, which have shaped my current management approach.
• Two OEM Companies:
o I worked in OEM production processes, specialising in quality control, production optimisation and technical details.
o This experience has given me a great advantage in ensuring that processes are designed and implemented in accordance with technical requirements in projects.
• Turkey's largest tourism company:
o I was involved in the management of operational processes and fleet organisation.
o I gathered information and gained experience to understand customers' expectations from vehicles and to help vehicle operators maximise the efficiency of their vehicles.
These experiences have enhanced my sectoral expertise and enhanced my ability to adapt to different working cultures.
127 Vehicle Projects
I have been involved in a total of 127 vehicle projects to date. Each project has presented an opportunity to develop vehicles tailored to the needs of customers and to increase user satisfaction. The experiences I have gained in these processes have brought a customer-oriented approach to my projects.
First Steps and Challenges
When I commenced my role as a project manager, I was confronted with the significant challenge of aligning the disparate expectations and issues between the production and design teams in order to achieve a unified solution. Each team member was driven by goals and constraints specific to their respective field.
The design team's focus was on aesthetics and innovation, while the production team's priorities were cost and technical feasibility.
Bringing these two teams together at an optimal level enabled me to develop both my technical and communication skills. One of my first major achievements was creating solutions that were agreed upon by all parties and implementing them throughout the process.
Managerial Challenges
In addition to coordinating the team, I was responsible for ensuring that projects met cost and sales targets in line with senior management regulations. We frequently made strategic revisions to align design and production with final targets. Throughout this process, I developed a system that met the expectations of both parties through a balanced management approach.A Record Achievement: 5 Prototypes, 10 Months
One of the most notable achievements in this process was the completion of five distinct vehicle prototypes within a 10-month timeframe. This was a testament to the efficacy of teamwork and the value of strategic planning. At each stage of the process, I facilitated effective communication between the design and production teams, ensuring that the projects progressed in line with the agreed objectives.
The challenges I have faced and the successes I have achieved in projects have had a significant impact on both business life and my personal development. I have come to understand that project management is not solely about planning and implementation processes. It also entails fostering positive human relations as a team leader, transforming challenges into opportunities, and, most importantly, demonstrating reliability as a leader.