ANNnews – Inteview with María Domínguez Alameda – Responsible for Supply Chain Coposite & Raw Material Commodity
5 November 2024
What drives a professional to stay with a company over the years? At Aernnova we want to promote the growth of our professionals by creating an environment where talent feels supported.
María Domínguez tells us about her experience at Aernnova and how she has been promoted thanks to international mobility, the trust of her superiors and a collaborative environment.
ANNnews: María, how many years have you been working at Aernnova and what has been your career within the company?
María: I have been working at Aerrnova for 13 years. I started in November 2011 in Aernnova Composites Illescas (Toledo-Spain), when I was 22 years old. I was in my last year at university, and I joined as an intern in the Production Planning and Control department, a department to which I have been linked for more than 11 years and which has been fundamental in the development of my career.
During the first 8 years in Aernnova Composites Illescas, I had the opportunity to move around all the production areas of the company, such as the clean room, intermediate operations and assembly, as well as to perform different functions within the department. This has helped me to know in depth the production processes of the company.
In January 2020 I was offered the opportunity to join a team that moved to Hamble Aerostructures, our UK company, as part of the Production Planning and Control team. My job was to assist in the standardization of activities and homogenization of work. This stage was a little harder than expected, as it coincided with the beginning of the pandemic and the impossibility to travel to Spain frequently. However, it was an enriching experience, both personally and professionally, as it allowed me to work in different contexts.
After three and a half years in England I came back to Spain in May 2023 as head of the Supply Chain department of Aerrnova Composites Illescas. This role is currently combined with that of Supply Chain Composites Raw Material Commodity Manager (early 2024).
These changes are a new challenge for me, as they involve different functions from those I developed previously but allow me to expand my knowledge and skills.
ANNnews: What do you like most about working at Aernnova?
María: The teamwork and the good atmosphere in general.
During these years I have met many people and made friendships within the work environment, which makes the day-to-day more pleasant.
In addition, because of my new position, I have connected with people from other companies and countries, which allows me to broaden my relationships and experiences.
ANNnews: Have you meet any difficulties when changing positions within the organization?
María: I have had the typical difficulties of adapting to new functions and responsibilities. However, I have always had the support of my managers and colleagues, which has made the process much easier than expected.
ANNnews: Do you think the company is taking full advantage of your skills and knowledge?
Maria: I think the company has been leveraging my skills and knowledge effectively, as it has provided me with opportunities to participate in significant projects (Hamble).
ANNnews: What makes you want to work here?
Maria: The opportunity to continue growing, both professionally and personally. The motivation to be able to continue developing and learning within the company.
The job stability offered by the company is also a point to take into account.
ANNnews: What aspects do you value for Aernnova to continue to be your place of work in a few years?
María: Aernnova is a leading company in the aeronautical sector, with an international presence, which offers great opportunities for professional development.
The search for solutions to the problems that arise on a daily basis means that it is not a monotonous and repetitive job.
The positive and collaborative atmosphere in the work area.
All this makes it an attractive company in which to work and stay.
ANNnews: What do you value most from all these years?
María: What I value most in all these years is the trust that my colleagues and managers have placed in me. This has been fundamental for me to grow and take on new challenges. I also appreciate the opportunities I have been given to explore different areas within the company.
ANNnews: Would you say that the role that managers have played in facilitating successive moves in your case has been appropriate? What would you improve?
Maria: In my case I would say yes. They have always shown me great support and have been willing to help me and guide me in every change that has been proposed to me. They have been fundamental in my professional development and evolution, making sure that my daily work is recognized and made visible.
ANNnews: Do you consider that mobility is good for people’s development and in your particular case?
María: I believe that mobility is beneficial for people’s development, and, in my particular case, I think it has been a determining factor.
International mobility has allowed me to broaden my knowledge and professional skills. As well as the ability to adapt and collaborate in different environments than the one we are used to.
Functional mobility is very beneficial to expand knowledge within the company. It also strengthens the ability to adapt to change.
