Emil Istratie, Operations Manager – Bosch Service Solutions Timisoara
My name is Emil Istratie, and I am an Operations Manager for the Central Technical Support team of Bosch Service Solutions Timisoara (SSC). My team of 30 colleagues offers support to all installer companies in EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions that install and maintain Bosch security products. Our customers receive support on all products from the Bosch Security Systems portfolio, such as video systems, intrusion, conference, public address and voice evacuation, fire, access control, and management software for these systems – Bosch Video Management System and Building Integration System.
How did you start your career? Which were your first steps? How did you envision your career?
I have a technical background of more than 15 years, the last 10 of which were spent in Bosch. I studied Automation and Applied informatics, and once I finished my studies, I decided to join an industry that was purely technical: the design, configuration and installation of security systems. After five years in this field, I joined the Technical Support team of Bosch Timisoara. In 2014, I spent two months in the Bosch UK office, where I participated in advanced technical training to prepare for the handover of the support service to the Timisoara office. The two months covered a variety of certified technical training and were followed by other training organised in the Netherlands and Germany.
What were your key career moments?
After I joined Bosch, I worked for 6 years as a Technical Support Engineer. My technical knowledge and desire for continuous improvement proved very useful in this period, and I became an expert in my team. These 6 years have also taught me how important my team is, supporting each other and working together to solve problems. In 2020 I became a Team Leader. I would say I have a “holistic” approach to leadership: a blend of technical knowledge and soft skills allows me to offer guidance on most topics my colleagues face, from electronics, automatization, or networking to internal procedures, escalation handling, or customer care. In April 2022, I took over the responsibility of Operations Management for the service. The debut of the global pandemic fundamentally changed the activity of coordinating a team, resulting in quite a big challenge for me.
What are the three most valuable career lessons you have learnt?
Every day comes with a new challenge. Our role is to ensure we are always prepared for the unforeseen, so we can optimally manage the situations in which we might find ourselves, always taking into consideration clients’ expectations and offering support and guidance in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. I like the quote “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link”. I believe that anyone has the power to build something great if they are nurtured with all the support and guidance they need. In a few words, I believe that people are the most important part of anything you do: be kind and patient, listen to understand, help in any way you can, and you’ll have success.
Why did you choose Business Services Industry? What were the top 3 reasons for choosing your company?
The Business Services Industry is a very challenging, high-paced, and rewarding environment to perform in as both a technical expert and a manager. It teaches discipline and provides tremendous opportunities to learn and develop specific skills: technical expertise, leadership, change management, and so many others.
To me, Bosch feels like ‘home’ after such a long time, and it means stability and a chance to always be at the centre of new technologies, to be part of a team that supports state-of-the-art products. Bosch Service Solutions is a major player on the Timisoara employment market, and the Bosch brand is globally renowned for its focus on quality and technical expertise. These are among the reasons behind my choice.
Tell us a little bit about your private life: your passions, family. What do you do to relax?
I love nature, and I like to fish in my spare time.
I am grateful to have a lovely wife and a beautiful daughter. Out of 3 brothers, I am the only one that chose to be an engineer – my brothers are doctors. My passion for technology is not far from my personal life either. Spending time in nature and fishing help me relax and regain my energy.
If now you were starting your career, knowing the present and near future opportunities, what would you do?
I am quite satisfied with where I am now. I would focus on developing the right management skills that can help me thrive in this demanding role.
What are the top 3 skills that you would develop?
I would work on perfecting my communication skills, improving my ability to deal with changes and delegating more.
What would you do and what would you avoid doing?—practical advice to young professionals
I believe that active listening is an essential practice for any young professional, regardless of the line of work. I would encourage them to consider themselves lifelong learners and increase their domain knowledge to become specialists in the field of their choice. They should always search for value in feedback and criticism, as it will help them identify areas of improvement and ultimately shape their professional journey.