When Merien joined Istec five years ago, he didn’t just step into a new job, he entered a place where taking ownership is second nature. With a background in international roles and project management, the position of product manager marked a natural progression in his career. It brought him back to the world of globally oriented products and services, and closer to the dynamic challenges he thrives on.
A role shaped by versatility and drive
As product manager, Merien sits at the crossroads of many departments: R&D, management, and customer-facing teams. “It’s a unique role,” he explains. “I’m involved in everything from customer feedback to development handovers. When products launch, I make sure they’re introduced to the market the right way.”
That versatility has led him to take on a wide range of responsibilities. “In the early days, everyone had multiple responsibilities,” he recalls. “Part of my job even involved international sales, which was new to me. I had to learn about margins, proposals, and consultative selling, our products aren’t plug-and-play.”
He later played a pivotal role in establishing the distributor network, helping decide which partners to bring on and setting the right conditions for collaboration. “That was a whole new challenge. We were really inventing the wheel, but that’s what made it exciting.”
Merien Uitterhoeve, Product Manager
Creating impact through self-driven innovation
What stands out in Merien’s journey is his proactive mindset. He didn’t wait to be told what to do, he saw what needed to be done and made it happen. From automating warehouse management to forecasting and planning tools, Merien has continuously streamlined processes.
“I’ve always found my own path,” he says. “And Istec gives me that freedom. Whether it’s improving project management or resource allocation with our partners, I’m trusted to take initiative.”
A culture of connection and collaboration
Beyond the projects, Merien values the culture of openness at Istec. “It’s a smaller company where you really know everyone,” he says. “That means strong personal connections and a very amicable environment. I wouldn’t fit as well in a big corporate setting.”
He contributes to this culture in simple but powerful ways, regularly catching up with colleagues, keeping lines of communication open, and leading by example in how new ideas are explored and implemented.
Looking ahead with optimism
For Merien, the future at Istec is full of promise. “I see myself being a product manager for quite some time. I enjoy it, I’m good at it, and we’re just getting started with some really exciting developments.”
Among those developments are new initiatives that he expects will shake up the market. “It’s going to be a game changer. We’re building something in the Netherlands that will make waves globally. It’s amazing to be a part of that.”
From quietly automating internal processes to boldly reshaping how products are brought to market, Merien’s journey is one of initiative, ownership, and connection, a true reflection of the culture he helps shape every day at Istec.
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