From officer to manager: Mariella’s journey in quality and leadership
I’m Mariella Freudenau Volkers, 38 years old, married, and a proud mother of three. Nearly three years ago, I made a meaningful shift in my career. After spending more than 12 years in the quality department of a manufacturing company known for spring rolls and breaded cheese products, I felt ready for something new. That next step brought me to Royal Ingredients, where I started as a Quality Officer. Earlier this year, I stepped into the role of Quality Manager, a move that’s been both rewarding and full of learning moments.
Delivering quality with care
Taking on the role of Quality Manager meant stepping up to lead a small but committed team. In my current position, I am responsible for overseeing all aspects of the quality management system which allows me to develop a deeper understanding of quality assurance processes and to take on greater responsibility for the team’s success.
We work closely together to make sure the ingredients we offer meet the highest quality standards before they reach our global partners. Working on a global scale means dealing with different markets and regulations. No two days are the same, and I really enjoy that constant variety. It pushes us to stay alert and flexible.
What I value most is that together, we can achieve a lot.
A culture of support and learning
In this role, one of the biggest sources of strength has been the guidance from the leadership team. I work closely with a leader who brings a great deal of experience and insight. That kind of support creates a calm and confident work environment where we feel trusted and encouraged to grow. It’s a privilege to work under such leadership, which allows me to focus on my own development as well as that of my team.
Growth that goes both ways
One of the best parts of my job is seeing others grow. Mentoring and supporting people in their development gives me a lot of energy. There’s a real spirit of teamwork here. Everyone is willing to help one another, and the eagerness to learn is visible throughout the company, creating an environment of growth and development.
I’m proud to be part of a company that believes in its people and encourages a positive, supportive workplace where everyone feels they can contribute.
Looking ahead
As I look ahead, I’m excited for what’s next. Every challenge brings a new lesson, and every success is something we achieve together. Whether it’s navigating a new regulation or welcoming a team member into a new role, there is always something valuable to learn. At Royal Ingredients, we are not just maintaining standards. We are raising them together.
About Mariella
Mariella is Quality Manager at Royal Ingredients. With over 15 years of experience in quality assurance, she’s passionate about guiding teams, maintaining high standards, and building a culture of care and continuous development.
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