The journey to good work at Albert Heijn: Dominika's story

At one of our largest clients, Albert Heijn, we see every day how much impact we make together. Right in the middle of the fast-paced working environment, stories emerge that show what good work really means. Not as a slogan, but as something we live and deliver every single day.

With our series Good work at Albert Heijn, we bring these stories to life. We share growth stories of colleagues who once started as flex workers and, through dedication, talent and the right guidance, grew into leadership roles. This time, the spotlight is on Dominika. Branch manager at Albert Heijn Online in Rotterdam.

Six years ago, Dominika moved from Poland to the Netherlands. In Poland, she completed secondary school and studied economics. During her studies, she quickly realised this was not what she truly wanted. At the same time, her relationship ended. For Dominika, it felt like the right moment to start over. A new chapter, in a different country.

She began with seasonal work in the Netherlands, packing paprika’s for shops. When the season ended, she got the opportunity to start working at Albert Heijn. Through Carrière, she started as a flex worker, working as an order picker.

From perseverance to growth
The first months as an order picker were tough. The work was physically demanding and Dominika seriously considered quitting. “I actually wanted to give up,” she says. “But the longer I did it, the easier it became. And at some point, I even started to enjoy it.”

That dedication did not go unnoticed at Carrière. After six months, she was given the opportunity to grow into the role of flex team leader. It was exciting. More responsibility, higher expectations. It was exactly what she needed. She continued to grow and moved into an office role, making the step from flex worker to internal employee at Carrière. As an account specialist, she held this position for a year and a half.

Last year, Dominika took another big step. She started as branch manager at Albert Heijn Online in Rotterdam.

Earning trust and giving trust
When the opportunity to become branch manager arose, Dominika hesitated. She wasn’t sure if she was ready. But Carrière recognised her talent and guided her through the process. At that time, the branch manager wanted to take the next step herself and saw Dominika as a strong follow up. She put her forward, trained her and taught her everything she needed to know. “This shows that everyone keeps growing,” Dominika says. “Not just me, but other colleagues around me as well.”

Passing growth on to others
As a branch manager, Dominika now actively looks for talent herself. She recognises potential and dares to give people opportunities. For example, she recommended a flex worker who previously worked as a buddy and who now holds a back-office position. She is also constantly looking for flex workers who can grow into the role of flex team leader.

That is exactly what she values so much about Carrière. “At my previous job, team leader was the highest position I could reach. Here, they really look at you as a person. They think along with you and give you the opportunity to grow.”

Continuing to develop
Dominika knows one thing for sure: she is far from done growing. She loves challenges, new roles and continuous self-development. “When I fully understand a role and have taken everything out of it, I want to move on. I dive in completely and want to become really good at what I do.”

Her message to flex workers is clear. “Never give up. Just like me. If you want something, go for it. Work hard, believe in yourself and take the opportunities that come your way. Everything starts with you.”