Career path with a change of perspective: Sascha Ungerer moves from ZÜBLIN to STRABAG
How did your career path lead you to STRABAG and ZÜBLIN?
Sascha: I trained as an industrial clerk. After working in various departments and a position in a medium-sized company, I started at STRABAG Hoch- und Ingenieurbau in Hanover at the beginning of 2000. In the course of the takeover of ZÜBLIN, I changed "colors" and stayed in building construction. Most recently, I was commercial division manager at ZÜBLIN Niedersachsen. Now I'm looking forward to my new role as Commercial Director and to getting to know the road construction sector better.
Which projects have particularly shaped your career?
Sascha: The best-known projects include the Airrail Center in Frankfurt - now known as "The Squaire" - where I initially worked as a buyer and later as commercial project manager. Other well-known projects include the Weser-Ems-Hallen in Oldenburg, the Weserpark Bremen and the ARGE Berufliche Schulen in Hamburg.
As Head of ZÜBLIN Niedersachsen, I was also able to acquire the shell of the Conti headquarters in Hanover, the BraWo Tower BC III in Braunschweig and the reloading hall at Schacht Konrad 2. I was also able to get our future Group building H3Ö and the SRE projects Marq am Marstall and PodBe in Hanover off the ground.
What have been your biggest professional challenges so far?
Sascha: The Airrail Center, with €120 million in shell construction work in one year, was certainly an outstanding project. But the Hamburg Vocational Schools project was even more challenging: a total of 56 buildings had to be built or renovated at eight locations in five years. This complexity - in terms of organization, logistics and communication - was a special task.
Were there any decisions that were particularly formative for your career?
Sascha: There were many formative moments, but the decision to join STRABAG in 2000 was particularly important. It enabled me to gain extensive practical experience on a wide variety of projects. This wealth of experience has had a decisive influence on my career.
What motivated you to switch internally to STRABAG after many years at ZÜBLIN?
Sascha: To be honest, it was a mixture of several things: The opportunity to take on a more responsible role closer to home came at exactly the right time. After nine years as a division manager, I was looking for new challenges. And the reputation of the management as particularly innovative had made me curious for some time and ultimately persuaded me to apply.
What changes did the switch from ZÜBLIN back to STRABAG entail?
Sascha: Above all, adapting to new structures and processes. But I clearly see that as an opportunity.
Particularly within the Group, it becomes clear how enriching it is to get to know new areas and draw on existing networks. This combination not only promotes personal and professional development, but also creates new impetus.
What skills are crucial for taking on responsibility?
Sascha: A solid professional foundation, strategic understanding and a sense of responsibility. It is important to be able to recognize interrelationships within the Group as a whole, to base decisions on overarching goals and to take responsibility not only for results but also for people. Building trust and providing clear orientation - especially in challenging situations - is also part of this. Motivating and inspiring myself and others for our projects has always helped me to take responsibility.
What do you wish you had known earlier about careers and leadership?
Sascha: That careers have less to do with formal titles and much more to do with attitude, willingness to learn and self-reflection. Networks, good communication and trust are much more important than I initially thought. And: you can only be successful in the long term if your own path matches your own values.
What would you recommend to colleagues who want to develop into new areas or roles?
Sascha: You should be open and curious, want to take on responsibility and be patient with yourself.