Love for the job, that's what you often hear in people who are really absorbed in their work. Sven Gebruers, Project Manager Industrial Services at Mourik since July 2024, is the perfect example. His adventure in industrial cleaning began at the age of 21, but his career has a versatile foundation that has only strengthened his passion for the profession.
Work experience in Industrial cleaning
Sven started his career in the catering industry, before moving into the horticulture sector. Yet it was industrial cleaning that really got him. "At the age of 21, my adventure began as an Industrial Cleaner at another company. What was a job then grew into a career I am enormously proud of today," Sven says. His first work experiences in cleaning were not only instructive, but laid the foundation for his further career. "I was lucky to be able to learn the job from the real professionals of the time. The way they passed on their knowledge, combined with my own healthy ambition, commitment and eagerness to learn, shaped me into the project manager I am today."
After his first experiences in cleaning, Sven grew into planning. Later, he made a jump to the real estate sector. Yet industrial cleaning continued to fascinate him and he eventually returned to the sector where his passion lies. In all his work experiences, one aspect was central: the customer. "For me, a project is only successful when the customer is satisfied," he says.
What makes a good project manager?
Sven believes that a good project manager must above all show interest and a willingness to learn. "In my eyes, anyone can do this job, as long as you are willing to learn the trade," he says.
His tip to anyone considering this job? Be flexible. "A mix of indoor and outdoor work keeps the job exciting, but you have to be flexible yourself. For me, that split is about 40% working inside and 60% outside, sometimes even 50/50."
For me, success is not just about results, but about the people behind them and the collaboration we create together.
Thanks to his experience as an industrial cleaner, he is able to set realistic expectations, which contributes to smooth cooperation and implementation of projects. "For me, success is not just about results, but about the people behind them and the cooperation we create together," Sven says.
After 18 years in the industry, Sven is still looking ahead "Because growth never stops!" concludes Sven.
