Christian Palmgren

Quality and Sustainability Manager

Why did you start working at Scanlube?

I started at Scanlube in 2014 as a consultant in the logistics department. Quite quickly, I was given the opportunity to work across a wide area and was given tasks both in logistics, purchasing and production planning. After a while, I was offered a permanent position and really felt that I wanted to continue working at Scanlube. It was a good company where you had the opportunity to work with many different things and at the same time get a good overview of the business.

I started in the logistics department and worked with continuous improvement and process development. I got further insight into quality, environmental and sustainability issues when I had the opportunity to be an internal auditor. When a role became available as Quality and Environment Manager, I applied for it and have since had the opportunity to continue developing in the role.

Tell us about your role

Today I am Quality and Sustainability Manager at Scanlube. It is a broad and varied role with both strategic and operational parts. I run and develop the systematic quality, environmental and working environment activity, as well as run the company's sustainability work.

What does the job look like in more detail?

The role is a support function for the entire company and I am part of the management team. I am responsible for making sure we have systems in place to ensure that we comply with laws and official requirements. I act as a sounding board both for senior management, managers and employees in my area of expertise and monitor the outside world so that Scanlube is at the cutting edge and follows developments.

What does a working day look like?

The working days vary greatly. There are long-term tasks and projects as well as taking part in security rounds and risk analyses. Right now I am sitting and summarizing the financial year with regard to quality, the environment and the working environment before the management review. Tomorrow I might look at upcoming EU legislation in sustainability and how it will affect Scanlube, as well as put together a strategic plan for how we will comply with the requirements.  

I plan internal and external audits. I keep an eye on laws and regulations. I’m responsible for developing and constantly improving the operational system and coordinating and following up deviations. The next day I’ll be wearing work clothes and going on a safety tour of the factory.

What do you like best about the job?

I enjoy having a broad role where I get to collaborate with all parts of the company. My work area is constantly developing and it is exciting to keep up to date and have an opportunity to develop and learn new things.

What is the best thing about working at Scanlube?

Already in my first job in the logistics department, I found working at Scanlube was rewarding and I felt that I had a great opportunity to make an impact. Decision-making paths are short and it is easy to see the bigger picture. I have nice colleagues and it is easy to work together!

We have a vision to be the most environmentally and customer-focused supplier of lubricants in Europe.

How do you contribute to fulfilling Scanlube's vision?

My most important tool is the management system, which is a good tool for working with continuous improvement. I have been responsible for mapping Scanlube's climate impact according to the GHG (Green House Gas) protocol. With the support of the GHG protocol, we can see where we can best implement measures to reduce our environmental impact. Setting good and reasonable goals and then following them up is the key to success.  

Education

Graduate in Economics with a Master's in Logistics.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I hang out with the family. We are out in nature a lot and are active together. In the winter it's ice skating and skiing and in the summer I like swimming in the sea.

"My work area is constantly developing and it is exciting to keep up to date and have an opportunity to develop and learn new things."
Christian Palmgren
"My work area is constantly developing and it is exciting to keep up to date and have an opportunity to develop and learn new things."