After his training as an industrial business management assistant, Manuel completed further training as a Business Administrator and is currently studying alongside his work. He works in the development department at the so-called “Plant 0”, where prototype vehicles are developed and built. Manuel's task in hardware procurement is to ensure that the required components for these vehicle projects are available at the right time to secure the start of production. In the interview, he provides insights into his work, training and development opportunities at the BMW Group and the corporate culture.

"BMW offers endless opportunities for training. In an annual discussion with your managers, possible training needs are discussed, and then suitable training courses are organised in the BMW Academy – whether online or on-site. But private training is also supported: I took a sabbatical, for example, to complete my training as a Business Administrator. Currently, I am studying alongside my work and am very well supported, for example through flexible working hours or 10 days of educational leave per year. This is a great relief to me, especially in the exam phase!"

"Trust is a central value at BMW. This is shown, for example, by the fact that I am not constantly monitored, but can plan my working hours and locations independently. Especially when it comes to holiday planning, I coordinate with my deputy. Ultimately, the result counts, not what I do at this or that minute. An open error culture also has a positive influence in my work environment – mistakes are not punished, but seen as an opportunity to learn. This takes the pressure off and promotes creative exchange, as no one has to be afraid to mention it if something is not running smoothly. And in a development project, something is always not quite right."

"On the one hand, there is a structured idea management system called Cre8, through which employees can submit improvement proposals that may even be rewarded. This is motivating of course. Beyond that, however, idea management also takes place in everyday work. In my area, for example, we have regular "Continuous Improvement" meetings where we openly exchange ideas about optimisation potential. Our employee proposals are then presented in the relevant committees – not by the managers, but by the colleagues who also had the ideas."

"In my view, BMW lives diversity very convincingly. This is already evident in small things, such as the fact that no one judges language uncertainties of our foreign colleagues. Furthermore, there are many initiatives to integrate people from different cultures and religions, such as prayer rooms for Muslim colleagues."

"My work is very diverse and has a tangible impact on vehicle development and thus on future products of the BMW Group. Even though I am "just" a small cog in the big picture, it feels good to contribute something important to the company. After all, I love BMW and our products and want to contribute to the company's continued success. BMW also offers me endless opportunities to develop further – whether through further training, job changes or new work content."

Our goal is to create an inclusive corporate culture based on five core values that offer all employees equal opportunities, security, and growth. Through diversity and sustainability, we want to promote the company's long-term success and an open team spirit.