Meet Operations Management Lead, Robert Van Der Does
Robbie, our Operations Management Lead, has been with Fire since 2017. In this interview, he shares what he finds rewarding about his role and why he chose to work with us initially.
Hi Robbie! So, tell us, how long have you been with the company?
It’s hard to believe, but I’m in my 7th year at Fire having started as an Intern in 2017.
What does your job involve?
It’s quite a wide ranging role however if I had to put it into a sentence, it’s my job to ensure the Operations Team as a function is operating with high levels of control and efficiency on a day to day basis.
So, what do you find most rewarding about your role?
The most rewarding part of the job is being able to directly support the team and the individuals within it develop and grow. As Fire scales, I see it as part of my responsibility to ensure the team are well equipped to support the business.
And the most exciting challenge you’ve worked on yet?
I really enjoy working with our key suppliers as the main operational point of contact. Fire work with some of the most prominent names in finance and I’m proud of the relationships I’m building with them on behalf of Fire.
What’s your background? Why did you want to join a company like Fire?
My background is actually in education and music. After studying music for a year in BIMM Dublin, I took up a BSc in Education Studies with Marino Institute of Education. Going into college I had the thought that I might one day become a music teacher, however after six years of secondary school and five years of college, I decided that a break from the education sector would be beneficial.
I was referred to Fire by a friend and the idea of working for tech startup was attractive to me. I was conscious that my experience up until that point was unrelated but fortunately, I had a few transferable skills and backed myself to learn fast. Fire put their faith in me back then and I’m still here repaying that faith almost 7 years later. I’m also happy to report that I’m still working with my friend who referred me in the first place!
How would you summarise the culture in three words?
Honest, Hardworking, Teamwork.
What do you like about working in the payments industry?
Banking and payments are something everybody has in common. Being at the forefront of the fintech sector is an exciting and a competitive space to be in. Everybody knows the payments industry in Ireland requires development and I’m happy to be playing a part in accelerating that change.
Any hobbies and interests outside of work you’d like to share?
I love music. Guitar is my instrument of choice. If I ever won the lotto, there’s a good chance I’d spend most of the money filling my house with guitars.
Sport is another big one. I’d be happy to talk about sport all day (anybody who has sat with me at lunch can attest!). Football would be my main obsession: watching it, playing it, listening to sports radio or podcasts and reading football writers.
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