Key Account Manager & Technical Support Engineer

His apprenticeship as a machine production technician at WILD laid the foundation for his career. Today, Josef Kraker takes on responsibility for complex projects and sophisticated customer solutions as Key Account Manager and Technical Support Engineer. In this interview, he explains what he enjoys about this job, why team spirit is the key to success for him and what makes WILD so special as an employer.

What is your job at WILD?

I work in the Sales & Engineering department, where I take on the role as Key Account Manager, Project Manager or Technical Support Engineer, depending on customer or project requirements.

How did your career start?

I started my apprenticeship as a machine production technician at WILD in 2004 and successfully completed it in 2008. I completed my evening school-leaving certificate while working. After my apprenticeship and military service, I worked as a machine production technician in the milling unit. In 2012, I was given the opportunity to complete a trainee programme at the company. I worked for three months in the areas of medical technology assembly, quality assurance, development and sales. I have now been working in Sales & Engineering for over ten years. In 2021, I also took on the role as the fire safety officer for the Völkermarkt site.

What do you particularly like about WILD?

The exciting projects and customer products that we deal with on a daily basis, as well as the good cooperation with colleagues from all areas.

What does your typical working day look like?

My tasks are very varied. Every day brings new challenges. From processing simple individual part changes to project management of complex optomechatronic assemblies, it’s pretty much everything. I particularly enjoy the relocation of new customer projects and how we master them as a team.

Another typical part of my day-to-day work is a tour through the production facility, where I check the preventive fire safety measures with a critical eye.

What special expertise and soft skills do you need for your job?

Basic technical training is absolutely essential. Equally important is a strong motivation to face challenges and solve problems independently. A talent for organisation and common sense are just as important as a solution-oriented way of working. It is particularly important to act in a structured, targeted and efficient manner under demanding conditions.

How do you find collaboration within the team?

I particularly appreciate the fact that we learn from each other through cross-departmental collaboration and thus grow together. Every new challenge not only helps us to advance professionally but also strengthens team cohesion. It motivates me to see how we develop solutions together that we might not have achieved on our own.

Are you supported in your professional development? 

Yes, through the trust placed in me to take on responsibility for new projects. Because you develop personally and professionally with every project you realise. WILD also offers ongoing internal training courses – currently on process improvement and digitalisation. I’m happy to take part in these.

What values are practised at WILD?

The corporate culture thrives on the strong team spirit that you can feel when working together. Working together in a spirit of trust creates an atmosphere in which everyone has the opportunity to take on responsibility.

What would you say to someone who is considering working at WILD?

If you enjoy working in a team, are passionate about processes and are interested in innovative projects in the field of medical technology and technical optics, then WILD is the right employer for you.

What is your most important balance to your job? 

Spending time with my family! In addition, I can’t miss out on sport – whether it’s running, tennis or skiing. It helps me to stay fit and clear my head. My involvement in the voluntary fire brigade also offers me a change from the stress of everyday life. Here I can not only give something back but also gain new perspectives.