Jean-Baptiste Heissat

Job Title: Shanghai, China - Sourcing Analyst for Manitowoc Cranes

Jean-Baptiste Heissat joined Manitowoc in 2005 as a VIE Buyer in Shanghai, China. Today, he is part of our Purchasing team and works as Sourcing Analyst within our Manitowoc Cranes office in Shanghai, China.

What was your VIE mission at Manitowoc Cranes China?

I had the opportunity to work on the development of the Purchasing Department as well as outsourcing. I also contributed to the implementation of a supplier database and to the management of the supplier network.

What were the main benefits of your VIE mission?

For me, it was a REAL opportunity to handle broad projects and work together with a multicultural team. It really helped me learn how to work with different cultures, discover another way of living, and open my mind.

What advise would you like to share with a future Manitowoc VIE?

I would encourage any VIE to take advantage of the unique opportunity to travel in the country of assignment. It will bring better cultural understanding and more value to your daily work. Moreover, learning the local language becomes a great benefit to create relationships with local colleagues. Finally, do not hesitate to share issues with expatriate or homeland managers.

Do you have a funny or memorable experience you’d like to share about your time as a VIE at Manitowoc?

The VIE program was a REAL chance to discover the world. A VIE must be curious about the environment they’re living in and take the opportunity to travel, try uncommon foods, visit beautiful places, and meet the local people. Just a few months after my VIE mission began, I was out visiting one of my suppliers. During lunch, the supplier’s facility manager asked me what kind of food I would like. Of course, he was concerned about what I would like (as a foreigner) and wanted me to feel comfortable. I was glad he asked so I told him that chicken would be fine. We finally got our chicken meal on the table…but only chicken feet!