At Ecorus, our people are the heart of everything we do. In this series, we shine a spotlight on our Ecorians: the pioneers, thinkers, and doers working every day to create a more sustainable world. Their stories offer a behind-the-scenes look at how we tackle challenges, drive innovation, and create impact. It’s a testament to how We Know How comes to life, bringing us closer to a future powered entirely by clean, renewable energy.
“I didn’t just want a career, I wanted a balanced life”, Sara shares. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Marketing in Mexico, she pursued a master’s in International Management at Tilburg University. After graduating with honors, she returned to Mexico, only to realize that the local work culture no longer aligned with her values. “A 48-hour workweek and six-day workweeks are the norm. I wanted more time for myself and my ambitions.” This desire for balance brought her back to the Netherlands, where she’s been part of our team for over 18 months.
A career at Ecorus
Sara’s decision to join Ecorus was intentional. “The mission and culture clicked right away. During the interviews, I felt the energy and dedication of the team”, Sara recalls. For her, a positive work environment is just as important as making an impact. “The team is young, ambitious, and highly committed. That inspires me every day.”
Outside of work, Sara has built a life she loves in the Netherlands. “I have a wonderful network of friends, a cozy apartment, and a great partner. I feel completely at home.” Her life motto is simple: be kind. “For me, it’s all about being a decent person. Or, as I often say, ‘just don’t be an asshole.’ Treating people the way I want to be treated is my guiding principle.”
Building sustainable partnerships
Sara’s personal motto perfectly reflects her role as a category buyer. “When you’re respectful and transparent, you build strong, lasting relationships with suppliers. And that’s crucial for our work”, she explains. “At Ecorus, procurement isn’t just about price, it’s about partnering with reliable suppliers who share our values and meet the highest quality standards.”
Sara oversees the procurement of key materials like mounting structures and cables. “We work with partners worldwide, but wherever possible, we prioritize European suppliers to reduce transport emissions.”
She also keeps a close eye on responsible sourcing. “Knowing where materials come from and how they’re produced is non-negotiable. Child labor and forced labor are unacceptable. A good product means nothing without a trustworthy partner behind it.”
Also innovation plays a key role in Sara’s work. “Sometimes, a new material is more expensive, but if it cuts the installation time in half, we still save costs overall. Balancing those trade-offs makes the job challenging but incredibly rewarding.”
A curious mind with an eye for detail
Procurement turned out to be a perfect fit for Sara. “My first job happened to be in procurement, and I quickly realized I had a knack for it. I’ve always been curious about how things work.” Sara is known for her attention to detail and her ability to break down complex contracts. “I’m the kind of person who reads the manual for every new device I buy – even a toaster”, she laughs. “The same goes for contracts: I want to understand the rules so I know how to win the game.”
The strength of teamwork
The Ecorus procurement team consists of three category buyers responsible for procurement across the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium, supported by logistics and administrative colleagues. “We complement each other well, and collaboration is seamless”, Sara says. “We also work closely with engineering, project management, and site management to make the best decisions.”
For Sara, this close-knit, multidisciplinary teamwork is what makes her role so engaging. Everyone brings their expertise. The site managers provide feedback from the field, and the engineering team ensures that everything meets technical specifications.
“It’s never just me making a decision, it’s a group effort”, Sara emphasizes.
This collaborative approach is, in her opinion, a key reason behind Ecorus’ rapid growth. “We operate as one team and strengthen each other. By combining our knowledge, we move faster and offer innovative solutions to our clients. That’s what makes the difference.”
Continuous learning and innovating
One of the projects Sara is most proud of is the solar park in Noordoostpolder. “The site was challenging due to poor soil conditions and existing underground cables. We couldn’t use standard foundations and had to switch to concrete, a solution we hadn’t used on this scale before. It was pioneering work, but it allowed us to learn and innovate.” This project perfectly illustrates why Sara enjoys her job so much: “Every day, I learn something new and contribute to projects that truly make an impact.”
Would you like to contribute to a sustainable future, with innovation and collaboration at its core? Explore our job openings in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany and let’s build a cleaner, brighter future together.
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