Why SEFE? Careers at SEFE Energy

What do you enjoy most about your work at SEFE?

As the team lead for contract management at SEFE in France, I am responsible for contract validation and client onboarding, particularly for the SME (small and medium enterprises) market, which involves working through brokers. I really enjoy this role because it provides me with a lot of interaction with different teams across the company, like customer sales management, client services, the brokers’ network and our external partners which I find really rewarding. I also like that we're becoming more and more internationally oriented, as it allows me to use my language skills in English, German, and Dutch. Before joining SEFE, I didn't really have the chance to use English in my everyday working life!

How would you describe SEFE’s role in the energy market?

I think we're really important to the energy market because we ensure a reliable supply in France and across Europe. Plus, we offer expertise and dependable service to a diverse group of customers. Our strong reputation, diverse client portfolio, and commitment to quality ensure that our partners can consistently rely on us for exceptional results. Although we may not always be in the spotlight, our impact on the security of supply in Europe is significant behind the scenes.

What are some key values of SEFE that you appreciate?

SEFE is deeply committed to its employees, fostering a transparent management system where everyone is dedicated to their responsibilities. The company actively encourages growth and learning opportunities for motivated individuals. Transparency is very important at SEFE, and our manager exemplifies this by openly sharing information with the team, creating an environment that supports employee development. I also like that there is a strong ‘family-feel’ at SEFE. The team takes time to get together several times per year - to share moments together, to think about how we grow, and to party as well!

What do you enjoy about your work at SEFE?

SEFE is based in Kassel, where I was born and raised, so being in the office truly feels like home. Most of my colleagues have become my friends. I also like having the opportunity to develop myself, meet new people, collaborate with international teams, and take on diverse challenges and projects. I also travel a lot to other SEFE entities, to stay in touch with colleagues, both professionally and personally. There’s so much to learn from the diverse cultures and perspectives within the company. We're always moving forward, and that suits me.

Is there anything in particular that you like about going to the office?

The food at the canteen is great - that's definitely one reason why I'm here every day [laughs]. But more importantly, I love being in touch with other colleagues, tackling challenges together and looking forward to the bright future we have in the energy industry. I want to be a part of it.

What makes SEFE unique in the energy sector?

We’re part of the energy transition and that makes us special. We're evolving from a traditional gas company into emerging markets like hydrogen. SEFE is always moving forward, constantly developing our teams, our business and our company. The energy world moves on, and we are driving the change.

What makes working at SEFE unique?

We have a team with diverse perspectives and experiences who are spread across Europe: I work with colleagues in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, France, the Czech Republic, and I am based in Austria. Together we are always stronger than alone. Each market has unique requirements, and our deep expertise within the team is a significant strength for SEFE.

What is SEFE's expertise in the energy industry?

We have a long-standing presence and we’re at the heart of the gas supply industry within Germany and Europe. Today, innovation, and particularly decarbonization, are essential. As a reliable partner, we discuss new concepts and solutions with our clients. We can take our extensive experiences and apply them across various commodities, and thereby support our clients’ decarbonization journey.

How do you stay informed about evolving trends in the energy sector?

We're looking at new technologies, products, and tools that help in decarbonizing our footprint and that of our clients. That also means understanding the technical side, using market intelligence, and keeping an eye on regulatory changes and new legislation. Engaging with our clients is a big learning opportunity, because only with an in-depth mutual understanding can we move forward with the energy transition.

What aspect of working at SEFE do you like most?

Our team thrives on collaboration and knowledge sharing, especially when it comes to solving complex database issues. We know that whenever a challenge arises, team members who possess a solution will willingly share it with the rest of the team. Even if the answer isn’t immediately clear, we’re confident that through collective effort and teamwork, we can overcome any issue. SEFE is very proactive in bringing in the latest solutions, ensuring that our systems are up to date and minimising the risk of bugs or issues. This approach fosters a strong sense of belonging and professionalism among employees.

How has SEFE supported your growth and development?

SEFE offers a wide range of training programmes, especially in the cloud domain. The company provides us with opportunities to attend online classes and supports us in pursuing exams and certifications. This commitment to continuous learning empowers us to stay updated with the latest advancements and broaden our skill sets. SEFE has presented me with valuable opportunities to enhance not only my technical expertise but also my interpersonal communication and coordination skills, which I consider essential for both my career and personal growth. The company fosters a positive environment and culture that supports development in all these areas.

In your opinion, what makes SEFE standout compared to other companies?

At SEFE, we conduct thorough evaluations of all available software options in the industry, particularly on the database side. This meticulous process ensures that we choose the software that aligns perfectly with our needs, enabling us to handle tasks and solve problems with excellence. Personally, I take a proactive approach to problem-solving by analysing root causes. While I may address immediate issues temporarily, my focus is to understand and resolve the underlying cause to prevent future occurrences. Another aspect that I appreciate is the accessibility of SEFE's management team. I can easily approach them to discuss any concerns, whether work-related or pertaining to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This open culture fosters effective communication and ensures that our concerns are heard and addressed promptly.

What do you enjoy most about working for SEFE?

The work itself is a lot of accounting, a lot of finance, which is something I am very comfortable with and enjoy. But what I love most about working here is the passion everyone has for their work! Saying that you enjoy accounting is a weird thing to say in Singapore but being part of a team where everyone is interested and passionate about their work creates a more engaging and fulfilling environment. It's refreshing to be surrounded by people who really love what they do — it’s contagious in the best way.

What has been your highlight since joining SEFE?

One highlight was the opportunity to work at our London office for a few months. It was my first time travelling to Europe, and at first it felt a bit overwhelming to suddenly be immersed in so many different nationalities and cultures. At the same time, everyone was eager to learn about me and what life is like in Singapore. Somehow, our lunches turned into mini geography and history lessons, where we exchanged personal stories and learned about each other’s cultures. It was a very fun experience.

What is most surprising about your work?

I really like that I get to work with so many people from diverse backgrounds. It’s been a very eye-opening realisation for me that you can always find something in common with another person, regardless of their background or life situation. Although I’m based in Singapore my direct reporting team is in London. This gives me the opportunity to work with a truly international team that come from all over the world, including Germany, India, Bulgaria and Australia just to name a few.

What makes SEFE an expert in trading?

Over the past two decades, SEFE has built a deep expertise in the gas industry, encompassing portfolio management, storage operations, transportation activities, and bilateral trading. This extensive knowledge has been instrumental for our success, especially in our trading activities.

SEFE's strong reputation in the energy market enables us to engage with key players such as producers and industry consumers. We are acknowledged as a trusted industry leader, positioning us among the top in terms of credibility, knowledge, and active participation in the sector.

What's your favourite part about working at SEFE?

The market's volatility is a decisive factor of our daily work, as it directly influences pricing and product evaluation. This dynamic environment brings a sense of excitement to the job, demanding constant attention and a sharp focus on multiple fronts. To thrive in this setting, you really need passion for your job, and I find every part of it both thrilling and engaging. There is never a dull moment throughout the day. One of the highlights is the opportunity to interact with both internal and external stakeholders, fostering discussions and building valuable relationships.

What values have you learned to appreciate during your time at SEFE?

Firstly, the opportunity for open collaboration among traders, where we can freely share our views and thoughts about the market trends. This knowledge exchange is highly beneficial for the entire team. Secondly, SEFE's support and understanding of the importance of a healthy work-life balance have been instrumental. The company values the well-being of its employees, recognising that a great work life balance leads to better performance. Before joining SEFE, I worked at a smaller company, but I wanted to change to a bigger company. Because working at a big company like SEFE allows me to focus solely on my daily trading activities. Furthermore, SEFE's strong knowledge base and market reputation have been invaluable, giving me the chance to learn from experienced professionals and expand my expertise.

What do you like about working at SEFE?

We're a very close-knit team, and if there’s a problem, we solve it together. We have a diverse team with a new generation coming through, which brings fresh ideas that help us move forward in the market. I appreciate that SEFE brings together people from across the globe – whether Kassel, Manchester, Berlin, Paris, or Singapore, all working on the same challenges towards one common goal.

How does SEFE support your personal success?

SEFE lets me explore projects that interest me and provides the freedom to innovate. Over the years, I've had many opportunities to demonstrate my abilities. And it has paid off: From starting as an apprentice to now leading a team. I've benefited from mentorship from senior management, and now I mentor others myself. This openness and support have been crucial for me.

What do you think sets SEFE apart in the industry?

We have the opportunity to bring new policies to the market and a new way of thinking. Our structure enables rapid decision-making and helps us to adapt to market trends quickly. We want to be faster than the market and drive the green energy transition. We've set ourselves up as an international business where we can learn from each other and meet the needs of our customers while we support them on their decarbonisation journey. This helps us understand what works, what doesn't, and how we can move faster across the energy industry.