On average, organizations spend over five times more with traditional firms than other types of legal services providers: Survey respondents* spent $113 million annually with traditional law firms, $5.5 million with alternative legal services providers and $15 million with ancillary legal services providers. Big savings are also more likely when in-house counsel and procurement have… View more
76% of procurement leaders who participated in a recent study* said that increasing spend influence was either a major or critical objective for them. It was identified as a critical development area. This means tackling long tail spend is now high on the agenda of procurement leaders. Long tail spend can be defined as all… View more
Business process outsourcing, or BPO, is a business practice in which one organization hires another company to perform a task (i.e., process) that the hiring organization requires for its own business to operate successfully. BPO has its roots in the manufacturing industry, with manufacturers hiring other companies to handle specific processes, such as parts of… View more
Title: Benelux Domain Head Industrial, Clinical & Scientific. | Procurement
Employers: Sanofi
“Olaf’s approach and positivism makes stakeholders feel engaged and motivated to move forward. Olaf has a clear and lean way of thinking. He is an expert in change management and dares to challenge existing processes. Still he is capable to make people believe in and achieve that one shared goal. Benefitting from his project management skills and his open way of communicating, certain projects could be finalized within the given timelines. I liked working with Olaf a lot, and I’m looking forward to potential opportunities cooperating again with him in the future.”
Title: Senior Internal Consultant
Employers: Boehringer Ingelheim Corporate Center
“Olaf guided and supported the company in a couple of in-house initiatives and strategic projects in Human Pharma as Business Partner of the Procurement department. From the beginning, I got to know him as very structured, professional consultant, who never considered himself too valuable to ask uncomfortable questions and claim consequences in case they were delayed. This approach is a rarely found quality in bigger companies – I appreciated it a lot. Due to his vast experience with other employers, he was able to provide a lot of valuable impulses which were beneficial for the preparation and execution of the projects. He always puts the company for which he is working first – his coquetry with the “Dutch way”, making things transparent and claiming them, always has been very useful regarding the progress of strategically important tasks.”
“Olaf is a colleague as s/he should be: tackling, open, supportive, demanding, but never moralizing.”
Title: Corporate Vice President, Head of Dept. Marketing Respiratory
Employers: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
“I had the opportunity to work with Mr. Olaf van der Linden in his capacity as Global Sourcing Business Partner to contract an external consultancy to support the Respiratory TA in the revision of the TA strategy during 2017.
Apart from the usual support expected from Global Sourcing in the evaluation and selection of external vendors, Mr. van der Linden succeeded to introduce a “”Creative Cost Model Concept”” which was totally new for the kind of strategic work that was required within the project. The approach was based on holding back satisfaction linked payments (per pre-defined criteria) and including focused-coaching over a period of 3 years related to the strategy implementation. This was a unique approach within this context and allowed for a model for our external partner to put “”skin in the game””. Due to evolving needs the model was subsequently adapted to allow for optimal use of the focused-coaching time to serve more specific consultancy needs with the continued support of Mr. van der Linden.
The professional and proactive nature in which Mr. van der Linden supported the project is commendable.”
Title: Senior Vice President, Head of Clinical Development
Employers: CSL Behring
“This is a general note of reference for Olaf van der Linden. Olaf and I were colleagues at Boehringer Ingelheim during my time there from 2015-2017. At that time I was serving as the Therapeutic Area Head for Respiratory Diseases. Olaf was serving in the Sourcing of General Goods & Service group as part of the overall Purchasing organization.
During this time the Respiratory Therapeutic Area decided to do a refresh of our overall Strategy. With Olaf’s help, we agreed internally that we wanted to create a bold and aggressive plan on an aggressive timeline. To do this, we decided to engage an external Consultant group. Mr. van der Linden led that search and evaluation for us. Olaf generated a pool of potential Consultants and organized their capabilities presentations to us. But this part is fairly standard.
What set his help apart are two things. First, he really pushed the agencies to provide really creative proposals for coming to bold and aggressive new strategies. He asked the companies to revise their pitches in very short time to more reflect our ambitions and to staff the proposal with the type of people capable of achieving these goals. And secondly, he challenged and cajoled all the bidders to make creative terms whereby the agencies continued with “”skin in the game”” over the life of the strategy, not just while the work was getting done. These two elements led to overall creation of initial ideas that matched our ambition and terms of a contract that reflected our desire to have more a partnership instead of a transaction. But what the process also revealed was which agency was best and most easily able to think laterally and creatively on the fly, something critical to creating a bold, ambitious, creative strategy in a limited period of time. The end result was a successful partnership and successfully refreshed strategy.
Mr. van der Linden demonstrates this type of creative and integrative thinking in all his interactions. He is a problem solver and one interested in customizing a solution for the issue/team at hand. This is a welcome attribute since my all too frequent experience in purchasing is that the desire is only for low price and a fixed process and contract. Those typical behaviors rarely result in win-win relationships as was created in this situation. I would be happy to be contacted to provide further commentary if needed.”
Title: Senior Manager
Employers: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH HP Supply
“As project lead of the FDA Readiness Project for our site in Koropi in Greece, Olaf van der Linden supported me in in his role as “Corporate Purchasing” in making a choice between different international consulting firms. The collaboration with Olaf was very constructive, flexible and reliable. Due to the tight timeframe and the unconventional task, I appreciated his wealth of experience and spontaneity. He was able to quickly get into the technical interrelations of the project. Beside his very structured approach, also his sustainablity in quickly realizing the project tasks was very helpful. He has a very clear of communicating, but manages to engage people due to his open and authentic manner. His work has always been transparent and proactive.”
“As person, Olaf is a very positive, energized and humorous. He has a sound knowledge of human nature which allows him to adapt to different people. Due to his structured way, he’s able to get to the heart of something and to communicate even conflictual topics calmly and purposefully. He has a remarkable personality and is a human enrichment.”
Title: Regional Business Manager EUCA
Employers: Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH Corp. Human Pharma
“My professional interaction with Mr. Olaf Van der Linden is limited to a project for Biosimilars for three European markets: UK, Germany and France. Even when the interaction is limited to one project, it is quite evident that Olaf is a senior professional with reliable capabilities for sourcing departments and his internal partners.
In the project I had the opportunity to participate with Olaf, he demonstrated a deep knowledge of the internal processes in Boehringer Ingelheim (Bi), a good understanding of Bi’s culture and a significant level of commitment with the organization, even when he is external to Bi.
Olaf understood extremely well the needs I had from the project and transmits it to the different vendors. He is extremely precise in the follow up and he has remarkable communication skills, reinforcing the strengths of the proposals we received but also clarifying the weaknesses, always with the objective of improve the final outcome.
Olaf not only adds value from his role dealing with the vendors, also contributing to the different working sessions from different angles as a result of the different experiences in his career. Something to be highlighted is the calm he maintains during the tense moments of a negotiation. In my opinion is difficult to provoke the Olaf’s derailment even under important stress conditions and this is something extremely valuable for a professional in his function. Olaf is assertive and firm, he explains with clarity and calm the project’s objective and discuss with in a constructive way. He is able to build positive atmospheres which provoke better outcomes, at least that have been the case in the project we have participated together. In summary: Olaf is a senior reliable and accurate professional, extremely committed with his job and with the organizations he works for, this is the experience I have had in my interaction with him.”
Title: Exempt member of the works council
Employers: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG Betriebsrat
“I got to meet Olaf in the context of a Managed Service Project. Many different internal stakeholders as well as external partners were part of this project. Due to his open and solution-oriented way of working, Olaf ensured not losing the red threat at one point in time. Therefore, the meetings took place very efficiently and in a professional athmosphere. Obstakles that emerged during the project were picked up by Olaf and he started to actively search for solutions. Thereby he always stayed calm and focussed which transferred to all participants. His appriciation of all participants in the same manner was also crucial for the succes of the project. This was an extremely efficient opportunity to utilize the capabilities of all participants and to change approach as neccessary. Agreements made were integrated into the project plan and followed up by him.”
“Olaf is very openly, respectfully, and trustworthy. His ability to approach and engage people for a common goal is remarkable. One can breathe that he likes people. I’m looking forward to staying in contact with him beyond this project.”
Title: Manager HR Talent, Leadership & Oranizational Effectiveness
Employers: Boehringer Ingelheim Corporate Center GmbH/ HR Talent, Leadership+Org. Effective
“Olaf’s joyfulness and his positive way of thinking increase the energy in every meeting. He sees the big picture and attracts people to join the journey due to his stakeholder management qualities and his persistence. He’s not afraid to ask tough questions but manages to create the energy and space to allow for constructive solutions.”
Title: Head of Labour Law
Employers: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co.KG
Great – his communicative manner and the ability to approach people openly help him to be able to bring his professional competence to companies in the direct consultation of the customer. Passion and creativity for what he does and how he does it makes him special.
Title: Head of Marketing – OFEV brand team
Employers: Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH/ TA Respiratory/Biosimilars
During my work with Olaf I was positively surprised with his high level of accountability where he takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work/ project, while being flexible enough to adapts to changing business needs. He Focuses much on results and desired outcomes and how best to achieve them. Gets the job done. Nice leadership qualities that enable him directs others’ work on projects and convinces them to follow recommendations and advice to bring them into compliance with regulations, and policies.
Title: Human Pharma Regions Office
Employers: Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH/ Corp. Human Pharma
Working environment
In April 2017 I worked with Olaf van der Linden on an international vendor selection and procurement activity for a strategy project. The required vendor capabilities were beyond standards and included specific qualifications and expertise in developing countries.
Olaf was responsible for managing the pitch, the cross-functional vendor evaluation process and the negotiation of the commercial terms and conditions. In this project Olaf and the team were challenged with tight timelines and cross-functional stakeholders’ expectations. Olaf did an excellent job ensuring that the quality standards and timelines were met. He introduced new tools to support a structured, cross-functional vendor evaluation. Olaf led the team through an efficient, transparent and consistent project management style. At the same time, Olaf showed a great deal of flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing conditions. The project team benefitted from Olaf’s anticipatory project steering, his open and respectful communication style as well as his goal-oriented working approach. In negotiation situations, I experienced Olaf as strong and determined negotiator, acting in a pleasant and constructive manner. The project was successfully finalized and met our pre-defined expectations to the full extend. It was not only a great pleasure to work with Olaf, but also a highly productive and successful cooperation. This reference has been written upon Olaf’s request. I wish Olaf much success for his future projects and upcoming professional endeavors.
Title: Vice President
Employers: Corden Pharma International
“Primarily, I reached out to Olaf van der Linden to analyze the Supply Chain & Procurement function for our sites in Belgium and Switzerland. On top, Olaf was requested to optimize the collaboration between these stand-alone sites, considering culture and different ways of working. He did a great job in doing the analysis for each site in scope and sharing it in highly accepted feedback sessions at all levels on the sites, and through clear reporting and the personal calls / meetings with me. In the end, Olaf had successfully lead the international final GM’s meeting to evaluate and discuss the outcome and next steps.”
“Olaf as a person is easy to connect with and his skill to get trust and information from people at all levels in different functions is remarkable. He creates trust in an easy way – this enables him to reveal hidden bottlenecks which were blocking the different processes. Next to his broad general knowledge of the business processes, his positive energy and real interest in business and people make Olaf a unique person. It’s a person to stay connected with even after the projects – value adding and always great discussions!”
Title: Managing Director EVP
Employers: Bioriginal Europe / Asia B.V.
“As Bioriginal had a challenge in July 2016 to introduce an ERP system and we were with a small crew, we asked Olaf van der Linden to support us and help us out in the newly created department of support, new product development and production.
His mission was to guide us through the ERP implementation and use all his experience to make sure the departments (incl. business teams) would be able to cope with that.
Olaf did a great job in making sure all the elements for the pre-prep where envisioned and clearly planned for. Within a very short time he was able to give me, the Managing Director, lots of advice on a strategic level how to improve the business and the exposure of Bioriginal to our new markets and customer base.”
“As a person, Olaf is very skilled in getting to know the business very fast and guiding me on various elements. He is very structured in his way of working and stays very well connected to the MD in making sure things are picked up and prioritized accordingly.
I worked really well with him. He is easy in talking and a helping hand on various levels within the company, but also always makes sure the business decides.
He is pro-active, enthusiastic and has a lot of positive energy. Very fast it feels as if he is an employee of the company. His structured but also strict way of working, his openness and excellent detailed listening skills are exemplary of what you want someone hired as an interim manager to be.”
Title: Manager Procurement
Employer: ZorgService XL
“I experience you as a very energized person. Always positive and in a good temper. As a real professional, who is really good in establishing contacts, working diligently and daring to address if things don’t go as intended.”
Title: Senior Engagement Manager
Employer: Payoda Technologies
“I have worked with Olaf in the capacity of an Engagement Manager. He has been an absolute joy to work with. He has a pleasant and courteous demeanor. Despite his busy schedule, he was very punctual for the calls and made sure that he kept us informed of any change in plans in advance. His knowledge in the HRO and related procurement categories is impeccable. He strives for perfection and ensures that people involved too aim for it in a constructive way. The review calls were an absolute delight. He challenged findings even in alien categories in a logical way and all differences were sorted in a healthy way. He left no stones unturned until all his questions were logically answered. He still beholds the inquisitive mind of a child and is an avid learner. He believes in team work and would be willing to go the extra mile. His foresight and planning distinguishes him from other procurement leads. He charts the course and milestones in keeping with the long term goal. His plans are not only effective but also realistic. Olaf is also a very understanding and approachable individual.”
Title: International Sales Director
Employer: Lyreco
“I had the great pleasure to get to know Olaf as an exceptional business professional, when he was at Schering-Plough with the global responsibility for an International Agreement. Olaf in his work is precise, knowledgeable, innovative and hard-working. Olaf demonstrated his capabilities to use his extensive knowledge and skills to achieve the best results for his business objectives. At the same time, Olaf’s open-minded and amicable nature enables him to build very constructive and positive relationship with his business partners. I would wholeheartedly recommend Olaf as one of the best professionals I worked with, to help an organization to improve and maximize its procurement & supply chain and BPO.”
Title: QA-QC
Employer: Aspen
“Olaf possesses a gift for being honestly interested in the person behind work. Communicative savvy and challenging and motivating/ confronting people with their own hidden strengths. Even though not having had a lot of direct professional interaction, I learned a lot from him.”
Title: CEO
Employer: Jacobs Holding AG
“I got to know Olaf while I was CEO between 2009 and 2015 of the Adecco group, the largest staffing group, with revenues of Euro 21 billion and 32’000 employees. Olaf was then in charge at Merck SD to introduce the Managed Services program, where the temporary workforce of MSD would be recruited and managed by Adecco across all countries. During that period Olaf and I had several follow up meetings, where Olaf came always across as very strong, knowing all the details of the program in the different countries, while also keeping the helicopter view, and making sure that the agreed quality standards and timelines were respected. With the introduction of such a complex program, there are always roadblocks and issues, but Olaf succeeds to always bring these clearly across and have them either internally or externally solved.”
Title: Operations Manager/ Entrepreneur
Employer: Chiemgau Thermen Bad Endorf
“In all joint projects, the collaboration with Olaf van der Linden was professionally just as successful as personally pleasant. I especially value his professional manner to calmly and deliberately approach new projects, analyze strengths and weaknesses, and therewith form a sound view on things. It often helped me to receive new impulses in an advisory capacity which I could make use of in my projects and in the development of my company. Over time and as a result of our regular collaboration, a friendship developed, and I really appreciate not only to have a business partner that supports me in many aspects, but also have a friend which I can trust without restrictions thanks to his loyal, open and honest character.”
Title: Compliance, Risk & Audit Manager
Employer: Audit Professionals 4U
“For me, personally, you are a distant friend, with emphasis on friend. For me, you are a sympathetic ear, always interested and full of understanding, a pleasant guy to share joys and sorrows. You are very driven, entrepreneurial, and perseverant. Impressive to watch.”
Title: Senior Director Enterprise Portal and Collaboration
Employer: MSD
“I had the privilege to have Olaf available along my side during many years of my professional life and in many different functions where he made a big difference in being successful negotiating long and short term contracts, IT- and Scientific literature licenses, IT hardware and software agreements, Utility equipment on a Local level as well on the Enterprise level. Olaf was instrumental in making these contractual processes a success for the company and for me as a manager. He is very knowledgeable, creative and analytic thinker, without losing sight of putting in place very pragmatic and cost effective solutions. Olaf is a very pleasant person to work with, he keeps over-sight of the process end-to-end, is in control, acts pro-active, is result driven and understands how the play the strategic procurement role in front of third parties along with business representatives to receive agreement under beneficial conditions.”
Title: Director
Employers: Bristol-Myers Squibb
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Olaf for many years beginning in 2009 when we found ourselves on an integration team charged with bringing together the best of our two organizations. Olaf’s passion and professionalism impressed me from the very beginning. He graciously extended himself to everyone on the team, willingly sharing his knowledge and experience to ensure an optimal result for the company. His leadership, ability to engage others, and cultural savvy across organizations and geographies added tremendous value to our new combined department. I would highly recommend Olaf to any organization looking for the optimal blend of knowledge and experience to help drive strategic results.“
“In addition to knowing Olaf professionally, Olaf has also become a close friend. His engaging personality, and respectful and inquisitive approach make him easy to relate to on multiple levels. He is quite selfless and caring, and a great listener, going the extra mile for those around him. I have had the unique pleasure to share many a chocolate dessert with Olaf, a shared passion discovered through his love of learning about others, as we have shared our professional and personal journeys over the years.“
Title: Executive VP EMEA
Employers: Lee Hecht Harrison
“In my professional experience with Olaf, he has always taken a broad business, data-driven and outcome oriented perspective on any kind of discussion or negotiation. The other key element he’s brought into any discussion is a forward looking perspective – e.g. what innovations or trends do we need to take into account in order to scope a truly differentiated solution.“
“Olaf is very direct, but at the same time very considered in his communication and style of collaboration – which has always allowed me when working with him to tackle the real and underlying issues and challenges in a constructive manner. His open personality and willingness to problem solve in the moment have also enabled us to address topics quickly. Finally, he brings across a genuine curiosity in you as a person, which again allows for better and more productive relationship building and collaboration.“
Title: Coach
Employers: Echt Wolter
“The totally different set-up of procurement within a company, this is where Olaf goes for, so that it is connected to the business. Procurement not as an institute or department, but smart and cost-efficient procurement as a logical part of everyone’s thinking, anchored in the genes of the organization. He not only comes up with a totally new perspective, but also makes sure it’s part of the company’s DNA. Creating real ownership – amongst other things, he does so thanks to his engaging personality, his enormous experience in this area, his ability to communicate on all levels and get people in motion, and his curious, entrepreneurial spirit. Breaking fixed patterns, thinking innovatively, and creating sustainable win-win-situations whereby practical results count.“
“Olaf distinguishes himself by his enormous amount of energy and drive, combined with a good feeling for people. A person that exudes his passion in all he does. Someone with a heart and soul, believing in something and fully going for it, looking for- and keeping up good contact with others and taking care of everyone’s interests and business results. Honestly interested, integer, binding and motivating.“
Title: Manager Supply Chain
Employers: Diosynth / Akzo Nobel Pharma
“Olaf is driven, knows what he wants to achieve and always wants to make progress and improve things. Olaf is honestly interested in the people around him/ he works with, also personally. Olaf asks for feedback regularly and targeted.“
“Is friendly, warm, open and honest. Knows what he wants, and dares to face his own ‘weaknesses’ in order to work on them. Olaf can also get angry when he is done wrong or when injustice takes place, and he will do everything in his power to get it out of his way.“
Title: Senior Specialist Logistics
Employers: Intervet International bv
“Olaf is very driven in his work and if he is delivering something, he wants it to be prepared almost to perfection. If he has come up with a plan and stands with it, he will advocate 100% to implement the plan. If you’re struggling with something, he will do everything in his power to help you. He is a very pleasant colleague, in- and outside work. Also during our business travels, I experienced this as very positive.“
“Olaf is a very friendly and pleasant person who is easy to approach. He is open and honest and listens well, is sincerely interested in your personal situation and will, for example if you have kids or are exercising, always ask how things go.“
Title: Psychotherapist
Employers: Schön Klinik Roseneck
“Professionally, we did not have a lot of touchpoints so far, but I admire how diligently, competent and goal-oriented he approaches and masters professional challenges.“
“Privately, I know Olaf as honest, empathic and sensitive person, who has a marvelous humor, but knows very well how to differentiate between fun and serious in the right situations. I appreciate his incisiveness, combative spirit, and stamina – and love him for making my best friend so happy!“
Title: Executive Assistant
Employers: Diosynth / Akzo Nobel Pharma
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“Olaf goes for it: what he does, he does with 100% (or more). He easily establishes contacts and knows how to find the correct tone in communicating at all levels. He is reliable, inventive, and stands by the promises he makes. He has a heart for the business and – not to forget – for his employees. Honesty, assertiveness and courage inextricably belong to Olaf. I experienced him as a very pleasant colleague, and wish him all the best for this new adventure. Knowing Olaf, for sure he will succeed!“
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“I look at Olaf as a people-person: he is truly interested in others, in their joy and sorrow, and follows up on it, thus, not ‘in one ear and out the other’. Olaf really listens! He is pleasant to deal with, courteous, and representing – in his behavior as well as in his personal presentation. He also is an emotional person. Loyal, humorous, alert, energized, keen, entrepreneurial. In short: value add for every company.”
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Title: Quality Assurance Lead a.i.
Employers: Aspen Pharma
“I noticed that you’re an expert in procurement in the B2B environment, contracts and negotiations. Furthermore, you’re very result-oriented. And, you are good in leading and stimulating people to get the most out of them.”
“My view on you, based on our collaboration some time ago, is very positive: an open, honest, reliable and integer person, energized, driven and entrepreneurial. Actually someone for a smaller company! What I always appreciated in you is your appreciation for the counterpart, and that you don’t operate with hidden agendas.”
Title: Vice President Global Solutions EMEA
Employers: Pontoon Solutions
“Olaf creates networks. By getting people involved and enthusiastic, he creates energy and common targets. He communicates on a personal level, appreciates progress and thereby is able to achieve results. He demonstrates effective communication on all levels and follows up. Thanks to his way of positioning himself and communication he possesses a natural leadership style without being dominant.”
“I experienced Olaf as an involved and engaged person. He cares about his environment and is sensitive to what’s happening. He is open, listening, provides feedback. He goes for the result without losing sight of the process.”
Title: Works Council Assistants
Employers: MSD Oss
“First and foremost, Olaf is all about people-to-people communication and -contact.”
“Olaf is a fast thinker with a healthy bit of impatience, punctual, social, attentive with the need of mutual interest, persistent, energized and caring.”
Title: Management Assistant
Employers: Diosynth / Akzo Nobel Pharma
“Olaf easily connects to people. He is eager to achieve results but always open to different solutions than he had in mind to achieve his targets. He communicates well and is pleasant to work with. He is broadly oriented and has gained loads of experience in different areas of expertise.”
“Olaf is someone with a strong character and a very open person. He differentiates himself by his honesty and involvement towards people in his direct surrounding.”
Title: Coach and Consultant
Employers: Mirror 1o1
“Olaf is solution- and target focused. He listens well and dares to share his view under all circumstances. He can build as well as lead a team. He sets clear targets for himself and his employees, and as a manager, he is hard but fair when it comes to evaluating the targets. Olaf is a pleasant colleague and supportive manager. He adapts quickly to changing circumstances and is very creative when searching and implementing solutions for complex projects and matters in his area of expertise.”
“I got to know Olaf as a likeable, correct, energized and driven go-getter. An intelligent, eager to learn, hard working person, who knows to succeed in transforming his drive and desire for perfection into tangible results, and someone who isn’t afraid of getting his hands dirty. Olaf is an integer, social sensitive person. Direct and clear in personal contact, with well-developed emotional intelligence and therefore very pleasant to deal with.”
Title: Recruiting Expert
Employers: DenkWens
“Unfortunately we haven’t had the chance to work together yet, but I liked the way you thought in solutions and various scenarios. You were very clear in your wishes and what you’re not looking for. According to me, you bring great expertise in your sector, whereby the strength lies in the combination of experience and background which one doesn’t come across often.”
“In our conversation you appeared to be a pleasant conversation partner. Open and clear in your communication, interested in the person vis-à-vis and following the question.”
Title: HR Advisor
Employers: Catharina Ziekenhuis Eindhoven
“When colleagues, we often spent lunch break taking a walk, talking about everything and anything. Olaf is good at looking at things from a different perspective. It often helped me in my process of thinking, to think broadly.”
“When typecasting Olaf, I think of the following keywords: self-confident, convincing, good listener, realistic, social. Very positive attitude, thinks in opportunities and represents this approach, pleasant to be in contact with.”
Title: MyHR Programs & EMEA AWF Program Manager
Employers: PayPal
“I had the pleasure of working with Olaf at MSD, where he was one of my main sponsors in my role as Program Manager for an outsourced project in Europe. Olaf has without doubt great vision & this allows him to take risks while also doing the right thing, both for the company & the employees. I was in awe of his ability to command a room, & convince everyone with different views to get on board with his ideas. His open, honest & direct approach ensures people relate easily to him. To add to this, his belief in all team members, naturally encourages them to grow individually & deliver above what is needed of them. It is satisfying to give him my highest recommendation.”
“Olaf is one of the most sincere, thoughtful & kind people that I know. It’s almost always guaranteed that he will display a positive attitude, exude energy & be truly engaging when you are in his company. ‘Ridiculously passionate, intelligent & sincere’, are key phrases that spring to mind when I think about Olaf.”
Title: Head of Talent Acquisition | International Operations
Employers: GM Financial
“We were implementing a managed service solution, Olaf was a key client stakeholder; he was able to ensure internal and external stakeholders worked together to deliver the solution and overcome challenges in a collaborative way. Olaf has the ability to ensure all parties see the situation from different perspectives; he has the ability to translate strategic objectives into a project plan and operational tasks. He is politically savvy and has a unique way of engaging people to discuss and agree the actions required to meet the objectives. Olaf is selfless and this quality makes people commit to him and they feel open about discussing challenges as they know he will provide feedback to offer options to overcome the challenges.”
“Olaf is a big picture thinker; he exudes positivity and is engaging to anyone he meets. What distinguishes Olaf from other is that he sees the benefits of collaboration and engagement to get the best out of people for them to deliver objectives. He will go out of his way to have a one-to-one discussion with an individual and will offer advice to aid their personal development, objectives or deliverables.”
Title: Managing consultant
Employers: Michael Page
“Olaf is a very enthusiastic, friendly, open candidate.
He communicates and presents himself as a high level procurement man. We did not even grap his CV, but instead, the conversation went automatically. This shows his easy accessibleness. We finally even took a picture together. This shows how fast you feel comfortable with Olaf.
He had good ideas around getting to work together. He has done every category within Procurement. Extensive experience in:
-direct
-indirect
-HR/ professional staffing.”
Title: Procurement lead MSD Germany
Employers: MSD GmbH
“Olaf’s long experience in a global environment created the professional background from which others will benefit. He has a very good eye for people and for the things which can be done at once, without losing sight of the underlying vision. This is his foundation for a focused implementation of short-term, medium-term and long-term corporate targets.”
“Olaf van der Linden is cosmopolitan, committed and interested in many different things. At the same time, he is an attentive listener and a communicator. His open and obliging manner create an atmosphere which creates trust, in which different opinions and streams are connected which make consensus possible in the first place.”
Title: Global E-Procurement Manager
Employer: Akzo Nobel
“I experienced Olaf as a pleasant colleague, great to work with and absolutely reliable. Olaf easily connects to people, no matter what position. He possesses excellent communication skills and the ability to put himself in the other person’s shoes. In addition he keeps the agreed arrangements and should never commit to something he knows in advance he cannot fulfil. Beside his contagious enthusiasm, he’s a person that doesn’t give up easily. In short, someone to rely on. “
Title: Business Development Manager Life Sciences
Employer: Agidens
“I got to know Olaf while I was working for Organon, works council elections ahead. Olaf was one of the candidates we had in mind as potential new member. A good relationship was immediately established and it turned out that Olaf could incredibly well get along with everyone, whether manager or blue-collar worker. His open attitude, but also his sense of humor makes him easy to approach. In preparation to the elections, Olaf knew how to ask the right questions. He is rational, practical and respectful in his approach. He kept agreed arrangements and always followed up on items. Within the group he knew how to differentiate himself by his interest, not only in work but also the person behind. Due to the upcoming merger with Schering-Plough, Olaf had to shift focus and pull back his candidacy. Due to Olaf being very attentive, we nevertheless kept in touch. He often helped me in making the right choices by asking the right questions and providing advice. He is able to break down complex questions into comprehensible pieces, and still, I thankfully am benefitting from this quality. “
Title: Global Sourcing Manager
Employer: MSD
“I have worked with Olaf on some very significant global projects where he, on an on-going basis, demonstrated and lived by strong leadership and inclusive behaviours throughout. His open, honest, transparent, results driven approach coupled with his strong communication skillset have proved to be the foundation of Olaf’s working and personal style which has led to him being a well-respected and valued member of any team he was involved in. “
Title: HR Head European Operations
Employers: Aspen
“You have the skill to understand the organizational issues of other departments and to contribute to solutions and improvements on that basis. In my opinion you are sensitive to the demand of the customer. You are result oriented and understand to balance what’s possible and what isn’t. In my opinion your drive for perfection is not unrestrained, but based on a healthy portion of pragmatism. You are solution oriented and a capable of analyzing situations well. In the political space you act thoughtful and scan the force fields and analyze the feasibility. You communicate clearly and balanced and don’t hold back your opinion. Your style is direct and firm. Work tasks are being taken care of at high quality and (according to me always) within timelines.”
“You are service oriented and helpful. Honestly interested in the people you work with; socially sensitive. In general a tidied character. In my opinion, you possess a considerably high degree of perseverance and you like to contribute by thinking in solutions. You possess a strongly developed sense of responsibility and are open to criticism and you try to prevent/ resolve possible bottlenecks.”
Title: Marketing- en Salesprofessional
Employer: SmartBerry
“I came to know Olaf as one of my first customers. Olaf is first of all very nice person to work with. He is a very professional businessman that knows what he wants and most important, how to achieve it. When working with Olaf, I discovered what a social person and a great communicator he is. In my opinion, Olaf is the perfect mix of professional and a companion. Olaf knows how to streamline processes in a way that is fun and very effective at the same time.”
Title: Managing Director
Employers: Strategic Sourcing and Business Solutions
“I have known Olaf for several years and can attest of his energy and positive spirit both at a personal and professional levels. Olaf is dedicated and entrepreneurial when it comes to tackling and approaching challenges with new perspectives. We worked together in several projects at Merck and he was always a great contributor to the team. I’m confident that Olaf’s experience and core competencies will be a great asset to any organization.”
Title: Strategic International Accounts Manager – Customer Development
Employer: Lyreco
“It was and still is a great pleasure to know Olaf. He is, what I would say, a 100% person. He goes always for the 100%. First of all, he’s nearly always at work, and when he’s not working he’s always busy. Whatever project, national or international, in the job or private, it is well structured (and if not structured he will structure it), it is secured at all levels and sold internally as well as externally. He has no fear to pick up difficult issues and to bring them to a great result. Olaf is also very focused in whatever environment, taking care about all and everything. Making sure that everybody involved knows why and what to do. He will delegate where needed and meanwhile keep the big picture, overview and result in place.
Olaf has an open character, always ready to help, very curious, willing to learn at all times, as well as willing to share his knowledge. A great person!”
Title: CEO
Employers: CAMAG, Schweiz
“Olaf combines the ability to be interested in the person behind the matter, to understand and, thanks to his broad experience, get to the heart of complex interrelations; attributes that make him so valueable for consultancy.”
“I got to know Olaf as an exceptional business partner with whom – businesswise hard but very pleasant on personal level – one can conclude difficult negotiations with a for all involved parties interesting result.”
Title: Senior Buyer
Employers: MSD
“Driven, fair, target focused, enthusiastic, assertive, unwavering, focused, pleasant to work with in projects – adding value.
Olaf easily connects and gets in contact, is present and reliable.”
Title: Senior Quality Officer GMP/ISO lead auditor, Quality Systems and Improvement / Audits
Employers: Aspen Oss B.V.
“Olaf is a pleasant person, committed to others, interested in others, loves humor (also has humor).
Title: Managing Director
Employers: Inquest
“In my regular contacts with Olaf throughout the years, I’ve got to know him as a very passionate and energetic procurement professional.A man who, based on a catchy positive approach, knows how to manage complex structures in a transparent and decisive way . This made him stand out in the subsequently fast, structurally changing organization(s). Starting over again and again with a motivating persistence. A man of structure, but also of control, someone you can count on under all circumstances. On top of that, he’s a nice guy, associated with a high “goodwill” factor.”
Title: Director COE EMEA
Employers: Randstad Sourceright
“Throughout the years, Olaf managed to exceed results, both from a cost savings perspective, but also from a client expectation perspective.”
“I worked with Olaf for more than 6 years. During these Years Olaf was globally responsible for the contingent workforce program at Merck/MSD.
I can characterize Olaf as a passionate, professional and highly driven expert that is very well able to manage complex, multi country programs.
Tough as a partner, but always fair and with a clear focus on the end result.
Olaf is a great person to work with, and i can only recommend him for any future engagement.”
Title: CEO
Employers: Adecco Group
“As an innovator, Olaf has driven his company to be one of the very first users in Europe of the Managed Services Providing concept allowing major savings and recruitment efficiency increase.”
“I have worked together with Olaf van der Linden in my quality of Regional Head of Northern Europe at Adecco during the years 2009 till 2011.
I have known Olaf as an innovative, accurate, open, firm, loyal and trustful business partner.”
Title: Buyer
Employers: MSD
“Pro-active, professional, loyal, result-oriented, funny, quick-action, collaborative, team-oriented, open-minded, always gives ear to s.th./s.o., flexible.”
“Very friendly, collaborative, loyal, funny, always gives ear to s.o.”
Title: Group Executive Director
Employers: Impellam Group Plc
“Olaf drives delivery through identifying and recognising the skills of others, understanding individual motivations and encouraging best practice.”
“Olaf is a spirited and engaging leader; someone who understands how to successfully navigate political landscapes of complex organisations.”
Title: Planner IPT Implanon
Employers: MSD
“Particularly the knowledge about the whole procurement process is huge and he is an expert to the core. He has good insights into and understanding for the interests of the various stakeholders. He is pragmatic and strongly driven and always goes for the best result. He is also particularly straightforward.”
“Olaf is a person with a very friendly character and an extremely strong personality. He always stands bold behind his employees. To me, Olaf is the best manager I’ve ever had.”
Title: CFO
Employers: MSD
“In his work he is result oriented and capable of communicating on all levels and getting his message accross.”
“Olaf is a sincere open person with a high degree of credibility by a broad group of people.”
Title: Category Manager Indirect Goods & Services – Group Sourcing – DSM Sourcing B.V.
Employers: DSM B.V.
“I know Olaf as a driven professional who works focussed, thereby engaging his environment on the path to results. Sometimes the striving for perfectionism can work against him, nevertheless, he’s open towards a good discussion and has adaptive capacity.”
“As a person I’d like to characterize Olaf as someone who might cause the first impression that business interests, ethics and performance are his number one drivers. However, by getting to know him better, I have experienced him as taking care of his employees (and fellow human beings) in a authentic and warm-hearted manner.”
Title: Senior Director Client of Services
Employers: Act-1
“For many years I have worked with Olaf as my peer in our client organization on a complex international outsourcing initiative. As a person, Olaf is great to work with, is very knowledgeable and has the ability to define a clear vision and make it happen by understanding and acting upon people’s individual drivers.”
“As a person Olaf is always interested in you as a person and not only in who you represent or the role you play.”
Title: Managing Director
Employers: Diosynth / Akzo Nobel Pharma
“Olaf at work: good network, very result oriented, communicates well and pleasant, broadly experienced (both, in the Rheinland- as well as the Anglo-Saxon business model). My overall view: both, personally as well as professionally perfectly suitable for interim management. Really adding value.”
“Olaf as a person: honest, enthusiastic, hard working, setting himself high standards.”
Title: Entrepreneurial Advisor
Employers: Dutch Chamber of Commerce
“Olaf can be characterized as: assertive, friendly, accessible, result oriented, solution oriented, client oriented, distinguishing, communicative and in search of challenges. Success with your business!”
Title: Coach
Employers: AMG Coaching
“As a person I got to know Olaf as open, honestly interested in people, truthful, enthusiastic and candid. Olaf is a strongly driven professional who will make his business a success. Olaf has a good business view which he combines with a strong social factor, is tremendously driven and I’m convinced that in the near future he will be a successful entrepreneur. I wish him loads of success.”
Title: Manager Procurement Department
Employers: Diosynth / Akzo Nobel Pharma
“Olaf is hard working. He is persistent and knows how to make projects a success.
He is good in organizing en switches fast as circumstances change. He thereby is result oriented.
Olaf also is a succesful negotiator, benefitting from his empathy.
He has a strong drive to perform, but thanks to his amiable personality, this does not negatively influence the relationships to others.”
“Olaf is an amiable person and knows how to influence and engage people.
He is relyable, thorough and decent.
He also is a person with a strong sense of justice.
Looking at empathy and loyalty, he distinguishes himself in a positive way from many others.”
Title: Managing Director
Employers: PharmSupport-Flexwerk
“A valuable mixture of expertise, varying from GxP compliance to purchasing & business development. Olaf combines both worlds and ways of thinking in a refreshing manner.”
“In search of an enthusiastic, driven and inspiring professional who thinks in solutions? Then Olaf is your man!”
Title: Secretary
Employers: Philips Huberts Notarissen
“I worked together with Olaf van der Linden at MSD (Schering-Plough, Organon, Diosynth). At that time Olaf was my manager. He was always committed towards his employees and took care of creating structure and resolving ones problems in the correct manner. During the aquisitions the company has gone through and the impact of the accompanying sphere, Olaf made sure to communicate in a clear and transparent way and restore calm. Olaf is very service oriented. In short: I enjoyed working with Olaf!!”
“The the years I’ve worked with Olaf van der Linden I experienced as very pleasant. Olaf as a person is very social, sincere, loyal, motivating, enthusiastic, organized, very pleasant to deal with and someone to go to with problems and receiving the right feedback from. Olaf is a real people person.”
Title: Senior Specialist Contracts, Center of Expertise Contract Management
Employers: Facilities Management MSD Oss
“Olaf as a professional is someone who always has the drive to achieve his personal objectives. In a project Olaf works always close together with his team while he act as a leader to support the team members wherever he can. He always understand what the client has in mind and consult all the stakeholders involved. After that he will make decisions and goes for the most optimal solution. He is a professional negotiator, but that goes without saying after his years of experience as a purchasing manager.”
“Olaf is authentic and very clear about what he wants to achieve in his life. But above all he is a social person and towards his employees a real peoples person. It was always a pleasure to work with/for Olaf.”
“Olaf is authentic and very clear about what he wants to achieve in his life. But above all he is a social person and towards his employees a real peoples person. It was always a pleasure to work with/for Olaf.”
