Tijana Mladenović, head of Inventory Management and Planning Section

Hi Tijana, can you introduce yourself and your job in a few sentences?

I’m Tijana Mladenović and I’ve been in my current position within the procurement sector since October 2024. My job involves both office work and visiting warehouses, as well as communication with a large number of people. The goal of our organizational unit is to optimize inventory levels, which is quite a challenge in HIP Petrohemija, considering that the integration with NIS happened only two years ago and that our unit didn’t exist before that. I don’t see this as an obstacle, but rather as an opportunity to use different tools, organization and collaboration with colleagues to develop and improve both myself and the sector I work in.

Did your studies prepare you for the field you work in today?

Although I was born in Pančevo, when I started my studies at the Faculty of Economics at the University of Belgrade, I didn’t have much interest in large systems; I only later realized the connection with industry and production. During my studies, certain subjects touched on warehousing, inventory management and their impact on a company’s performance, but there wasn’t a strong link to my current job or preparation for it, since I majored in International Economics and Foreign Trade. Because of that, the focus of my studies was on international economic relations and foreign trade at both the macro and micro level.

What would you say to someone in your field who is unsure about applying to HIPP?

From today’s perspective and after the integration with NIS, I would recommend applying without hesitation. The change in organizational structure created a dynamic and stimulating environment, as well as space for each individual to contribute, provided there is initiative and a desire for personal development. It’s true that we faced many challenges after integration, but I believe that was an excellent opportunity for personal growth together with the company, because it offers broad possibilities for gaining experience in setting up and developing processes.

What was it like joining HIPP?

My first contact with HIPP was in 2019 in a position within the IT sector, where I started my career. The responsibilities were outside what I had learned at university and in previous experience, but I saw that position as an opportunity and a challenge to develop skills valuable in any company. With the support of my colleagues, I gained knowledge that helped me grow and shape my way of thinking, even though the work was outside my earlier interests.

What did your career path at HIPP look like?

After the integration with NIS, I found a new role in the procurement sector, in the position for inventory planning and analysis. I had strong support from the entire team, and I believe that having such a work environment is very motivating.

After that, curiosity and the desire for something new, along with the training provided by the company, helped me quickly develop the necessary skills. With a willingness to step into the unknown and recognition of my potential by my manager, I was given the opportunity to lead an excellent team. Of course, there’s still a list of things I want to improve in myself.

What do you like most about your job?

The dynamism and the people I work with. I also really appreciate having the opportunity to see the “why” behind certain actions, because stepping out of the office environment and going into the field, communicating with people and listening to their needs creates space for new ideas and innovation.

And finally, is there something from your career that you think might be useful for someone considering a job at HIPP?

I would highlight the importance of using the opportunities HIPP provides, even though it’s still developing. Gaining hands-on experience, encountering challenges and overcoming them has always been a step forward for me. Stepping out of your comfort zone, every attempt and the effort you invest makes you even a little bit more skilled and capable than choosing to give up.