EMPLOYEES
TESTIMONIALS
What is it like to work at the Wortmann Group? In our employee testimonials, colleagues from different departments share what their everyday work looks like, which development opportunities they benefit from, and what makes the Wortmann Group special as an employer. Get to know the people behind our brands – authentic, personal, and straight from real-life experience.
Frauke
Senior Sales Specialist Tamaris
Patrick
Head of Sales Tamaris DACH
Sven
Teamlead IT Operations
Linda
Senior Marketing Manager Media Tamaris
Vanessa
Head of Marketing & E-Commerce MARCO TOZZI
Nicole
Store Manager Tamaris
Michael
Key Account Manager
Verena
Retail Area Assistant
Tim
Product Manager MARCO TOZZI
Anna
Senior Sales Specialist Tamaris
Marica
Retail Operations Specialist
William
Dual Student
Frauke's Testimonial
What is your job title and what activities are behind it? I work at Wortmann as a Senior Sales Specialist in Tamaris Sales. I am responsible for various key account and wholesale customers in the German market in the back office. I also work as an apprenticeship trainer in Tamaris Sales.
What brought you to Wortmann?
A job advertisement for the apprenticeship in wholesale and foreign trade in the regional newspaper caught my interest at the time. After completing my apprenticeship, I was hired by Tamaris Sales, where I still work today. And after more than 30 years, I still enjoy it very much!
What makes your work special?
The work in Tamaris Sales is very varied. Every customer is different. The fast pace of the fashion industry makes the work particularly exciting. But working as a trainer for the apprenticeship is also important to me. Promoting and supporting young talents is something I deeply care about.
What is Wortmann like as an employer?
Wortmann is a reliable employer and is characterized by a great working atmosphere. Even in stressful situations, you don’t lose the enjoyment of work.
If you had to describe Wortmann in three words, what would they be?
Exciting, diverse, familial.
Tell us about a unique Wortmann experience you have had.
There have been and continue to be many wonderful moments, but I always enjoy looking back at our first system partner workshop in Detmold. Together with our customers, we broke new ground and opened our own Tamaris mono-brand stores. It was all very exciting, with a noticeable positive energy.
Frauke
Senior Sales Specialist Tamaris
Patrick's Testimonial
What is your job title and what activities are behind it?
I am Head of Sales Tamaris DACH at Wortmann KG. In this role, I am primarily responsible for the Tamaris brand and our key account, online, retail, and wholesale customers in the German (D), Austrian (A), and Swiss (CH) markets. To this end, I am in close contact with our key account managers and internal and external sales teams, and I am the point of contact for our customers in the B2B business.
What brought you to Wortmann?
It quickly became clear to me that I wanted to study, preferably in a dual program. The opportunity to immediately apply what I had learned in theory to practical situations was simply more interesting to me than a purely theoretical course of study. In 2010, Wortmann offered its first dual study program in cooperation with LDT Nagold in southern Germany. As a native of Detmold, you know Bielefeld and Paderborn, but not necessarily Nagold. So, I decided to apply for this dual study program.
What makes your work special?
There are so many interesting things. But what makes it special is that every day is different! There are always new requests and challenges. These often require familiarizing yourself with new and varied topics in order to find the best solutions.
What is Wortmann like as an employer?
Fast-paced and dynamic environments are no longer unique to the fashion industry but are characteristic of today's world in general. Nevertheless, at Wortmann, you always feel that you are working for a down-to-earth family business rather than a large corporation. Short communication channels and personal contact with colleagues, supervisors, and managers ensure a very positive working atmosphere and company culture.
If you had to describe Wortmann in three words, what would they be?
Down-to-earth, dynamic, family-like.
Tell us about a unique Wortmann experience you have had.
I still remember my first time participating in a trade fair. It was a very special atmosphere. Not only was I given a warm welcome by the trade fair team, but I also had personal contact with many customers whom I had previously only known from phone calls or emails.
Patrick
Head of Sales Tamaris DACH
Sven's Testimonial
What is your job title and what activities are behind it?
As Team Lead IT Operations at Wortmann KG, I am responsible for a team that ensures the operation, expansion and optimisation of the IT infrastructure in redundant data centres, provides second-level support, designs, develops and implements projects, and takes technical requirements from the specialist departments and integrates them into the system landscape. In addition, I am responsible for the technical management and further development of the team as well as for the planning, prioritisation and control of projects.
What brought you to Wortmann?
I was looking for an attractive employer in the area and found Wortmann via an interesting job advert on the website.
What makes your work special?
The varied activities mean that I face new challenges every day. I especially value the way the colleagues stick together.
What is Wortmann like as an employer?
I find the trust that Wortmann as an employer puts in its staff's skills truly special. As well as flat hierarchies and individual opportunities for further training, the working environment is always pleasant.
If you had to describe Wortmann in three words, what would they be?
Impressive, structured, target-orientated.
Tell us about a unique Wortmann experience you have had.
The first Wortmann family day was a unique experience I will never forget. It was just a great event for the whole family!
Sven
Teamlead IT Operations
Linda's Testimonial
What is your job title and what activities are behind it?
I am Senior Media Marketing Manager for the Tamaris brand. My core tasks are planning, managing, and optimizing media activities for various countries. The aim is to develop target group-oriented media strategies in line with the company's corporate and marketing goals. I also coordinate external media agencies and service providers and observe market and media trends in order to derive recommendations for action for the further development of the media strategy.
What brought you to Wortmann?
After completing my economics degree, I wanted to combine theory and practice, and as a woman, I was naturally even more excited to be able to do a dual study program with a local employer with an extremely attractive product.
What makes your work special?
I love the variety in my job. Tamaris is a very lively brand, which means there are always new and interesting projects and tasks to tackle!
What is Wortmann like as an employer?
Wortmann is an employer that offers opportunities. It is a company that promotes the passion, ideas, and commitment of its employees, lives by trust, and not only listens to ideas but also implements them.
If you had to describe Wortmann with three words, what would they be?
Familial, dynamic, varied.
Tell us about a unique Wortmann experience you have had.
The magnificent 50th anniversary celebration! It was phenomenal!
Linda
Senior Marketing Manager Media Tamaris
Vanessa's Testimonial
What is your job title and what activities are behind it?
My job title is Head of Marketing & E-Commerce at MARCO TOZZI. In this role, I am responsible for driving forward brand development and the online presence of MARCO TOZZI.
What brought you to Wortmann?
Even before graduating from high school, I knew that I definitely wanted to pursue a dual study program in order to combine theory and practice and gain professional experience early on. At the same time, it was important to me to work for a company whose products I could identify with. Since I was already crazy about shoes back then, I became aware of the Wortmann Group in Detmold. With its several shoe brands, it seemed like the perfect employer for me. In August 2012, my wish to work here came true.
What makes your work special?
There are so many things that make my work special, if not “unique” for me. I particularly appreciate being part of a large team that works together every day to overcome new challenges. There is always a very pleasant atmosphere, which helps us never lose our enjoyment of work, even in stressful situations. I owe the wealth of new experiences and contact with a wide variety of people to the great, diverse range of tasks and the opportunity I am given to simply “do.” All of this helps me to continuously develop myself further.
What is Wortmann like as an employer?
At Wortmann, you feel like you are part of a big “family” where everyone helps each other with their tasks and where flat hierarchies prevail, creating a very pleasant working atmosphere. Wortmann is also an employer that particularly promotes its young talent by enabling its “young professionals” to take on a job with responsibility immediately after completing their training or studies, to contribute their own ideas, and thus to play a small part in the success of the company.
If you had to describe Wortmann in three words, what would they be?
Goal-oriented, dynamic, familial.
Tell us about a unique Wortmann experience you have had.
There have been so many wonderful, memorable experiences during my time at Wortmann that I can't really talk about “one” unique experience. However, I can say that the TV commercial productions and photo shoots with our brand ambassador and designer Guido Maria Kretschmer are always a big highlight for me. As part of our collaboration with Guido, we have one production day per season, which we work towards intensively with our agencies for weeks. On this day, the collections that Guido designs for MARCO TOZZI are photographed together with him and staged for numerous TV commercials. Social media content is also produced on this day. I still remember my first encounter with Guido very clearly and how excited I was when he first entered the set. But Guido's incredibly friendly, authentic, and down-to-earth manner ensured that the previous tension immediately dissipated among everyone involved in the production, and we had a wonderful production with lots of fun and great conversations. Even though my job has given me the opportunity to work with Guido several times since then, I always fondly remember that first meeting and look forward to working with him again in the future.
Vanessa
Head of Marketing & E-Commerce at MARCO TOZZI
Nicole's Testimonial
What is your job title and what activities are behind it?
I am a Store Manager at Tamaris. In my position, I am responsible for ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly in my two stores. This includes responsibility for sales and all key performance indicators. I am also responsible for training and educating my employees, as well as for sales-promoting product presentation.
What brought you to Wortmann?
I saw a job advertisement in one of the stores and applied immediately. I then had a friendly, informal interview, which I still think back on positively today.
What makes your work special?
Our focus is on our customers. Every day, we deal with a wide variety of people and requests. Our goal is to make every customer happy - when we succeed in doing so and our customers leave the store with a smile, we are satisfied.
What is Wortmann like as an employer?
Wortmann stands out as a family-oriented and down-to-earth company that moves with the time and develops dynamically. Constant communication with our supervisors and regular training enable us to share in the company's success.
If you had to describe Wortmann in three words, what would they be?
Reliable, passionate, dynamic.
Tell us about a unique Wortmann experience you have had.
What’s truly unique to me are the Tamaris Fans! For over ten years, I have been advising and serving regular customers who drive over 100 kilometers to be pampered in our store. Because: Shoe love is true love!
Nicole
Store Manager Tamaris
Michael's Testimonial
What is your job title and what activities are behind it?
I work at Wortmann as a Key Account Manager in Sales.
What brought you to Wortmann?
A job advert was displayed at my high school. It immediately caught my interest and inspired me to apply to Wortmann. It is a decision I have never regretted.
What makes your work special?
The constant contact with customers and the close relationship with the product are very important to me – and a key part of a job in sales. The dynamism of the fashion sector and the new challenges we face every day also ensure that my work always remains exciting and varied. What is Wortmann like as an employer?
Working for Wortmann means working for a market leader. You are faced with new challenges all the time. Constantly changing collections lead to a constant stream of new, fashionable shoe models. In all this, there is a great working environment that helps us maintain the courage and passion we need for our work, even in stressful situations. If you had to describe Wortmann with three words, what would they be?
Successful, ambitious, motivating.
Tell us about a unique Wortmann experience you have had.
I will never forget my first customer meeting! The first face-to-face contact, the first discussion with the customer, the first feedback on the new models and the first order were something special! I quickly realised that my job as a Key Account Manager is a lot more than just selling shoes.
Michael
Key Account Manager
Verena's Testimonial
What is your job title and what activities are behind it?
My job title is: Retail Area Assistant. My role involves looking after and supporting our system partners' stores and shops and their employees.
What brought you to Wortmann?
I started as a Store Manager in the Tamaris Store in Minden. After one year I moved to the head office in Detmold to work in the retail department. I then transferred to the Retail Area Team and currently work in the field service. For the time in the head office, as well as now in the field service, the experience in the store offers a great benefit to understand the processes and background of the procedures in the stores and to be able to work effectively.
What makes your work special?
The role of Retail Area Assistant in very varied, as the range of tasks is quite broad. You are in a different city every day and meet lots of different people. You never know what challenge awaits you next.
What is Wortmann like as an employer?
Wortmann is a young, dynamic company where everyone has the opportunity to contribute as a small entrepreneur to the bigger picture. The feeling for fashion and the latest trends along with the love of the product are other important factors which distinguish working at Wortmann. If you had to describe Wortmann with three words, what would they be?
Dynamic, young, success-oriented.
Tell us about a unique Wortmann experience you have had.
There have been many special experiences in recent years. But what is truly impressive is the development and growth in recent months and knowing that you have contributed to this success and gained many interesting experiences.
Verena
Retail Area Assistant
Tim's Testimonial
What is your job title and what activities are behind it?
I am a product manager at MARCO TOZZI and am jointly responsible for creating our collections. To identify the right trends for us, I travel throughout Europe, visit fashion capitals, and talk to our customers. I regularly visit Asia to develop the collection, which I always enjoy immensely and which reminds me how many people are involved in the creation of a single shoe.
What brought you to Wortmann?
A year before graduating from high school, I knew that I wanted to do a dual study program. I attended an applicant day at the FHDW in Paderborn, which offers dual study programs in cooperation with various companies. At the end of the day, I was recommended to apply to Wortmann, as I would be a good fit for the company. My interview at Wortmann went very well, I received feedback quickly, and I found the company and its products very exciting.
What makes your work special?
I accompany the entire development process of a new shoe, and the output of my work is a physical product that I can touch and to which I have an emotional connection. Having an idea for a shoe, then realizing it with the help of the team, seeing the finished sales sample in the showroom, successfully selling the shoe, and then later seeing it in stores or on people's feet is a wonderful feeling that I appreciate every time.
I also consider it a great added value to be able to travel internationally for my job. You regularly experience exciting things, see new places, meet interesting people, and learn more about other cultures as well as your own.
What is Wortmann like as an employer?
Wortmann is committed to developing its employees, and you notice that from day one. Anyone who wants to make a difference is quickly given responsibility and the opportunity to contribute to the company's success. It's also okay to make mistakes, as these provide opportunities to learn and develop.
If you had to describe Wortmann with three words, what would they be?
Challenging, supportive, friendly.
Tell us about a unique Wortmann experience you have had.
During my time as a trainee, it was definitely the three-month stay at our subsidiary in China, which helped me develop enormously both personally and professionally.
In my current role as product manager, it was the moment when I saw a woman in the city wearing a shoe I had designed for the first time. That feeling is still special to me today.
Tim
Product Manager MARCO TOZZI
Anna's Testimonial
What is your job title and what activities are behind it?
I work at Wortmann as a Senior Sales Specialist in the Tamaris internal sales department. I support our sales representatives in various export markets in all matters relating to sales and customer service. I also look after small and large customers in countries such as New Zealand, Dubai, the USA and Kenya. My daily tasks include sending quotes, processing orders, and coordinating deliveries with customers. Twice a year, I go to the trade fair in Milan, where I serve existing customers and those who want to become customers.
What brought you to Wortmann?
As someone from Detmold, Wortmann was naturally a familiar name to me, and I was impressed by the company's founding history and its products. After pursuing a commercial path at commercial college, I began my training as an industrial trainee at Wortmann.
What makes your work special?
For me, it is definitely the international component that connects me to the whole world every day. Even though you have a fixed area of responsibility, no one day is like the other.
What is Wortmann like as an employer?
Flat hierarchies, a great team, and the security of working for a company that continuously invests in the future. If you had to describe Wortmann with three words, what would they be?
Modern, personal, reliable.
Tell us about a unique Wortmann experience you have had.
I was very fortunate to work for Tamaris in the US for several years. We built up the sales department as a small team and I got to travel a lot. This included trade fairs in Las Vegas, New York, Atlanta and San Francisco, for example. I developed enormously during this time, both professionally and personally and grew through the challenges I faced.
Anna
Senior Sales Specialist Tamaris
Marica's Testimonial
What is your job title and what activities are behind it?
My job title is Retail Operations Specialist. My responsibilities include developing our store employees by conducting sales training, discussing key performance indicators, and analyzing results. I support our employees in not only achieving their goals but exceeding them. I am also responsible for organizational issues - from employee training to the introduction of new systems and new processes. It is important to me not only to “introduce” change, but to make it understandable, tangible, and implementable.
What brought you to Wortmann?
Since I had already completed my apprenticeship in a shoe store, it was clear to me that I would stick with shoes! When the factory outlet in Detmold opened in 2014, I seized the opportunity and applied for a position as a retail salesperson and was hired. In the summer of 2015, I took over as store manager in Bielefeld and managed the store there for five years. In order to strengthen the interests of the stores and, above all, our store employees from the inside out, I decided to move to the Retail Operations Team in the summer of 2019.
What makes your work special?
My job involves constant contact with our sales floor staff. I love seeing how they surpass themselves and gain more self-confidence. Because of the extreme change in the retail sector over the last 10 years, we also have to act with the future in mind. That makes my work very varied. I deal with many different topics and people, which makes the work very interesting. I can contribute a lot of input to the individual topics and work very independently. What is Wortmann like as an employer?
Wortmann is a family-owned company and many colleagues have been with us for many years, which speaks for a strong sense of loyalty and mutual appreciation. At the same time, Wortmann is a dynamic company that is constantly evolving. New employees are warmly welcomed and quickly integrated into the teams, so that you feel welcome from day one. Your own ideas are expressly encouraged here – and best of all, they can actually be implemented. If you had to describe Wortmann with three words, what would they be?
Success-oriented, motivating, young.
Tell us about a unique Wortmann experience you have had.
I had many wonderful and unforgettable encounters with customers during my time in the store and have had so many great experiences over the years and with the different teams. But the best experience has been the opportunities that have come my way since 2014 at Wortmann.
Marica
Retail Operations Specialist
William's Testimonial
What is your job title and what activities are behind it?
As a dual business administration student at Wortmann, my tasks are very varied and change regularly. I learn different things depending on the department and can support my colleagues. Most recently, I provided support in sales at Tamaris in customer service and in the back office. The dual system allows me to apply theoretical knowledge from university directly in practice and thus gain a deep insight into the various business areas.
What brought you to Wortmann?
I became aware of Wortmann through the "Nacht der Ausbildung". That's where I first learned about the company and the dual study opportunities. I was immediately convinced by the concept and applied for the dual study program straight away.
What makes your work special?
What makes my work special is the variety of tasks that the training company has to offer. I get the chance to try out many different departments and discover my strengths and interests. Added to this is the pleasant corporate culture and the supportive learning and working atmosphere. From day one, you are treated as a full member of the team and encouraged to contribute your own ideas.
What is Wortmann like as an employer?
Despite its size, Wortmann is characterized by its family atmosphere. Hierarchical levels are flat and doors are always open. Great importance is attached to solid training and the personal development of employees. The company's commitment to the region is also particularly noteworthy. If you had to describe Wortmann with three words, what would they be?
Human, down-to-earth, future-oriented.
Tell us about a unique Wortmann experience you have had.
My personal highlight so far has definitely been the team-building event at the water ski facility. The atmosphere among my colleagues was very pleasant and relaxed. This allowed me to quickly integrate into the team. It showed me that team spirit and cooperation are actively promoted at Wortmann and are an important part of the corporate culture.
William
Dual Student
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