Reto Stutz is an Enterprise Service Manager in Swiss Post’s IT department. With an unusual career path behind him and having begun his professional life as a mason, he is now among those responsible for defining Swiss Post’s information technology ecosystem. He analyses, defines and communicates the processes. Interview.

Reto, why do you work for Swiss Post?

Swiss Post has a very good reputation as an employer and offers one of the largest ranges of activities that can be found in a single company. Swiss Post is the ideal employer for me because I can call on the experience and knowledge I’ve acquired in previous jobs. Since 1 July 2015, I’ve worked as Enterprise Service Manager in the Management Unit I at Post CH Ltd.

I’m a so-called lateral entrant. After my basic training as a bricklayer, a few years’ experience in the construction industry and further training as a technical salesman, I discovered the world of IT about 20 years ago at BIT, where I was responsible for developing and managing support units in the SAP environment. During this time, I completed a number of service management training courses while working. After an interim period working as Service Manager at the former Swisscom IT Services and doing another training course while working, which culminated in an MAS in Information Systems, I had the opportunity to bring my knowledge to bear in the central IT services of the Bern University of Applied Sciences. In addition to developing the service and requirements management and creating a service catalogue, I was responsible for preparing and implementing WTO tenders for this employer. In all these activities, the focus was always on the hub function between the core business and ICT-related services.

In my current post I greatly appreciate the contact, collaboration with the colleagues in my team and the possibility of actively helping to shape ICT-related fields at Swiss Post.

Which personal qualities and professional qualifications are required for your job?

I deal with issues which impact the ICT services. Alongside communication, one of the key elements is to adopt a holistic approach to the topics addressed and to assess their consequences. With regard to professional qualifications, it’s certainly important to have good, or even very good knowledge of ICT and business management.  

What do you like most about your everyday work?

In my daily work, I enjoy sharing information with my colleagues in the team and the unit representatives. What I also enjoy, in addition to holding on-site meetings, is using modern resources such as Skype and Chat.

What job did you want to do as a child?

I had all the usual childhood dreams of becoming a pilot or train driver. I set about achieving my goal of becoming a pilot when I was 17 and succeeded in obtaining my private pilot’s licence, although it’s no longer up to date. My fascination with aviation has nevertheless remained.

What are your hobbies?

I love hiking, and two years ago I crossed Switzerland on foot, walking from Porrentruy to Mendrisio. I can often be found on the hiking trails of the Bernese Oberland and Central Switzerland. In the past, I was an active member of a large fire brigade, but I had to give it up due to the age restriction. Reading is also one of my hobbies: how much I read depends on the weather and season.

What was the last book you read?

I prefer reading novels, short stories and books based on facts. I’m currently reading “Illegale Kriege” by Daniele Ganser – a book I’d very much recommend, which highlights trouble spots and stimulates thought

.In all these activities, the focus was always on the hub function between the core business and ICT-related services.

Reto Stutz