Technological revolution, sustainability, and new jobs – How the DANONE group is evolving

Company growth and strategy

Klaudia Kitlińska: What are the development plans for the DANONE in Poland in 2025?

Magda Dybska-Tabor: We are looking ahead to the continued expansion of our competency centers, including the Warsaw Business Services Center. Since 2021, this center has been supporting operational processes by managing orders, payments, HR and payroll functions, as well as data and project management. Currently, it serves our business partners across Central Europe, the Nordic countries, the UK, and Ireland. Ultimately, it aims to provide selected services to all European countries where DANONE operates.

This year, we are also planning dynamic growth for the DANONE Planning Center in Katowice, which opened in late 2024. There, a team of experts will be responsible for planning deliveries to selected Danone factories in Europe and distributing finished products across European markets in four key categories: fresh dairy products, plant-based products, infant and toddler nutrition, and specialized medical nutrition.

In the long run, the Katowice center will integrate teams from 26 DANONE factories operating in 9 European countries. Taking responsibility for various markets in the supply chain is a major challenge, which will culminate in the implementation of a unified planning tool. We have divided this process into phases, with completion expected by the end of 2025.

Klaudia Kitlińska: What current trends in the BPO/SSC sector influence your business strategy?

Magda Dybska-Tabor: We observe three key trends shaping our strategy and approach to creating an exceptional workplace.

The first is the shift in employees’ attitudes toward work. Today’s professionals, particularly those representing the youngest generations in the workforce, strongly value having a clear and shared purpose. As we expand our structures, we take this into account, along with the need for work-life balance, autonomy, recognition, and diversity in the workplace. We strive to ensure our teams are differentiated, bringing together various perspectives, experiences, and skills.

The second factor influencing employee development needs is ecological transformation. More and more employees are paying attention to how their roles impact the environment and want to work for companies that operate sustainably, respecting both communities and the planet. As the DANONE Group, we are committed to being such an organization. Last year, we earned B Corp certification, which recognizes companies that combine business operations with a mission to create a positive impact on the world.

The third trend is the ongoing technological revolution and the evolving skill demands it brings. We see this as an opportunity. That’s why we established expertise centers for planning and business services in Poland. This initiative helps unify supply chain processes while creating attractive career opportunities for employees, allowing them to develop both current and future-essential skills.

Seeking new talent – Who is DANONE looking to hire?

Klaudia Kitlińska: Will your company be recruiting new employees in the near future? If so, what skills are currently most in demand?

Magda Dybska-Tabor: The expansion of the Business Services Center and the launch of the European Planning Center in Katowice mean significant workforce growth in 2025, particularly in areas such as data analysis, financial process support, and supply chain planning.

We are looking for individuals with analytical skills, experience in data management and process planning, as well as expertise in workflow optimization and automation. Flexibility, proactivity, and the ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and changes are crucial for us. For some roles, knowledge of finance, accounting, and taxation is valuable. However, for many positions, we do not require extensive experience: what matters most is potential, willingness to learn, and independence. Proficiency in foreign languages, particularly English, as well as French, German, Dutch, or Spanish, would be a significant advantage.

Klaudia Kitlińska: Is automation, including AI, changing your approach to recruitment and employment structures?

Magda Dybska-Tabor: Absolutely. We integrate AI-powered tools into our daily operations, as they enhance process efficiency in many cases. In recruitment, for instance, we use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage candidate applications and automate various tasks. However, the human element remains essential – “the human eye” still reviews applications and evaluates qualifications, and recruitment interviews remain a person-to-person interaction.

That said, the ongoing technological revolution is shaping our hiring needs. We increasingly seek individuals who can leverage emerging technologies for business purposes or are eager to learn how. Our aim is to stay ahead of these changes so that our employees are always up to date and can fully utilize new tools. This is why, through the DANONE Microsoft AI Academy, we have launched the “AI for All” initiative. The program focuses on upskilling and reskilling employees to meet future demands, offering educational tracks that support our daily work while deepening our understanding of AI. This enables our employees to develop new competencies – including those that will be crucial in the years to come.

Shared service centers in Poland – The biggest challenges

Klaudia Kitlińska: In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges currently facing the BPO/SSC sector in Poland?

Magda Dybska-Tabor: One key challenge is the rapid development of technology, which requires continuous adaptation. The most important aspect is equipping employees with the right knowledge and experience to prepare them for roles and challenges we may not even foresee today. Investing in the development of so-called future competencies is crucial so that employees are ready for changes and can effectively use new tools.

The second challenge is the increasing market expectations. Poland’s BPO/SSC sector has evolved and solidified its position on the international stage. Companies are no longer expected to focus solely on cost and operational efficiency – they must also demonstrate expertise and specialized knowledge. To stay competitive and efficient, businesses need to attract top talent and invest in their development. Creating attractive working conditions and investing in employees’ growth are now key elements of recruitment and business strategies.

About the company

DANONE is a global food company operating in three key areas in Poland:

• Dairy and plant-based products (Danone)
• Water and beverages (Żywiec-Zdrój)
• Specialized nutrition, including infant and toddler food as well as medical nutrition (Nutricia Polska)

The DANONE Group of companies in Poland operates across nine locations (Warsaw, Katowice, Opole, Mirosławiec, Krotoszyn, Rzeniszów, Bieruń, Jeleśnia, Radziechowy-Wieprz) and employs over 3,200 people.