Joonas Jaakkola (BBA, Business Logistics) joined NIT’s logistics team in 2019, and is responsible for the warehouse operations in Turku.
Joonas studied logistics in Turku University of Applied Sciences and completed his thesis work in Warehouse Management, focusing on system functionality and implementation. He has previous experience in wholesales warehousing as well as courier and delivery roles. This background supports him managing both sides of the job from development parts to hands-on work and operations.
Joonas plays a central role in NIT’s project material deliveries – receiving goods and packing freights to be sent to the site for installation. NIT manages the warehousing and logistics in-house, which enables full control over the material flows, handling processes and prioritization. “We can manage the actions flexibly according to the needs of the operations and project.”
In the warehouse, the job includes a wide range of tasks, and Joonas is responsible for overseeing the whole site: “I make sure that everything in the warehouse is in order, from tidiness to shelves.” Besides handling the flow of materials, he keeps track of the inventory, manages logistics recycling, and occasionally drives deliveries himself. As the warehouse of NIT is located in the same building as its subsidiary Leo Steel, Joonas also supports their logistics operations.
“This job requires a practical and quick grip of things. You need to be able to work under pressure and prioritize tasks,” Joonas says. He highlights that understanding the processes and the bigger picture is important, in addition to practical skills like driving the forklift and good physical strength.
Joonas raises the importance of reacting quickly to deviations: “When changes occur, we can quickly react and adapt without intermediaries as things are fully in our hands”. He sees this as a benefit in managing the entire logistics process. “Also, own logistics enable the continuous improvement of the processes and transparency – the materials are all the time under control.”
One of NIT’s core values – being brave – comes up regarding improving processes. “I think in NIT, we can bravely challenge the processes that we are used to when we have potential development ideas.” Needs and challenges are identified and addressed together to take action. “We discuss openly. Sometimes quick decisions have to be made, and we take responsibility for our own actions. That’s also what being brave means to me.”
Joonas finds it rewarding being part of remarkable shipbuilding projects. For him, the best part of the job is the good team spirit and versatility of the job tasks. “The work is full of quick action, and time runs fast while on duty.” In his free time, he enjoys exercising at the gym, swimming, or jogging. “Also, family life with a small child is a good contrast to the hectic working life.”
