At Lely, a company that develops innovative robotic solutions for dairy farming, data plays a crucial role. Mark Tijssen, Team Lead Data Governance, talks about the unique role of Coordinating Data Steward and why working at Lely is so inspiring to him.
The Bridge Between Data and Business Operations
According to Mark, the Coordinating Data Steward acts as the bridge between the data Lely collects and the various business units within the company. "This role involves helping different levels within the company make better decisions based on data," Mark explains. "This builds greater trust in the use of data and leads to more efficient operations."
Data as the Backbone of Innovation
At Lely, everything revolves around innovation and technology. "Our robots and technologies are fully intertwined with data. Farmers use this data to optimize their operations and realize the Farm of the Future. Within Lely, data is just as essential—not only for our products but also for our internal processes. We believe that the farm of the future needs the support of the company of the future."
Working at Lely: A Source of Inspiration
What Mark values most about working at Lely is the openness to new ideas and the strong focus on innovation. "Lely breathes innovation," he says enthusiastically. "The company is always open to new ideas, and I personally proposed getting more value out of data by improving collaboration around it. Additionally, Lely places great importance on sustainability and animal welfare, as demonstrated in projects like the Lely Sphere, which focuses on closing the nutrient cycle." Besides his daily tasks, Mark is also given the freedom to develop himself and take on projects that align with his personal ambitions. "There is always room for personal growth and for taking on projects that align with your own motivations."
Facilitating and Inspirational Leadership
As Team Lead Data Governance, Mark is not only a technological leader but also a hands-on team player. "I'm always looking for ways to do things smarter and better," he says. "We're doing many things for the first time, and it's my job to remove obstacles and ensure good data quality."
Future Prospects at Lely
There are countless career paths open for a Coordinating Data Steward at Lely. "You interact with different departments and can focus on architecture, process optimization, digitalization, or data analysis,"
The Future of Data at Lely
Mark has a clear vision for the future. "My ultimate goal is to make ourselves redundant by striving for perfection with new systems and AI. We think big, but to move forward, we must start small—we continuously strive for improvement." Working at Lely means being part of an innovative team shaping the future of agriculture. For Mark, it's a place where he can combine his passion for technology and data with his drive for innovation and sustainability. "At Lely, I can truly make a difference," he concludes proudly. Want to know more about working as a Data Steward at Lely? Click here.