Purchasing Manager at Hedson in Vänersborg

Josefin Karlsson

For Josefin Karlsson, Purchasing Manager at Hedson in Vänersborg, work-life balance isn’t about choosing between work and private life. For her, it’s about creating a whole where both parts strengthen and inspire each other. 

Josefin joined Hedson in the autumn of 2018 as a purchaser. Today, she leads the purchasing department in Vänersborg and enjoys both the freedom in her role and the close collaboration across teams. 

– My colleagues! We’re a great team, and we also like to do things together outside of work. 

The role as Purchasing Manager suits her perfectly, she explains, because the variety makes every day different. 

– It’s fun to come to work, and there are always new challenges. My work can involve everything from analysis to meeting suppliers, and with today’s ever-changing global market, it’s an incredibly dynamic environment. 

According to Josefin, Hedson’s company culture provides the foundation for great performance and personal growth. 

– Here we work with freedom and personal responsibility — something I value highly. We collaborate a lot in teams and projects, and we’re always encouraged to speak our minds and make our own decisions. I really feel that management trusts its employees. 

What gives you energy at work?

– When collaboration flows and things move forward. Being able to laugh together during the day also makes a big difference. No day is the same — and it’s important not to stress when things don’t go exactly as planned. 

For Josefin, doing a great job also means knowing when to switch off. 

– A balanced life means handling intense periods at work but also knowing how to disconnect when you’re off duty to make time for recovery. I think we can perform our best when we’re well-rested and happy in our personal lives. I spend a lot of time outdoors and work out outside all year round — rain or shine — and I also make sure to spend time with family and friends. 

Sweden is, in many ways, a pioneer when it comes to family-friendly policies, with generous parental leave and the possibility to stay home with sick children. At Hedson, it’s clear that while work matters, there are other things in life that matter even more. 

That’s why future colleagues don’t need to worry about balancing work and private life, Josefin says. 

– We help each other out, and it’s possible to work from home when needed. It’s a flexible workplace. Workload goes up and down, but with the trust and flexibility we have, it’s never a problem. And if you ever struggle to find balance, there’s always support available.