Leaders Bring Fresh Perspectives
Quednau’s journey to Vossloh is far from conventional. With a career spanning legal expertise and executive HR roles at fashion companies like Zalando, she brings a wealth of experience in people management. Her move to the rail sector in 2023 was driven by a desire for purposeful work in a field with tangible, long-term impact: sustainable infrastructure development.
The Challenge of shorted of skilled labor
Germany’s severe shortage of skilled labor—known as “Fachkräftemangel”—affects industries across the board, and Vossloh is no exception. Over the last four years, the company’s headcount has grown significantly. Attrition rates, however, pose a notable challenge, particularly in operational roles requiring mobility and night shifts—conditions not suited to all workers.
To combat this, Vossloh Rail Services focuses on creating an employee-centered workplace. “Being the employer of choice is not about just offering a job,” emphasizes Quednau. “People today are looking for purpose, career advancement, and the opportunity to align their values with their work.” Purpose is therefore at the heart of the company, supported by its ambitious mission of enabling green mobility.
Solutions Through Training, Growth, and Recognition
In addition, Quednau underlined the importance of meeting demand for skilled workers through internal development. This includes structured traineeships, established partnerships with universities, and international recruiting efforts spanning countries such as France and Scandinavia. Beyond onboarding, the ability to offer meaningful career growth ensures that employees see a long-term future with the company.
These efforts were reaffirmed when VRS was recognized as a “Top Employer” in Germany for a second year running. More than just a title, Quednau explains how this achievement reflects the company’s commitments to fair working conditions, competitive compensation, and personal growth opportunities for their colleagues, both operational and corporate.
A Broader Invitation
While recruitment efforts remain a challenge in Germany, VRS is also expanding its footprint globally. The company sees high demand and growth opportunities in markets like the U.S., Netherlands, Australia, and China. “For those looking to find meaning in their work—whether in cutting-edge rail technology, infrastructure support, or operations—VRS provides opportunities that align with both professional and personal aspirations,” Quednau shares.
Listen In for More
The full Enabling Green Mobility podcast episode delves deeper into these challenges, solutions, and personal insights from Quednau’s leadership journey. Whether you're an HR enthusiast, a sustainability advocate, or simply curious about the rail industry, this episode offers an inspiring case study in how purpose and business innovation can move together on the right track.
