Denise Aigner is a team leader at Brenntag's Heilbronn site (Germany). EMEA Communications spoke with her about her path into the distribution industry, the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated environment and her varied working day in the warehouse.
With a great deal of commitment and a hands-on mentality, Denise not only ensures smooth processes, but also strengthens trust and cooperation within the team. She exemplifies values such as safety and trust and breaks down barriers for women in logistics.
You work as a Team Leader in the warehouse at our Heilbronn site. What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you coordinate operations in the warehouse?
As a Team Leader, my role is to oversee warehouse operations alongside the team. In both liquid handling and solid material areas, we plan and prioritize tasks to ensure smooth workflows. A typical day begins with a team briefing where we discuss topics such as safety and daily priorities. Afterward, we assign employees, check material availability, and address special cases, such as returns. In the liquid area, we actively prioritize tasks and support colleagues as needed. I also pitch in myself when required, whether it’s picking orders, filling products, or operating forklifts. This hands-on involvement not only keeps my work diverse but also strengthens my connection with the team.
How did you enter the distribution industry, and what experiences from your earlier career have helped you in your current role?
Initially, I worked in the office at the Heilbronn site, handling goods receipt and dispatch. My site manager recognized my potential – I’ve always been very engaged and proactive – and offered me the opportunity to take on the Team Leader role in the warehouse. Before joining Brenntag, I worked in retail, including as Assistant Store Manager in a newly opened store, where I gained experience in logistics and diverse responsibilities. These experiences have helped me become an all-rounder, well-prepared for my current role. I value the variety in my position, from planning and coordinating to stepping in and helping directly.
What specific challenges have you faced as a warehouse leader, and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge has been the underrepresentation of women in the warehouse and the fact that my colleagues initially only knew me as an office employee. When I took on the Team Leader role, I needed to prove myself, as is common in any leadership position. I got hands-on from the start, showing I could handle the same tasks as my male colleagues. My willingness to learn and actively contribute helped me earn their trust.
Another challenge was the lack of facilities for women in the warehouse at the beginning. There were no designated changing rooms or properly fitting work clothes – I had to wear unisex clothing, which was often too large. With the support of my site manager, we successfully restructured: a women’s changing room was created, and appropriate workwear was provided.
How do you incorporate Brenntag’s values – Safety, Care, Trust, Excellence, and Clarity – into your daily work?
Safety is our top priority, especially when working with chemicals. It’s my responsibility to ensure that all employees are protected and aware of potential risks. Care and trust are equally important – I need to trust my team to work independently, and they need to trust that I support them. We promote collaboration through regular communication and openness to new ideas. I encourage my colleagues to contribute their suggestions, as fresh perspectives often lead to valuable improvements.
What do you wish for in 2025 for your work at the Brenntag site in Heilbronn?
My wish for 2025 is that we continue to place the highest value on safety in the warehouse and that our team grows even closer together. It is important to me that we optimize processes together with the team to make work safer and more efficient for everyone. Personally, I hope to attract more women to logistics and show them that this area also offers exciting opportunities.
You work as a Team Leader in the warehouse at our Heilbronn site. What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you coordinate operations in the warehouse?
As a Team Leader, my role is to oversee warehouse operations alongside the team. In both liquid handling and solid material areas, we plan and prioritize tasks to ensure smooth workflows. A typical day begins with a team briefing where we discuss topics such as safety and daily priorities. Afterward, we assign employees, check material availability, and address special cases, such as returns. In the liquid area, we actively prioritize tasks and support colleagues as needed. I also pitch in myself when required, whether it’s picking orders, filling products, or operating forklifts. This hands-on involvement not only keeps my work diverse but also strengthens my connection with the team.
How did you enter the distribution industry, and what experiences from your earlier career have helped you in your current role?
Initially, I worked in the office at the Heilbronn site, handling goods receipt and dispatch. My site manager recognized my potential – I’ve always been very engaged and proactive – and offered me the opportunity to take on the Team Leader role in the warehouse. Before joining Brenntag, I worked in retail, including as Assistant Store Manager in a newly opened store, where I gained experience in logistics and diverse responsibilities. These experiences have helped me become an all-rounder, well-prepared for my current role. I value the variety in my position, from planning and coordinating to stepping in and helping directly.
What specific challenges have you faced as a warehouse leader, and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge has been the underrepresentation of women in the warehouse and the fact that my colleagues initially only knew me as an office employee. When I took on the Team Leader role, I needed to prove myself, as is common in any leadership position. I got hands-on from the start, showing I could handle the same tasks as my male colleagues. My willingness to learn and actively contribute helped me earn their trust.
Another challenge was the lack of facilities for women in the warehouse at the beginning. There were no designated changing rooms or properly fitting work clothes – I had to wear unisex clothing, which was often too large. With the support of my site manager, we successfully restructured: a women’s changing room was created, and appropriate workwear was provided.
How do you incorporate Brenntag’s values – Safety, Care, Trust, Excellence, and Clarity – into your daily work?
Safety is our top priority, especially when working with chemicals. It’s my responsibility to ensure that all employees are protected and aware of potential risks. Care and trust are equally important – I need to trust my team to work independently, and they need to trust that I support them. We promote collaboration through regular communication and openness to new ideas. I encourage my colleagues to contribute their suggestions, as fresh perspectives often lead to valuable improvements.
What do you wish for in 2025 for your work at the Brenntag site in Heilbronn?
My wish for 2025 is that we continue to place the highest value on safety in the warehouse and that our team grows even closer together. It is important to me that we optimize processes together with the team to make work safer and more efficient for everyone. Personally, I hope to attract more women to logistics and show them that this area also offers exciting opportunities.