Chapter Lead Full-Stack Engineering
Chapter Lead Full-Stack Engineering
Tribe Tech4Consumer
Works in Utrecht and from home
Lives in Utrecht
At VodafoneZiggo since 2019
From Vodafone's E-shop to Ziggo's login function, the Tech4C department develops all applications for consumer touch points. Chapter Lead Maurice Bartnig supervises four teams of developers who do this work. With an open mind and listening ear: "Whether it's about technology or a personal matter, I always give people my full attention."
Although Maurice was a developer himself for 23 years, his heart now lies with the people side of the profession. "It fills me with energy to help someone make progress. Sometimes the focus is technical, other times it's on building confidence or improving communication. And I make sure that my teams are well connected and support one another." Over the years, he has built up a strong bond with many in his chapter. "I know these people well. That doesn't just make the work more enjoyable, but also more effective."
VodafoneZiggo’s Tech structure is split into three tribes: Tech for C (consumers), Tech for B (business clients) and Tech Enablers (internal systems). Each tribe has Tribe Leads, Area Leads and Chapter Leads like Maurice. "That may sound layered, but in reality it's surprisingly flat. We collaborate closely and work on one shared goal: building technology that truly helps our customers forward."
Maurice sees to it that the members of his teams develop in a T-shaped manner. Broadly, in other words. And preferably with knowledge across the full stack: from front end, back end and testing, to DevOps and accessibility. "That requires support and guidance, of course, which I provide one-on-one. We regularly discuss at what stage someone is, what is needed, and which step could be taken next. Sometimes that might be a course from our Unlimited Learning platform, and sometimes a sparring partner or new responsibility."
Each team has three to six developers. As the teams are small, Maurice is able to do what he enjoys best: give people his full attention. But what is the practical benefit of compact teams with many skills? "Developments here come quick," Maurice explains. "Tomorrow, Marketing may ask us for a new site, app or campaign, on which we need get to work immediately. Small teams with broad skill sets are the ideal way to rise to such challenges. So we are Agile, literally."
Asked what kind of leader he wants to be, Maurice doesn't need to think. "One who's approachable. So that people feel safe, can be themselves and dare say what they really think." He invests a lot in order to be that approachable person. "To gain someone's trust, you have to show your own vulnerability, too. And that's what I do. I tell people about the obstacles that I've faced, and how I dealt with them. When you do that, you see people open up to you. And that's great because from there, you can really get things done."
When Maurice started out with these teams and people, they worked very much by themselves. "I try to bring them together by holding joint meetings, stimulating knowledge sharing and offering room for initiative." The fruits of those efforts are plain to see, he says, as are those of his approachable attitude. "I've noticed that people are more open, cooperate better and take steps forward. I'm proud of that."
Since he joined VodafoneZiggo, Maurice grew from Senior Developer to Tech Lead and now to Chapter Lead. "This company is big enough to achieve your ambitions and small enough to get noticed. If you show initiative, you're given opportunities. And the support you need to make them a success." Something else Maurice values: "VodafoneZiggo gives me the confidence to take decisions. And room to develop myself, professionally and as a person. I feel very at home here."
