Prefers a fast-paced environment

Linda Andersen Matre is focused on optimizing work processes and finding flow in her daily work. In October 2023, she became a new Department Manager for Omega 365 Solutions.

Linda Andersen Matre doesn't shy away from challenges. Her daily pace is fast, and she seems to have boundless energy. Taking on the role of Department Manager is one of the challenges she has embraced with enthusiasm.

“It was really exciting to be asked; this is new territory for me. I have a lot to learn as a manager, but I also have many great leaders around me to learn from,” Linda says with a smile.

She understands that building leadership experience takes time, so she is currently participating in a leadership development program that offers insights into what is needed as a manager, as well as her own strengths and areas of improvement. General Manager of Omega 365 Solutions Europe, Svein Tore Haraldseid, believes she is well-suited for her leadership role.

“Linda has a strong understanding of everything happening in Omega 365 Solutions. She is actively involved in the company’s processes and manages a busy and sometimes challenging daily routine with calm and competence. Moreover, she brings a positive attitude to her work and helps uphold the strong Omega culture we value. Linda is a key and valued resource for Omega 365 Solutions,” he states.

Skilled team

As the Department Manager for Business Support at Omega 365 Solutions, Linda is responsible for implementing good routines, best practices, and work processes.

“We are currently ISO certified for four standards related to information security, quality, and environmental management. Our department ensures that we comply with these standards and follow up to make sure everything is in place in the system. It has been a busy few years getting this set up, but we see that the requirements in the standards help us focus on the right areas.”

The department currently consists of four team members, with Linda additionally overseeing personnel responsibilities for the team.

“This is a skilled team that supports everything from resource acquisition for the departments, participation in tender work, onboarding of new employees, and follow-up of ISO activities. With my background in accounting and payroll, I also have a controller function for the software part of the group.”

Improving all areas

Linda is also focused on risk management and continuous improvement in all areas. Part of her role includes conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential risks or areas that may need more attention.

“We encourage everyone to report incidents and deviations in Omega 365's Incident Register, where each case is reviewed by the relevant departments. This process helps us learn and take steps to prevent similar issues in the future. We’re working to make the system and work processes more transparent for department managers, allowing them to focus on their clients and new opportunities,” Linda says.

She also emphasizes the importance of good information flow within the company. Linda firmly believes that it is crucial for team members to know what is happening in the company.

“We use Omega 365 Design for many of our articles, but we also publish articles ourselves via our internal channel 'What’s up?'. It is important that all employees stay informed about what is happening, especially as the company grows and expands to new locations. To help ensure everyone receives key information, we also send out monthly newsletters,” she emphasizes.

Exciting business community

Linda completed a bachelor's degree in economics and administration in 2006 in Stavanger and worked part-time at the Norwegian furniture store Bohus during her studies. When her husband, John Sigve Matre, got a job in Oslo, Linda was offered a temporary position as an ICT consultant at Bohus's head office in Økern. 

“It was a valuable year where I got to work with different systems, which gave me useful experience,” she says.

However, city life didn't appeal in the long run, and the idea of moving home came up. The decision to move back to Vindafjord was easy since Linda is from Ølen and her husband is from Vikedal. They settled in Vikedal, where the family of four still lives.

“Many of our friends also moved back when we did. That made the decision easier, and it’s great that this region offers so many exciting job opportunities. People need jobs if they’re going to move back home.”

After a short period at Jakob Hatteland Computer, a job opportunity at Omega 365 came up on 1 October 2007.

“I started working with payroll and billing, but eventually gained experience with accounting and worked on several of the international accounts. These were both rewarding and educational years, and it was here that my interest in system integration grew, an insight that has been very useful in my current role.”

Impressive adaptability

Linda thrives best when she can work at a fast pace and continue to develop professionally.

“I have always been impressed by Omega 365 and how quickly the company can adapt when needed. This is one of our strengths and something we have benefited from, especially during the oil crisis when we shifted our focus to construction and began developing the system that is now Omega 365,” Linda says.

Linda also sees the value of thinking globally in her leadership role. Challenges and issues don’t necessarily recognize borders.

“What we develop in terms of processes and best practices at Omega 365 Solutions often works well in other countries where Omega has offices. By sharing experiences, we create a sense of unity within the organization. For example, when our international companies became certified in ISO 27001 (Information Security Management Systems) and ISO 9001 (Quality Management earlier this year, they were able to reuse much of what we had developed in terms of plans, templates, and best practices. Through this collaboration, we learn from each other and continuously improve.”

Setting goals

Her Facebook profile showcases pictures of mountain hikes and marathon runs, and she tries to join the Omega 365 running group in Ølensvåg every Tuesday and Thursday. She has also joined the choir “Kor e Vindafjord,” leaving little time for relaxing on the sofa or watching Netflix. Linda is focused on setting meaningful  goals, whether in hiking boots or in her daily work.

“I see the value in setting common goals that we can work towards together. At Omega, I want to support the employees in their development, helping them grow and enjoy the tasks they are passionate about.” 

“What do you think will be the biggest challenge going forward?” 

“We are experiencing high demand for our software products, and with the new growth strategy in Europe, we will use the experiences from Omega 365 Solutions to strengthen the companies there. The goal is to increase customer satisfaction, as well as further growth and development of our services and products. This is something I am very much looking forward to starting this year.”