Curious about what it’s like to be a site manager at Voi? Let’s hear from our adventurous globetrotter, Rubén de la Gándara Palacios, in Nuremberg! 🚀

Tell us about your background – how did you get into this field?

I never expected to end up here, but dreams really can come true! My journey started in Spain with a background in hotel management and sports technician in football. My curiosity led me to logistics and management roles at Decathlon, Amazon and Bricomart. A former colleague from Decathlon introduced me to Voi in Spain, where I began as a mechanic. I quickly progressed to support teams in Oslo and Erfurt, and what began as a one-year contract in Germany turned into over five amazing years. I’ve managed operations in Stuttgart, Karlsruhe and Nürnberg, while also exploring markets in the UK, Austria, Switzerland and France. You could say I’m Voi’s true globetrotter!

What do you do as a site manager?

I lead our mechanics and field teams to deliver exceptional service in Nürnberg, Fürth and Erlangen. My daily tasks include overseeing city operations, managing the fleet, scouting new locations for user convenience, maintaining logistical efficiency and handling recruitment and training. I’m also the go-to contact for city-related requests, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

What excites you about your work and Voi as a workplace?

Seeing the joy on people’s faces when they use our service to reach their destinations quickly and safely truly motivates me. I take pride in helping Voi become a benchmark for micromobility in Nürnberg. No two days are alike; I face new challenges daily, both mechanically and operationally. The great atmosphere and teamwork make it even better!

If you could switch places with any other employee at Voi for a day, who would it be and why?

I’d love to switch places with anyone on my team, whether they’re mechanics or drivers. I often step into their roles because I enjoy it! I want to understand their experiences better so I can provide the best options to make their work enjoyable and comfortable.

What’s your favourite season of the year, and why?

I have two! The first is summer – not just for the weather, vacations and beaches – but because it marks the start of the football pre-season in Germany, and as a football fan, I love it. My other favourite season is winter, particularly Christmas, because I travel to Spain to spend the holidays with my family. It’s the perfect time to reconnect and cherish moments that I miss throughout the year.