Driving Innovation in R&D – Meet Hampus, Head of CET at Configura

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey at Configura 

Hampus: I joined Configura in 2016 as a developer in what was then called the CET Core team under the Product function. Early on, I got involved with CET updates, spending a large portion of my time managing the then very manual process of handpicking individual changes for each release.

After about two years, we formed a Scrum team focused on delivering smaller critical fixes and managing CET updates. I stepped into the role of Scrum Master for that team.

Shortly thereafter, this team merged with developers from KL and the US, officially forming what is now known as the Rapid Response Team (RRT), a team that remains critical to Configura today. During this time, I took on the role of RRT Manager, while simultaneously taking on the role of Lead Developer in some projects.

Following that, I transitioned into a position within the CET Architecture function under the Technology department. As an architect, I guided the product teams' technical decisions, ensuring technical alignment across teams.

In late 2024, I was offered the role to head the CET division in R&D, a position I’ve held since then.

It’s been quite a journey!

Hampus Andersson, Head of CET at Configura

 Q: How has Configura supported you in your development – have there been initiatives, training, or company cultures/mentors that have played a role? 

Hampus: I’ve been fortunate to have many opportunities to grow, and I’ve always had great mentors along the way. I’ve been lucky to have had the best managers I could ask for!

Early in my career, I had the opportunity to travel a lot and work closely with a manufacturer we were trying to onboard to our platform at the time. This experience allowed me to quickly gain a deep understanding of Configura.

In the Architect team, I had the privilege of working with brilliant architects, each with 30+ years of Configura experience, from whom I learned a great deal.

 Q: What is it that makes you enjoy working here and has made you choose to stay and grow at Configura?

Hampus: The amazing colleagues at Configura have been a big reason for me staying. Additionally, I’ve received all the opportunities to grow that I could have hoped for. But there’s something else, something harder to explain. It feels like being halfway through a great book, I just can’t stop now.

 Q: How would you describe the work that you and your team do – and why is it important for Configura? 

Hampus: The Research and Development (R&D) function at Configura owns, builds, and maintains all of the company’s offerings.

As Head of CET, I lead a team of Product Owners and am a member of the R&D Management Team, alongside the other Division Heads.

Together, the R&D Management Team ensures that all team managers within the function have what they need for their teams to thrive. In addition, we work to align all teams with the broader company strategy and ensure that the R&D function provides transparency across the entire organization.

Given my technical background and knowledge of our products, I still get the chance from time to time to coach about technical solutions. I always take that opportunity when I can!

Configura Headquarters in Linköping, Sweden

 Q: What do you find most exciting or challenging in your role? 

Hampus: In R&D, there are a lot of unknowns. I can try to plan my week as much as possible, but things are constantly shifting. A big part of my role is simply being available for whatever needs come up, expected or not.

I find that kind of unpredictability and freedom exciting. That said, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t sometimes dream of being assigned a Jira ticket, putting on my headphones, and just diving deep into the code.

The most challenging part for me right now is filtering out what’s truly important. With so many things we could do, the real risk is trying to catch every ball thrown our way and ending up delivering on none of them.

 Q: What goals or visions do you currently have for your team? 

Hampus: My vision for the R&D organization is to foster a culture where we dare to prototype and experiment, with active involvement from real users to validate our assumptions early and efficiently.

Everyone in the function should feel motivated and happy to go to work, knowing they’re part of a team that delivers high quality solutions aligned with the company’s strategic goals.

We drive our decisions based on real-world analytics and data, ensuring that we’re making informed choices. At the same time, we prioritize transparency across the organization, building trust and enabling better collaboration beyond the R&D function.

Q: Which emoji do you use the most?

Hampus: I’m quite boring when it comes to emojis, I’ll just use a 😊 or a 👍. That said, I do occasionally sneak in a GIF with an appropriate movie reference when the occasion allows it.

 Q: Which app on your phone do you use the most besides work?

Hampus: Probably Youtube 🫣