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Speed and persistence in a niche field
Configuration management is an important but rare field in the high-tech and defence industries. At Thales Group, Frank Meere, head of the Configuration Management department, knows exactly how challenging it is to find the right expertise. Working closely with Enrico from Vibe Group, he has successfully filled several vacancies in a competitive market. ‘If you ask Enrico for help, you'll get it – whether you want it or not,’ says Frank with a smile.
Thales Group: precision in complex systems
Thales Group employs 33,500 researchers and engineers worldwide and is active in technology for defence, security, cyber security, digital identity and aerospace, among other areas. The Dutch division focuses on advanced defence and security solutions, such as radar systems, cyber security and systems for aerospace .
Configuration management plays an important role in this high-tech industry; throughout the entire life cycle of a product, from design to maintenance, the components, versions and specifications used must be precisely documented. This ensures that, for example, in the event of changes or recalls, it is immediately clear which products are affected and how the impact can be managed.
A rare specialism
Frank Meere manages a team of specialised employees in this field. ‘This field requires an unique combination of skills,’ Frank explains. ‘You need to understand the product, think critically about changes, be meticulous, enjoy working with structure, and be able to work both independently and as part of a team.’
Finding the right people for his department can therefore be a challenge. ‘There is no specific degree program for this field, and only a handful of companies in the Netherlands are active in it,’ Frank explains. ‘Configuration managers don't often move voluntarily. They are people who like routine, structure and stability. Only when major changes occur, such as the closure of a branch, do candidates become available occasionally.’
Growth with a hybrid strategy
To grow his department from 25 to 40 employees whilst simultaneously acquiring new knowledge and experience, Frank deliberately chose a hybrid approach: a mix of permanent employees and contractors. ‘By maintaining a healthy mix of permanent staff and contractors, we bring new insights and working methods into the organisation. Contractors who have worked at various companies can bring fresh perspectives that help a department move forward.’
In addition, contractors act as a bridge: they help bridge the gap until internal employees have gained enough experience to perform specific roles independently. ‘So it's not just about filling vacancies, but also about bringing in knowledge that we can share within the team,’ says Frank.
The experience of
Frank, Thales Group
“It's not just about filling vacancies, but also about bringing in knowledge that we can share within the team.”
Results that speak for themselves
In his collaboration with Enrico from Vibe Group, several vacancies were successfully filled, despite the competitive market. ‘Enrico acts quickly, which is very pleasant to work with,’ says Frank. ‘What makes him unique is his persistence, both in finding candidates and in communicating with them. I think that many of the people he ultimately placed didn't even know they were looking for a job.’
Investing in the relationship
Frank highly values personal contact. “I don't just drop a profile and tell them to figure it out for themselves. I enjoy building relationships with people I know will deliver. By investing in the relationship and maintaining regular contact, Enrico now knows exactly what I need.’
The investment pays off. The collaboration between Thales Group and Vibe Group features fast, direct communication and mutual understanding. ‘'We're not just looking for implementation consultants for temporary projects, but primarily ongoing operational support. By asking the right questions and having regular discussions, Enrico has a keen understanding of what expertise and personality suits our team.
Vibe Group: an active approach
What Frank particularly appreciates is the proactivity. ‘Enrico keeps scanning, even when there are no specific vacancies at that moment. He is proactive and comes up with candidates who he believes to be suitable for me. Obviously, this requires me, as a client, to invest time in the collaboration, but in this case it really pays off in terms of results.’
For Frank, the collaboration with Vibe Group is successful. His experience has taught him the key to successful recruitment in a niche field. ‘Be clear about what you're looking for and work with people who actually deliver. If you put time into it, you'll get it back tenfold.’