Lightning speed recruitment process at TFL: Here is what the candidate thinks of it
When TFL Ledertechnik GmbH acquired the organic leather chemicals business of Lanxess, a Lead Buyer Technical Procurement role at Chempark Leverkusen popped up to be filled up urgently. For a quick and sufficient solution, the company contacted the Kloepfel Recruiting Team. How did the whole recruitment process take place from the candidate’s point of view? Here is the answer through the eyes of Mr. Leonid Chapiro – the interview competition winner.
Could you please tell us about the role you got through Kloepfel Recruiting?
They were looking for a “Lead Buyer Technical Procurement”. The whole area of responsibility consists of two big sections: number 1 is mostly about the technical part. Here the goal is to ensure that the machines in the chemical production run smoothly. The same is about the test Lab. In this context, the function as a “Lead Buyer Technical Procurement” also includes the task of commissioning of maintenance work, repairs and the procurement of spare parts. Number two is taking care of the infrastructure: contracting gas, electricity, steam – everything what the production needs. Here the cooperation with “Chempark” operator – “Currenta” is of huge importance.
How it all happened when Kloepfel Recruiting got to know you for the very first time?
It happened a few years ago when the Kloepfel Recruiting team contacted me for another job. Back then we didn’t land on a common ground however we stayed connected as these guys were a real stand out from the long list of the hiring service providers. They were easy to remember as they came up with a position that felt like it was designed for me, million miles away from a basic plane job description. Now this time I had the whole information needed on hands, both about the company as well as about my would-be job. It matched my expectations, so we got together fast this time.
What attracted your attention speaking about the job you were offered?
In addition to the possibility for my technical knowledge application, it was important for me that I could work independently and responsibility for my performance belonged fully to me. Working proactively and then standing for the results that’s my approach. Since the “Leather” business unit was acquired by TFL, there was a huge potential for a structured work flow build from the scratch. I took the challenge.
Did you know right away that this job is perfect for you?
Basically, yes – my experience matched the TFL’s requirement profile, the only thing I lacked was practical experience in the chemical industry. Luckily it turned out, it wasn’t a big deal as the job offered was more about indirect purchasing. Kloepfel Recruiting provided an honest and transparent picture to all parties involved.
What experience, knowledge and personal features of yours matched the job?
I was not new in the technical purchasing. I brought experience in dealing with shareholders and negotiating with international suppliers, I easily work with technical documents, specifications and read drawings. I had also been involved in various global projects previously. TFL is a worldwide player, that fits me perfectly – I got a lot of support from France and Italy right from the day one. Open communication and relaxed atmosphere reign within the company, so people get on really well.
What was your impression of the selection process?
I was perfectly equipped by the Kloepfel Recruiting Team. Surely potential employers always want to show their cover page – and I think it is a great achievement when the recruiter gives the candidate an honest picture of what to expect in the future position. This is the only way to profoundly evaluate whether or not the position really suits you. So, in my case, I was given clear understanding of the atmosphere that awaits me in the company, their goals and values, their needs and wants. I received a 360-degree support while getting ready for the interview.
How long did it take before you were introduced to the employer and you finally knew you got the job?
I got my first interview, actually a video call via Microsoft Teams with my would-be supervisor for the reason of the long distance “Italy – Germany” – and that was the big Aha-moment for me as the mutual understanding clicked right away. And from now on the talk was relaxed, constructive and professional – so it was easy for me to avoid unneeded stress and represent myself the way I truly am. In a week I got the information, that there would be a second interview to clear up some organizational staff, the HR team took part there as well. Shortly after I got the information via Ms. Freitag from the Kloepfel Recruiting Team with the feedback in my favor – I got the job. Despite a few other job-interviews ongoing back then, it wasn’t difficult for me to committee to TFL, which was mostly thanks to the positive impression I got from my future supervisor.
Could you share your impression of the “Kloepfel Recruiting” team?
Throughout the application process, I was guided by Ms. Sarah Freitag, she was always there for me, approachable and very supportive. She wasn’t just concerned with getting me to her client quickly, but she really managed to build up a safe space for both me as a candidate and the company as her client to check on each other and to make sure that’s a match for both sides. In general, I saw my interests were represented well enough and the overall process was performed with good business ethics. When the application process was over, I met some consultants from the “Kloepfel Consulting” who were there supporting the TFL in contracting a few suppliers. I’m pleased to say that they got my back and got me a real quick dive in into the procurement environment of TFL. That was more than helpful and made my ramp up at the TFL way better.
Kloepfel Recruiting offers 360° support beyond the selection process, what’s your take on that?
Even within the application process, I was provided with the relevant information required about the company, what the overall situation was concerning the “Leather” business unit acquisition and a few other important topics. This gave me a good and profound overview on how the things are going. I was promised that the Kloepfel Consulting colleagues, who were working on the site optimizing purchasing, would support me during the “cold start” in the company. That’s exactly what happened. And that’s exactly what helped me to arrive quickly to the moment when I knew for sure, I’m in the right place with the right people. Moreover, there was also an onboarding meeting at Kloepfel Consulting headquarter and even more the guys offered me their office space to work the first two months as long as the TFL acquisition was not yet completed. This goes far beyond the standard approach of the personnel service providers. A completely different dimension of recruiting. Even a few months after I joined TFL, Ms. Freitag checked on me if everything was going the way I expected. To make things shorter I felt well taken care of.
To draw the bottom line, your overall viewpoint on the hiring process with the Kloepfel recruiting…?
I value truth and openness, so the real situation communicated about the real life of the company was helpful a lot. As a rule, recruiters cascade what a company wants to be known about them, but here Ms. Freitag managed to give me a comprehensive insider view that later on proved to be true. Needless to say that I really liked the cooperation with the Kloepfel Recruiting Team as I recommend it to my friends.
Looking back: are you happy with the job you got so far?
TFL is a rapidly growing company that has just entered the German market. This means that there are many processes to be merged and standardized. This infrastructure must be built along with the ongoing processes. It is a challenge. But it is also a lot of fun, because the open culture at TFL makes it possible to hit the goal effectively. The open-door culture is what I appreciate here. It brings team members together. I like working here and by doing what I can do, I am able to make a difference and to contribute to the company success. The support I received from the consultants at Kloepfel Consulting eased my start, with them I even took part in one of the negotiations. All in all, I am very satisfied.
What does the customer say about the lightning speed recruitment at TFL? Click here!
Contact:
Christopher Willson
Kloepfel Group
Tel.: 0211 941 984 33
Pempelforter Str. 50
40211 Duesseldorf
Mail: rendite@kloepfel-consulting.com