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True innovation requires more than just technical knowledge
Punch Powertrain is a leading company producing innovative transmission and propulsion systems for the automotive industry and mobility providers worldwide. Innovation and engineering are at its core. But when SAP team leader Carl Wyns needs additional team members, he does not just look for people with the right technical skills. Other requirements carry just as much weight. Fortunately, he has found a reliable partner in Eswelt for his - sometimes complex- recruitment questions.
Translating business processes into the right software solution
Punch Powertrain supplies the automotive industry with sustainable and affordable solutions for combustion, hybrid and electric vehicles. The plug-in hybrid market is a growing market, but the electric market is not stagnant either. As an independent developer, Punch Powertrain supplies products to various car manufacturers. It is a complex business that never ceases to evolve.
Within the company, Carl is responsible for the SAP team. This team works closely with the various departments, from HR to Sales to Production, to translate business processes into optimal software solutions using SAP. The team collaborates on how challenges can be translated into the right software system. And whether this should be accomplished by customising a solution or if a standard solution might be a better fit after all. After implementing the solution, the team remains responsible for support.
Passion for the industry
Carl has been working for Punch Powertrain for nine years. Previously, he already held various other positions within the automotive industry: "It is a very interesting business. As a consultant, you often switch from A to B, for example from food to industry to pharmaceuticals. I appreciate the fact that here, I have a real part in the product, and I understand the business well. We ask for the same commitment from our employees. They are all part of our process. And that's what makes working in this organisation fun, interesting and educational."
In search of new employees for innovation and growth
The company is based in Belgium, but the business reaches far beyond the Belgian borders. Carl explains: "We supply systems for various brands, with our main focus now being on the hybrid market. We are always close to our customers, and in addition to our branches in Europe, we also have branches in China, where there is currently more focus on electric driving." To keep up with innovation and growth, Carl is looking for new or temporary employees for his team regularly.
CULTURAL SENSITIVITY AND COOPERATION ARE KEY
While strong technical skills and knowledge are obviously essential in this regard, Carl is not only interested in these substantive qualities in new employees. He sees it as very important for the team that they also fit in comfortably in terms of personality. Work often involves travelling as a result of the different locations, and the team works together even closer than usual at these times. Smooth collaboration is therefore essential. The company operates worldwide, so in addition to the team-oriented personality traits, cultural sensitivity among employees is also important for the company. After all, in an international context, communication and understanding in a team are crucial for good cooperation.
The experience of
Punch Powertrain - Team lead Carl
“New team members should not only possess the right skills, they should be a fit tot the team in terms of personality. My regular contact at Eswelt understands this very well.”
A smooth recruitment process
For the recruitment of new employees, Carl works mainly with Eswelt's recruitment consultants. Carl: "For me, the profile of candidates must fit from a SAP experience point of view, but it is equally important how the profile fits into the team. I feel this is often underestimated by recruiters, as it often involves temporary employment. But to me, it does not matter whether they join for six months or two years, we work as a team, and we do it together. So connection is key. My contact at Eswelt, Geert, understands that very well."
Eswelt has been supplying the right profiles for Punch Powertrain for some time. These are consultants who not only possess the required technical skills, but also speak the local language and understand the culture. For Carl, working with Eswelt is particularly pleasant because he does not have to explain in detail what he is looking for every single time. This saves a considerable amount of time and makes for a pleasant and smooth recruitment process. "Communication is efficient and direct. If I require something, I know exactly who to call, and then we can move quickly."
Recruitment beyond national borders - International staffing well organised
Eswelt has also frequently recruited consultants for its branches abroad for Carl: " In Italy, we added a team member who also speaks Dutch. There is also a consultant from the French-speaking side of Belgium, who is now working in Metz because she can interact well with French colleagues. These are difficult profiles to find, because they both have to have the right skills AND fit into the relevant team."
Understanding the culture
Carl appreciates the time and effort put into understanding the company's culture by Eswelt, and particularly sees the added value of the good relationship with his dedicated recruitment consultant. The close one-to-one relationship is super important and ensures that cooperation runs smoothly. Building a successful team clearly depends not only on technical skills and knowledge but also on the right fit, enabling a team to grow at top speed.