Empowering Journeys Inspiring Results
Real Success, Real Impact
Explore inspiring success stories where VHR has transformed businesses and careers. Discover how our strategic HR consulting and tailored solutions have delivered measurable results for clients and candidates alike.
Perfect Match within 10 days
100% accuracy in candidate selection and bridging the closure process for a Malaysian based Public Listed Company
A well-established Public Listed Company based in Malaysia involved in building material manufacturing has engaged VHR as their recruitment partner for a Finance ManagerSearch assignment. This opening is to be based in Northern Malaysia. VHR was being engaged by the Client in Q1 2015.
Challenges
The said opening has been vacated since Q3 2014. Some search efforts was initiated back in 2014 via different recruitment channels but it was to no avail.
Due to a very limited talent pool in Northern Malaysia — in specific, a small town whichis 350km away from KL — as well as added mandatory requirements for the candidate by Client’s management for the search, including but not limited to:-
- A certified Chartered Accountant
- Strong finance management experience in a Manufacturing environment
- Well experienced as Finance Business Partner to internal business stakeholders
This was an uphill task for any recruitment agency. However, it was an honour for VHR to be associated with this Malaysian-based-conglomerate and hence we decided to take up the challenge and kick start the search immediately i.e. right after being engaged by the Client in Q1 2015.
Solutions / Discovery
We immediately formed a 2-pronged search strategy:
- Broad based search via VHR Database, LinkedIn, and referral’s recommendation.
- Targeted-companies search via head hunting.
Along the process, we narrowed down our strategy to be focused on purely head hunting where we decided to go for a geographical area mapping and targeted nearby factories. 57 companies had been identified and we managed to find more than 40 potential candidates and finally, we touched base with 28 potential candidates that we found potentially suitable for the role.
Well… it was truly not an easy search to get a qualified talent in this small town but our great effort paid off! We have successfully found the right candidate – the only candidate in the radius of 30km from Client’s location — that fit into the needed criteria. We hadpresented the qualified candidate to Client just after 10 days of search engagement and managed to close the position.
Outcome / Impact
It was really the happiest moment where the RIGHT talent was found with 100% accuracy!
To ensure a smooth closure process between client and candidate, VHR followed up with the candidate for 5 days in a row without fail. Therefore, due to the continuous and professional follow up, finally, the candidate made the right choice and said “YES” to Client’s offer.
VHR went the extra mile to manage any potential red flags including ensuring that the candidate’s resignation was submitted as per the planned date, manage the candidate not to accept any potential counter offer from his current employer.We will ensure smooth hand-over process and look forward with anticipation to candidate’s new career undertaking!
Recruitment Business Partner
VHR is being selected by one of the top notch European based leading-edge technology providers as their recruitment partner
Our client is an European-based company that develops, manufactures, and markets products for the construction, building maintenance, and mining industries, primarily to the professional end-user. Our Client’s subsidiary in Malaysia had grown steadily for the past few years and they have also ventured into the Oil & Gas industry. VHR has been selected to be one of the recruitment partners to our client back in April 2014 after competing with other giant multi-national headhunting firms to recruit for their “+2” candidates aiming for the succession planning for the Head of Department.
Challenges
There are certain prerequisites for a +2 candidate:
- Minimum academic qualification is to obtain i.e. at least a Master’s Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
- Regional cross country exposures
- Multiple promotions within an organization
- Good business acumen combined with excellent communication and presentation skills
Many candidates have been eliminated along the interview process by our Client due to the shortlisted candidates were not able to pass through the stringent interview process.
Solutions / Discovery
VHR used the headhunting approach to comb the relevant market and shortlisted candidates who were matched with the criteria. VHR then conducted interviews based on the stringent criteria and presented suitable candidates to the Company within the time frame given.
Outcome / Impact
VHR has successfully helped the Company to fill up the +2 candidate in their Oil & Gas segment. They were so satisfied with VHR’s outstanding services that hereafter, they decided to give VHR 2 weeks’ exclusive recruitment for some selected assignments.
VHR eventually successfully closed another two more +2 positions i.e. Regional Business Development Manager and Engineering Manager.
Recruiting of the Pioneer Management Team
VHR was appointed as the recruitment business partner by a Norwegian MNC for their pioneer management team in a new start up plant in East Malaysia
An European based Conglomerate that produces solar grade silicon and alloys for the foundry, carbon and micro-silicaindustry. Due to the considerable growth in the metal industry in South East Asia, client had therefore decided to have their electrode paste factory set up in Sarawak, East Malaysia.They had decided to engage VHR to recruit 3 key positions namely Plant HR Manager, Production Manager and Maintenance Manager.
Challenges
To understand and identify the search requirements of the vacancies via remote communication channels namely Skype and Telephone conference due to the hiring managers were all based abroad. In specific, the alignment of Client’s expectation due to their first plant set up in Malaysia, including but not limited to candidate’s on-boarding time frame, local HR policy and skill sets required for ideal candidates and etc.
And, due to the nature of the plant construction is a green field project, VHR needs to find candidates who are not only qualified in skill sets but also to excite and convince them to relocate into a relatively remote and emerging industrial park.
Solutions / Discovery
VHR had tried to understand the Client’s given parameters to derive various recruitment approaches. VHR had finally crafted a recruitment strategy which includes head hunting the qualified candidates as well as job advertisement posting for locals in East Malaysia.
On top of that, VHR had also gone extra miles by providing market insights of their competitors in local market where client could have an in-depth understanding of the recruitment / staffing practices in Malaysia. Additionally, VHR have done the market research in terms of Sarawak accommodation / transportation / living expenditure information — both for Client and Candidates — in order to align mutual parties’ expectation. VHR had also assisted the Client to provide the relevant information to obtain the employment permit to work in East Malaysia.
Note: In Malaysia, HR recruitment policy is difference in between West Malaysia and East Malaysia.
Outcome / Impact
After gone through several interviews and discussions with the candidates, VHR had successfully closed all three engagements. The Client is very satisfied to go through the recruitment journey with us. All candidates had successfully on-boarded in Q3 2014. The first phase of the green field construction project was amounted to NOK 60 Million and the new facility will be ready for production in 2015.
Additional Information: Testimonial from HR Director
VHR has helped (us) to close 3 key positions in the new Sarawak Plant. These candidates will form our core functional team during the start-up phase.
The first search assignment we worked together is the HR Manager opening. It was indeed a fast turnaround time from VHR to present some qualified benchmarking profiles. We had thereafter, expanding our searches of Production Manager and Maintenance Manager with VHR.
I believe VHR is an accountable and dedicated executive search company. They have given a professional, and yet personal service. Their advice during the process has been of great importance to us. We were very happy to work with them, and would not hesitate to ask for their services again.
Perseverance in Delivering
Combed 150 candidates to find the right Product Manager
The Client whom is a global leader in power and automation technologies, with its Low Voltage Products & Systems that is well known for its reliability, high quality products and world class support.
A very stringent requirement was set by The Client’s management to search for the right candidate to fill up a long overdue position, the “Product Manager” under the Low Voltage Control Products division. This position plays an important role to develop world-class product marketing management processes for continuous growth of the division.
VHR was being assigned EXCLUSIVELY for this important task to deliver the right candidate in fulfilling the mission.
Challenges
For this particular position, VHR was required to strictly look for the candidate that ONLY comes along with experience in:
- Product Marketing for Low Voltage (LV) Control Product
- Electrical & Electronics Academic (E&E)qualification only
- Experience in team management
Challenges that VHR encountered:
- Limited qualified candidates’ pool as Candidates that work as Product Marketing Personnel for LV Control Product may not from E&E background
- Qualified candidates that mostly above the given remuneration budget
- Several rounds of interview with different candidates but did not turn into successful hiring due to the stringent selection process of the client.
Solutions / Discovery
Throughout the entire search process, VHR demonstrated a high commitment and perseverant attitude in closing the position for our client. Our in depth processes included
- Several channels (e.g. head-hunting, online-portals, referrals and etc) were being explored to find out any potential candidates
- More than 40 companies combed and 150 potential candidates were being approached.
Outcome / Impact
As the result of the continuous effort,eventually VHR managed to close the position with a candidate who met the stringent requirement and within the budget.
New Regional Marketing Office Set-up
Helping one of the world’s biggest and oldest electronics company with their manpower needs for their relocation from Japan (HQ) to Malaysia
Established in March 1976, our client has been one of Malaysia’s earliest investors in the electronics manufacturing industry. Despite growing competitiveness in the ASEAN region, they have identified Malaysia as a strategic business hub and thus have made a landmark decision to move their Product Marketing Division regional HQ to Malaysia and expand it in order to serve the region better.
Late October 2014, VHR was assigned as 1 of the 2 exclusive recruitment partners for this project to help them recruit positions such as Marketing Managers, Marketing Planning Manager, Sourcing Manager and Executive, Marketing Executive, Financial Analysts, Market Research Manager and Executive etc.
Challenges
With more than 20 headcounts to fill in a short time period, the biggest challenge was not only to find the qualified candidates that would be able to handle the demands of the HQ role, but also to meet the very tight timeline as the Japanese interviewers from HQ will be flying in to conduct the interviews for all the positions at a set date.
Top 3 biggest challenges faced:
- VHR had to send suitable candidates in less than 10 days for 8 different positions in order for them to make it for the walk in interview held on the 2nd week of Nov
- Finding qualified candidates that had regional experience or qualities that would be suitable for this challenge
- Understanding of what the client’s requirements, as they had very specific needs that was quite niche for the positions.
Solutions / Discovery
VHR worked closely with the HR of the company to strategize and move forward together on this project to ensure that it was a success. Using VHR’s tried and proven methodology and also the consultant’s relevant knowledge in the consumer electronics’ industry, VHR was able to consistently supply suitable qualified candidates within the deadline given for all the positions mentioned above.
Such was our level of delivery and commitment to the project that our client decided that all of VHR’s candidates in the future will be guaranteed an interview.
Outcome / Impact
Phase 1 (the most critical phase of the project) was a big success. The client’s prioritized openings has been filled, and VHR managed to close most of the Manager’s roles for the project.
With all the major hires in place, the success of this department will give our client a competitive edge over its rivals in the ASEAN region, gaining a strategic advantage due to its close proximity the consumers, and by providing support and intel to all its other divisions. This in turn will allow them to develop better products that the consumers want, thus gaining an advantage in a fiercely competitive market.
The recruitment process with our client for this project is on-going and VHR is currently chosen as their preferred partner for this project.
Committed to VHR’s Promise
Helping a regional leading scientific instruments MNC to find candidate replacement without fail.
The Company was founded in 1989 with the objective to set a new standard in the distribution and support of scientific products in S.E. Asia. Today, the Client is a clear leader in this field representing leading manufacturers in providing current and next-generation tools and technologies together with training, applications support, instrument installation and maintenance support.
VHR was being assigned as the recruitment partner back in 2013 for their sales & technical openings including but not limited to Branch Manager, Product Manager, Sales Manager and Service Engineer.
Challenges
One of the most challenging job assignments assigned to VHR was to recruit a Branch Manager in Northern Malaysia, back in Year 2014. The challenges that VHR needed to overcome were:
- Northern region candidates tended to stay longer in their current company and are not so welcome to the idea of changing their career platform unless it is for a very attractive remuneration package and job satisfaction.
- Due to the nature of technically specialised and scientific driven ecosystem, there are limited competitors and candidates to source from on behalf of the Client.
Solutions / Discovery
VHR analyzed the given parameters to help the HR team to examine the feasibility of various recruitment opportunities. After much study,VHR finally decided to go with a 100% head hunting approach. Head hunting is a proven and effective recruitment approach but at the same time, it is also the most time consuming strategy.
VHR directly contacted the qualified candidates. After filtering the candidates, we presented 1 profile for Client’s perusal.
Outcome / Impact
One interview was being arranged and on the spot, the candidate is being offered by Client. VHR had achieved 100% accuracy in this search. Candidate had signed the LO and joined the Company after client-candidate’s expectation bridging exercise. What a relief!
However, an unforseen challenge was yet to come…. After the candidte was on board for approximately 3 months — due to a personal reason — the candidate had to leave the organization within the warranty period. The most hated nighmare for any head hunter.
Nevertheless, VHR is always committed to the promise given to Client. VHR has never run away from the above said problem.To solve the problem quickly, VHR mobilised double the work force to expedite the candidate’s replacement exercise. We had:
- Combed more than 200 candidates in Northern Region
- Extended the targeted search candidates to Central Region
- Widen the candidates search parameters with the similar job scope and experience required
Finally, VHR found a suitable replacement candidate for Client! A testimonial of sheer commitment and self accountability to Client!
Additional Information: Testimonial from Managing Director
Of all the ‘Recruitment Consultants’ and I use the term lightly, that I have used over the years, VHR have proven to be highly professional in all their dealing with us, both with (us) as well as the candidates they have proposed. This professionalism and going the ‘extra distance’ has been shown even after the candidate has been placed with us, in that you do a follow up with both the candidate as well as (us) to ensure both sides are happy.
When we have needed to replace a candidate, not usually a fault of VHR or (us), then this has been dealt with speedily and at no additional cost to (us).
Thank you again for all your help over the last 3 years with our HR requirements.
Cross-Countries Executive Search
Engaged by a Malaysian based leading aluminium alloy ingot manufacturer to recruit Thailand home-based Sales Manager
The Client is a leading manufacturer of various grades of aluminium alloy ingots which was well known for its high quality and able to consistently meet customer requirements. Back in April 2013, VHR was being assigned as the exclusive recruitment partner for the Client’s overseas recruitment project for their Sales Manager based in Thailand.
Challenges
This was the first project that VHR was assigned to search for a Thai-nationality candidate. The challenges that VHR faced while executing this search was:
- Language barrier (Mostly are Thai speaking)
- No infrastructure presence in Thailand (The Client and VHR)
- Industry is very niche and therefore, limited talent pool
Solutions / Discovery
Despite the challenges, VHR managed to successfully hunt Thai candidates and also conducted telephone and skype interviews with candidates before presenting qualified candidates to the Client for selection process. In specific, VHR was using the following methods to find qualified candidates:
- Head hunting
- Social media
- Local networking or referral
Outcome / Impact
In total, VHR had identified about 80 to-be-targeted companies (metal industry related) and interviewed them one-by-one to search for the right candidate. Besides the skype interview, shortlisted candidates even flew down to Malaysia for face-to-face interview and case study presentation.
For the 1st round of search, the Client had offered a candidate. Unfortunately, the said candidate rejected the Client’s offer and decided to work for her family business.
Showing the dedication and persistence, we kicked off the 2nd round of search, we managed to find another qualified candidate and followed through with her offer and on boarding process. Since then, both Consultant and Candidate became good friends.
