Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) for European Payments Provider

Context

A European-based group of payment businesses offering services such as acquiring, issuing, payment solutions, and gift cards was facing significant HR challenges. The HR team was overburdened, reactive, and under considerable stress, resulting in a prolonged recruitment process that affected candidate commitment. With an urgent need to scale quickly and effectively while maintaining high standards for candidate quality and selection, the business showed clear signs of needing a Recruitment Partner to provide both expertise and measurable results.

A rapid implementation of a scalable Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) solution was the clear answer.

The first 3 months...

How We Deliver

We provide access to world-class technical consultants and specialist delivery resources

1. The Challenge

The client’s situation regarding recruitment included:

• An under-performing recruitment process
• Dissatisfaction among hiring managers to recruitment results
• Poor candidate experience resulting in candidates withdrawing before process completion
• Large backlog of candidates who were not contacted
• Absence of forward planning for recruitment creating a very reactive service
• Ineffective relationships with multiple agency providers
• High overhead cost of HR team
• High reliance on external recruitment agencies at high fees

2. The Solution

Rapid RPO Implementation featured a comprehensive and scalable approach tailored to client needs. A dedicated RPO consultant was deployed to take ownership of the recruitment process, seamlessly utilizing the client’s existing ATS/HR system. The strategy emphasized attracting direct applications, thereby reducing reliance on agency partners. A scalable structure was designed to flex with recruitment demand, and a workshop was conducted to redesign the recruitment process. This included establishing clear accountability at each stage, defining service levels at critical phases, and redefining HR's role within recruitment. A six-month forward hiring plan was built and maintained for transparency and financial planning, complemented by an executive roadshow to engage hiring managers with the RPO methodology. Additionally, Pan-European C-suite salary benchmarking was completed to inform budgetary planning and salary decisions. Recruitment suppliers were engaged tactically only after exhausting direct channels, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

3. The Outcome

Hiring increased significantly in the first few months of the RPO. Satisfaction rates are high among both internal stakeholders and candidates. Fees spent on recruitment partners have also reduced significantly.

• Offer to Acceptance success increased from 70% to >90%
• 22% Reduction in comparative recruitment charges per hire
• Created total cost savings of €40,000 in first 3 months of service
• 90% of recruitment sourced through direct channels
• Real-time communication with recruitment agency partners
• Managers receiving proactive service
• Candidate Experience improved and brand advocates created
• Business planning and strategic growth centrally coordinated
• HR got time back to focus on HR
• Client HR Director : "The RPO has completely exceeded expectations - I already know we will want to extend this arrangement".

David Shuttleworth

As Enterprise Solutions Director and with over 20 years experience in RPO Solutions, David took the lead on designing and implementing this solution and coaching the client along the way.

"This client's situation is very common among growing businesses. The solution required us to quickly build trust, take ownership, educate on RPO methodology, and make more of the client's brand to drive direct results and efficiency."

Anissa Farih

As RPO Consultant, Anissa owned the daily operational service delivery and embedded herself within the client HR Team. She prides herself on improving relationships and service standards . Not only is she an experienced tech recruiter, she is also tri-lingual - fluent in French, Spanish and English.

"I am so so lucky! This RPO client allowed me to own the process and take accountability for results. And being able to use all of my languages every day with managers and candidates across Europe and MENA was a bonus."