The Alphéa Conseil network opens a second international office!

The Alphéa Conseil network continues to grow and expand internationally, opening a second branch in Belgium, in Charleroi to be precise.

A strategic choice, given the many potential opportunities in the job market. Interview with David BOON, Managing Partner Belgium, and Giuseppe Deriu, Branch Manager Charleroi.

Would you like to recruit in Wallonia?
Contact david@alphea-conseil.com

Le cabinet de recrutement Alphéa Conseil à Charleroi : Une implantation stratégique

David, how does the opening of this second branch fit in with the Alphéa 2030 development strategy?

After opening a first recruitment agency Alphéa Conseil in Belgium 2019, more precisely in Brussels, I was keen to accentuate our presence in the Belgian territory to be as close as possible to our candidates and customers, and thus reflect one of our values: Proximity.

After a study of the job market, I decided to set up a second branch in the French-speaking region of Wallonia, in Charleroi. In contrast to the large number of temporary employment agencies, there are no specialized recruitment agencies in Charleroi.

Charleroi is a dynamic city in full development. At the heart of a motorway network linking the cities of mons, namur and brabant wallon, Charleroi also boasts Belgium's second-largest airport, Brussel South Charleroi Airport.

Why did you call on Giuseppe to develop the Charleroi recruitment practice?

A mining town in the 60s and 70s, Charleroi today is anindustrial basin that enjoys the presence of companies in heavy industry. It seemed obvious to me to call on Giuseppe DERIU, given his recognized expertise in the recruitment of industrial professions.

To meet therecruitment needs of industrial companies, we have therefore focused on recruiting technical profiles: maintenance technicians, engineers, electromechanics, electricians, hvac technicians... We also have a pool of sales profiles.

Business expertise and values: The added value of the Alphéa Conseil network

Giuseppe, did you already have experience in Human Resources before taking charge of this agency?

All right! It's been over ten years since I discovered this industry. First of all, for eight years I was in charge of several temporary employment agencies in the Charleroi and Walloon Brabant region, then for the last two years I've specialized in the permanent recruitment of expert profiles.

What was the argument that made you decide to join the Alphéa Conseil network?

More than an argument, it's a state of mind. Indeed, most temporary employment agencies see themselves as intermediaries between a need for skills and a resource. At Alphéa, we position ourselves more as a life partner.

Thanks to us, a man or woman's entire life can change. By offering a rewarding, tailor-made position, we contribute both to the candidate's life balance, and to the satisfaction of our corporate clients. But to position ourselves in this way, we need to spend time with each individual. It's the only guarantee of quality.

Recruitment in Charleroi: A dynamic job market

Which sectors are recruiting the most in Charleroi?

Theeconomic fabric of Charleroi is quite diverse. The biggest providers of jobs are telecommunications (fiber optics, Internet...) - there are some very big players in the region - and finance, which is struggling to find candidates and in particular accountants or chartered accountants.

This is why these candidates can have really high claims. Our role is also to advise them on thesalary package they can expect.

Finally, all professions related tomarketing and communication are also highly prized.

How have you structured your activity within the Alphéa Conseil agency in Charleroi to meet the needs of companies?

The agency is located in the immediate vicinity of the large zonings in the Charleroi region. This is extremely convenient for visiting our customers or receiving candidates. With Zoé, our colleague, we've divided up the sectors of activity for which we recruit:

To me the technical and commercial profiles. To Zoé, the communications and marketing professionals, a universe in line with her studies.

Invested in this "in-house" state of mind, we're ready to give this new agency the development it deserves!

Cabinet de recrutement Alphéa Conseil à Charleroi : Une approche unique pour les candidats et les clients

Concretely, how does your approach differ from other recruitment agencies?

First of all, it's important to remember that almost all our candidates are current employees. So we'll be doing some rigorous sourcing. Then, if we've identified a person who might match our customers' needs, we'll organize an initial telephone exchange. If we decide to go further, we meet to get a better idea of his or her expectations.

It's important to point out that we attach a great deal of importance to skills. Diplomas, however important, are not always the key to a job. It's really the overall personality of the candidate that is studied. That's why our interviews often last at least an hour.

On the customer side, my local expertise is a considerable advantage. I know exactly which candidates are right for a given company. And when I discover a new structure, again, I spend time there. I talk to management and the head of the department concerned by the recruitment. I immerse myself in thecompany culture... All this is fundamental to thesuccessful recruitment.

What direction would you like the Charleroi office to take?

Other than the sectors of activity mentioned, we would like to develop that of professions related tosales and customer relations.

There's no point in multiplying business sectors if our recruitment has to change, become automated and lose quality. I'd rather have good, loyal customers with substantial volumes of recruitments, than many customers with one-off needs that I couldn't support with the same availability.

You want to recruit in Charleroi?
Contact us!