My adventure with BAM: Recruitment on Schiphol's dynamic shop floor

How do you ensure streamlined collaboration in one of the Netherlands' most complex work environments?

I have been working as an interim corporate recruiter for BAM Bouw en Techniek Schiphol since May 1, 2024. My assignment? To strengthen the internal recruitment process and grow the number of permanent employees - in an environment that is both technically and organizationally unique.

Schiphol: A big village full of big challenges

Every time I arrive at Schiphol Airport, I am impressed all over again. It feels like a big village, a microcosm with endless businesses and a constant stream of projects. But that dynamism also brings complexity. Even something as simple as moving an electrical outlet 1 meter can require weeks of preparation and approval.

In addition, travelers must not be inconvenienced by the work. This requires tight processes and clear communication. For me, this is the place to further develop my process and organizational skills. It is much more than recruitment - it is working at a strategic level within an exceptional context.

Our mission: to restructure and accelerate recruitment

Together with my colleagues Danilo and Robin, I have been brought in to future-proof BAM's recruitment processes. Our assignment has three main pillars:

1. Putting the internal recruitment process on the map
   Our goal was not just to fill vacancies, but to firmly anchor recruitment within the organization. This meant convincing the business, introducing uniformity in processes and ensuring that we really stand alongside the hiring managers as advisors. Change is never easy, but in this case it was essential.
2. Strengthen cooperation between departments
   BAM Schiphol has several departments, each with its own focus. Yet we see a lot of overlap in vacancies. By exploiting this synergy, we were able to share profiles more quickly between teams. This has led to a shorter time-to-hire and an approach in which the candidate is central.
3. Ensuring quality and speed
   With Schiphol's busy schedule, hiring managers' time is often limited. This is why we have set up monthly interview training sessions. This ensures that each interview delivers maximum value and we can move faster in finding the right candidate.

Working at BAM: Dynamics and complexity

The projects at Schiphol are not only technically challenging, but also organizationally complex. Everything we do must comply with strict regulations and permits. Stakeholder management is therefore crucial. It requires personal commitment and the art of bringing others along with us in our vision.

One of the biggest insights I gained here is that recruitment is not just about finding people. It's about building trust, both within the organization and with candidates. Together with my team, we worked hard to position recruitment as a full partner within BAM.

Creativity as a strength

The constant demand for talent forces us to stay creative. We have launched several initiatives to stand out in a competitive market:

• Recruitathons: Targeted recruitment campaigns that produce quick results.
• Employees talking: Using stories from current employees to inspire new candidates.
• Interactive flyers: Innovative means of reaching potential candidates.

Together with the marketing and communications department, we shaped and implemented these ideas. The result? A dynamic approach that appeals to candidates and delivers results.

Lessons from Schiphol

Working at Schiphol showed me how important it is to be alongside the business. Stakeholder management, personal contact and a consultative attitude are crucial in such a dynamic environment. By working together with Danilo and Robin, and by making a strong connection with the business, we have created a working method that ensures a constant supply of candidates.

Our ultimate goal? To transfer this process seamlessly when our assignment ends, so that BAM has a solid foundation to build on.

Working with People&: More than recruitment

What makes this assignment extra special is the collaboration with People&. It goes beyond finding great assignments - it's a platform where personal and professional growth are key.

People& offers challenging projects that keep you on your toes.In addition, the get-togethers are a time to spar with other interim recruiters, share experiences and get new ideas. For me, this makes the experience complete. It is so much more than work; it is being part of a community that strengthens each other.

Do you also want to make an impact with your recruitment team?

Schiphol may be unique, but the lessons I learned here are applicable to any organization. Whether you are struggling with a shortage of candidates, complex processes or the pressures of rapid hiring, I am happy to think with you.

Send me a message or schedule a no-obligation consultation - together we will ensure growth.