Amidst the disruptive landscape shaped by the COVID-19 era, Jacob Sandelin assumed the critical role of General Manager at MIRKA, a small-to-medium sized Finnish family-owned enterprise boasting an illustrious 80-year legacy. Specialising in supplying tools and consumables for surface setting, MIRKA's diverse product range, crafted entirely in Finland, catered to various industries, with a notable foothold in the automotive sector.
Jacob’s leadership at MIRKA commenced at a crucial juncture – the need to adapt to the changing landscape and the impact of the pandemic. With a workforce predominantly comprising long-serving employees, MIRKA embarked on a phase of transformation aimed at enhancing efficiency and productivity.
This transition was prompted by evolving market conditions, leading to a comprehensive review focused on ensuring the company's resilience and sustainability. A key aspect of this strategic adaptation included evaluating recruitment strategies to align with evolving needs.
"I am glad that we came across Robert Walters during that time. Even before the official job opening, their consultants proactively provided market insights and potential candidate profiles. "
They intuitively grasped our needs, promptly presenting a curated pool of candidates. The candidates' mindset acutely aligns with our company's ethos.
This transition was underlined by the urgent need to hire a Marketing Manager — a role demanding a profound understanding of local industrial intricacies, an ability to seamlessly integrate into a foreign company culture, and a strong command of English.
"Our primary focus was on optimising our sales teams, refining strategy, and tailoring marketing messages for specific industry sectors through channel marketing. I understand that finding the ideal candidate with unique requirements is challenging in the market," stressed Jacob.
Guiding MIRKA through the post-COVID landscape posed formidable challenges. "Like many foreign companies in China, which thrived during the early and mid-2000s, the onset of COVID marked a significant shift. The shift — from prosperity to adversity — demanded heightened efficiency, professionalism, and adaptability," reflected Jacob.
Amidst these challenges, the Industrial Sales & Marketing team at Robert Walters Shanghai played an instrumental role. The recruitment process unfolded as a collaborative odyssey involving extensive communication to identify the best candidates in the market and multiple interview rounds.
MIRKA's journey, guided by the insightful collaboration with Robert Walters, stands as a testament to adaptability and success amidst transitional challenges.
Ultimately, the synergy between MIRKA and Robert Walters underscores the power of partnership and added value, redefining recruitment paradigms. This partnership emphasizes that success transcends beyond talent acquisition; it thrives upon fostering enduring alliances that transcend conventional recruitment methodologies, illuminating pathways to success amid an ever-evolving business landscape in China.
