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Building Specialist Teams in Security-Sensitive Chemical Facilities

In the chemical industry, precision and compliance define every operation. Add cybersecurity protocols and evolving regulatory frameworks to that, and finding the right professionals becomes exponentially complex.


A global chemicals company discovered this when they needed specialists who could operate in an environment where technical expertise and security awareness were both essential.


The Niche Recruitment Challenge


With operations spanning Europe and headquarters in the Netherlands, the company faced a unique challenge. It needed to recruit niche talent with the expertise to navigate both chemical processes, compliance, and cybersecurity demands.


The specialized roles included:

  • Process Technology Engineers,

  • Environmental Engineers,

  • Senior Accountants,

  • Financial Controllers,

  • Global Liquids Marine/Terminals Specialists, and

  • Controllership Specialists.

Chemical and Cybersecurity Niche Talent

The Recruitment Solution


Our recruitment team recognized these weren't separate skill sets but interconnected capabilities. We cross-referenced skills between chemical engineering and cybersecurity, then applied the same methodology to finance operations.


Instead of finding specialists and hoping they understood security, we targeted professionals who already possessed both technical expertise and the mindset to operate under strict security protocols.


Embedded Approach


We established an embedded RPO presence with consultants and coordinators onsite in key Netherlands locations (Eindhoven, Amsterdam, Bergen Op Zoom, and Sittard) while maintaining offsite sourcing support for a broader European scope.


Results: A Partnership That Transformed Recruitment


The numbers told the story of a recruitment transformation. Within the first year, Serendi's targeted approach began delivering results that exceeded expectations.


• Agency engagement plummeted from over 20% to under 5% as we built direct pipelines to the exact talent the company needed.


• Time-to-hire dropped by 40%, turning what had been lengthy searches into efficient placements of professionals who seamlessly integrated into security-critical operations.


• Recruitment costs fell by 40% while quality improved dramatically.


The company was no longer paying premium rates for external agencies to find candidates who might or might not understand their unique environment. Instead, they had a dedicated team that consistently delivered professionals who spoke both technical and security languages fluently.


Looking to fill niche roles across functions? Read our articles:



How We Can Help You


Need specialists who understand both technical excellence and security requirements? Our RPO services help you find niche talent with the expertise that modern operations demand.


Serendi has been recognized for four consecutive years in Everest Group’s RPO PEAK Matrix® Assessment for EMEA (2022–2025), including multiple Star Performer titles, and named among the Best Global RPO Providers in HRO Today’s Baker’s Dozen.



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