Joris de Vreede
"We do it all ourselves: problem & solution discovery, and then ultimately building, deploying and managing software."
"We do it all ourselves: problem & solution discovery, and then ultimately building, deploying and managing software."
Joris de Vreede | Product Owner
Joris de Vreede is product owner of the Select platform, which will get a new user interface and new name (Striive) later this year. He joined HeadFirst Group on a permanent basis after years of freelancing. "I was a client myself. An (independent) professional who picked up projects at several of our clients. So in that sense I have affinity with the business, but that is not the reason I joined. The main reason was the team and the fact that I can really make a difference here with my colleagues. We are at the controls ourselves and determine - in consultation with our stakeholders - which customer problems we want to solve, in what way and for whom. As a result, a lot of growth is possible and fortunately so, because I don't like to sit still."
Close to the organization's strategy
In the four years Joris has been with HeadFirst Group, the organization has grown as much as ten times in several areas: revenue, number of users and transaction volume. As a result, the demands on the product have also increased at a rapid pace. "If we are even a few minutes down with the platform we immediately have our colleagues at our desk because professionals are already reporting by phone."
In the beginning, the team consisted of three engineers, but now there are three full-fledged teams creating and managing the entire platform end-to-end. "That's also what I love about our team. We are close to the strategy of the organization because the organization runs on our product. We are responsible for the product vision, product strategy and also software delivery. We do it all ourselves: problem & solution discovery, and then ultimately building, deploying and managing software."
"That's also what I love about our team. We are close to the strategy of the organization because the organization runs on our product."
Customer First
What problems are our customers running into? That's what the BizDevOps team focuses on. "Together with stakeholders, we examine the bottlenecks among our independent professionals, suppliers, clients and our colleagues. We then devise possible solutions, create software or integrate software from the cloud onto our platform. This is how we make our customers' lives a little better."
What is your product vision?
"We want to give zp'ers, suppliers and clients access to the entire market of temporary knowledge supply and demand and let them trade with each other as easily as possible, with and without our intervention. On our platform you can already find the most assignments, the best and most professionals. At the same time, you see that we can still improve a lot in searching and matching professionals and assignments, especially with the revolution in AI going on right now. We want to enable zp'ers, suppliers, clients to have an agreement with each other or with us with one click. Our compliancy is intense, files are getting more and more extensive. We want to make this as easy as possible. Our aim: to prepare an agreement within 15 minutes on a mobile device. In addition, we want to unburden professionals in their entrepreneurship and career through our Professionals & Partners services."
We support four value chains: search & match, contracting & invoicing, Professionals & Partners services and, today, a new service "Direct clients." For these chains, teams will become more organized around solving specific problems. "That work is incredibly valuable. Based on feedback and data, we start by defining a question or challenge that exists among our clients. Then we interview customers about it, create prototypes, validate them and then build software and deploy it to production. This is how we get closer and closer to solving our customers' problems."
Will you become Joris' new colleague?
We are always looking to strengthen our organization. Take a quick look at our open positions in Hoofddorp or at one of our other locations!
Mattijs Wassenburg
"The future of tech in recruitment will be even more focused on leveraging automation to optimize the recruitment process."
"The future of tech in recruitment will be even more focused on leveraging automation to optimize the recruitment process."
Mattijs Wassenburg | Managing Director Digital & Tech
Mattijs Wassenburg, as Managing Director Digital & Tech at HeadFirst Group since 2010, is ultimately responsible for everything we do on the digital and tech front. Since his arrival, he has continued to build the platform Select. The first online marketplace for temporary capacity, where independent professionals, suppliers of professionals and clients have the opportunity to find each other directly, without the intervention of an intermediary. We talked to Mattijs about his vision on digitalization and technology in recruitment.
How does a full service HR service provider like HeadFirst Group use technology in recruitment?
HeadFirst Group makes extensive use of technology to accelerate and improve the recruitment process. Like with the advanced online platform Select. Mattijs about the platform: "We use our own central platform for a large pool of professionals and suppliers who can fill temporary assignments this way (30,000 on an annual basis). People enter a resume, which is then taken apart via a resume-parsing technique and stored in a structured way in different places in the database so that it can be sorted and searched. We then provide the right matchmaking. Vacancies are currently still entered partly by hand and partly automatically, but we want to use robotics to ensure that flex vacancies are entered automatically. With another matching technique, we are also looking again at how we can distribute vacancies automatically to the target group. So we're always looking for ways to use even more new technology, such as with using video in the matching process."
What do you think the future of recruitment looks like?
The future of tech in recruitment will focus even more on leveraging automation to optimize the recruitment process. For example, machine learning and AI technologies can be used to match candidates with vacancies and to gain more insight into the quality of candidates. This is what we at HeadFirst Group do ourselves: "You want the posting of flex vacancies to be so fully automated. That means you only have to fill in the vacancy and within a few days you have two or more suitable candidates for your vacancy. That proceeds without intervention from us. So on the one hand we are looking at how to automate it as fully as possible and on the other hand we are using more and more and better technology to support the process."
"We try to automate as much as possible, but the last bit, where humans add value and where we like to make a difference as an organization, that's where we put people in."
What areas of the entire recruitment process do you see more tech opportunities in the near future?
"On the one hand, when a job is rejected, you want to be able to tell the professional why he/she was rejected or why a vacancy is or is not appropriate, so that he/she can take care of a better match themselves, with, for example, taking training courses. And on the other hand, you also want to proactively come up with alternative, comparable vacancies if there is no right match. We are also looking at the possibilities of video in the process or pre-automated pre-intake questions when you need additional information from someone. We can then then deploy conversational AI such as chatbots on that."
Doesn't it become too distant when there is no longer a human being involved?
"There are still people involved. We try to automate as much as possible, but the last part, where people add value and where we as an organization want to make a difference, that's where we use people. Candidates really do get called to double check before someone is offered to a client, and when someone is rejected after an intake, they are also contacted."
What do you see as the biggest obstacle?
"I think we have to be aware that you use these new technologies as tools and should not immediately rely on them completely. Because the risk is that you think too quickly that AI technology is good, but you have to validate it properly beforehand and be able to check it afterwards."
How can tech be used to help people in the future?
"In the future, someone should be able to put down a capacity requirement, then it will be automatically determined whether someone can be deployed on a project basis, or on an hourly basis, or permanently. Depending on that, the right distribution channels will be determined. It must be as easy as possible for someone to make this capacity request, with technology helping you on all sides. For example, with ChatGPT to write the right catchy job title or to put down the right description for the question and send it automatically to the right people. It's already moving in that direction."
Will you become Mattijs' new colleague?
We are always looking to strengthen our organization. Take a quick look at our open positions!
Raisa Autumn
"The role of Contract Manager is broad and challenging, with lots of personal contact."
"The role of Contract Manager is broad and challenging, with lots of personal contact."
Raisa Herfst | Contract Manager
Contract management is at the center of our organization. They are responsible for the contractual settlement for our professionals - independent or employed by suppliers. As a result, they interact with many different parties, such as the professionals and suppliers themselves, as well as teams within our organization. This is one of the reasons why Raisa enjoys her position so much.
A good start
With a passion for Human Resources, Raisa Herfst started as a Contract Manager at HeadFirst Group in February 2022. A completely new world, in which she quickly found her niche. In her role, she takes care of the contractual settlement for professionals - self-employed or employed by suppliers - through the Select platform and has daily contact with various parties to do so. "My work is a lot broader than I had thought beforehand, which gives me necessary motivation every day," says Raisa.
Raisa's first day at work coincided withthe grand opening of the brand new headquarters. "I was surprised by well-appointed workstations and a warm welcome from my new colleagues, a diverse and close-knit team. If you indicate you need support, everyone is willing to help," said Raisa. She is also happy with the possibility of hybrid working, so she can alternate focused work at home with collaboration in the office. A place where she feels at home. Raisa: "HeadFirst Group really thinks about its employees and they listen to you. Initiatives like the HeadFirst Group Academy, the platform OpenUp and events contribute to this."
Onboarding process
"At the beginning I was overwhelmed by the work, but partly due to good guidance from a buddy, it is as if I have never done anything else," Raisa explains. She is currently responsible for ensuring that the entire contractual process for Shell runs smoothly. For this she is working on a daily basis to set up the file for professionals, obviously with compliancy in mind. Therefore, documents must be checked and if necessary professionals approached for proper onboarding. Raisa is also the point of contact for Shell's hiring managers for contracting professionals. "The most enjoyable part of my job is taking the worries out of the hands of professionals so that they can start an assignment worry-free," Raisa says.
"I worked hard to master the work in a short period of time. The support of my buddy helped a lot with that."
Further development
In addition to her daily work, Raisa is committed to further improving the organization. For example, she attended Yellow Belt training as part of the Lean program "Home Run. "I was given the opportunity to gain additional knowledge and implement continuous improvements within the department. This is valuable for yourself, the team and the organization. Fortunately, you get the freedom to block time in your calendar to work on this," Raisa said. Apart from her own improvement projects, the department as a whole has been professionalized, something that Raisa says has a positive impact on her work. "Because virtual colleague Sam helps professionals complete files, I have more time left over to personally help professionals or vendors with their questions. I look forward to the next steps of our department so that we can provide even faster and more efficient contractual processing," concludes Raisa.
Will you become Raisa's new colleague?
We are always looking to strengthen our organization. Take a quick look at our open positions in Hoofddorp or at one of our other locations!
Valentina Ji
"I like that I can plan my own day. This keeps me motivated."
"I like that I can plan my own day. This keeps me motivated."
Valentina Ji | Recruitment Consultant
During the first interview with HeadFirst Group's corporate recruiter, 21-year-old Valentina Ji immediately felt a click. "I quickly noticed that my standards and values are similar to those of the organization," Valentina says. In addition, the role of Recruitment Consultant immediately jumped out, because she likes to mean something to society.
Work
Valentina starts her day by checking her e-mail so she is immediately aware of new applications and feedback on offers. "We work with our own platform Select, in which many suitable candidates actively offer themselves on assignments. This leaves me more time to look for professionals for scarce profiles," Valentina says. The varied work and personal contact is what she likes best about her role. "One day I'm busy filling out applications and the next day I'm visiting a supplier to see what we can do for each other," says Valentina. Time management, she says, is very important here. "Every day you have deadlines to meet. That's why I always work one or two days ahead."
Team player
Currently, Valentina is responsible for finding the right candidates for assignments at Klaverblad and ING. From her start at HeadFirst Group, Valentina was given a lot of independence. "I am one of the youngest in the team, but my team leader and colleagues offer me a listening ear and value my opinion. Letting go is sometimes a challenge because I am very eager to learn. My motto: the more you know, the better," says Valentina. She does not hesitate to lend a hand when colleagues need help. Valentina's eagerness to learn is also evident in her ambition to advance within the organization. "I want to grow step by step and strive to become an Account Manager," Valentina concludes.
"As a Recruitment Consultant, you take care of balancing the supply and demand side in the flex market. With any questions and problems I can go to my team leader, who really acts as a mentor."
Fine workplace and future plans
HeadFirst Group is the first large organization where Valentina started work. Although this was exciting beforehand, fortunately it turned out positively. "HeadFirst Group is open to self-development, organizes a lot of activities and really thinks with you," says Valentina. She also likes working at the head office: "There is an open layout, which makes it easy to walk past other teams. It's nice that you can sit with your team, but also look for a quiet place if you feel like it," says Valentina. The ability to work hybrid was a plus for her. "HeadFirst Group is a nice environment to gain a lot of experience in a short period of time," Valentina concludes.
Will you become Valentina's new colleague?
We are always looking to strengthen our organization. Take a quick look at our open positions!
Sebastian van der Heijden
"As a Business Analyst, I connect practical and technical goals."
Sebastian van der Heijden | Business Analyst
Seven years ago, through a connection at the gym, Sebastian van der Heijden joined HeadFirst Group as an IT intern. After his graduation internship, Sebastian got the chance to take up his permanent position as Business Analyst and carry out his research. He has now been enthusiastically fulfilling this role for over five years. "IT has become a the backbone of the organization, we can make great innovative strides as a result."
Connecting factor
In his role, Sebastian finds the perfect balance between tech and touch. "I am in frequent contact with colleagues about their wishes and current practices in order to improve processes, but I also know what can be realized technically," Sebastian explains. As a Business Analyst, he translates organizational goals into technical, bite-sized blocks so developers can work with them immediately. "I see how a change comes into its own in the organization," Sebastian explains. Sebastian finds connecting and translating the most fun, but also the most challenging part of his role.
Growing organization
That the role of IT is crucial within HeadFirst Group is also reflected by Sebastian in the almost tripling of the number of IT colleagues. A growth he sees very positively. "We are now a multidisciplinary team with four different roles: Front-end and Full Stack Developers, Business Analysts, Designers, and Managers. Together we work on multiple projects simultaneously, in which we complement each other," Sebastian explains. In addition, he is increasingly hooked up with strategic meetings. "Because of my knowledge of both the business and technical side, I know what is possible and what information the team needs."
After working compulsorily at home for a long time due to the corona virus, Sebastian found that he quickly found his place again in the office. "Moving into the brand new headquarters certainly helped with this. Cool workplaces and of course sociability with colleagues," Sebastian explains. Being present in the office also makes it a lot easier to keep abreast of developments in different departments. Sebastian finds it a great advantage that hybrid working is standard at HeadFirst Group and he can choose where he wants to work that day.
"Not only has the organization grown tremendously in recent years, but also the trust in the team. As a result, there is a lot of freedom for your own initiative within and outside your own team."
Continue to develop
In addition to his role as Business Analyst, Sebastian dedicates himself to colleagues and the organization through the "Power-Up Club. Together with 12 colleagues, they work to strengthen the connection with the organization and ensure that colleagues feel heard. "We are a sounding board for new ideas and organize activities such as a Movie Night in our own theater," Sebastian says.
Whereas Sebastian - in addition to his daily work - now focuses mainly on a project or change, he also sees an opportunity to grow into an overarching role. "We work through the scrum methodology and I would like to be able to look at long-term goals as Product Owner. At HeadFirst Group I get - through the training platform HeadFirst Group Academy - the opportunity to take courses and obtain certificates for this purpose. With this I really hope to be able to make this step in the future," concludes Sebastian.
Will you become Sebastian's new colleague?
We are always looking to strengthen our organization. Take a quick look at our open positions!
Roos Jonker
"The great thing about this, you know it's right. Why does anyone else recommend an organization?"
"The great thing about this, you know it's right. Why does anyone else recommend an organization?"
Roos Jonker | Teamlead Invoicing
Roos Jonker got in touch with a HeadFirst Group employee through a shared acquaintance. "The big advantage of this, you know it's right. Why does anyone else recommend an organization?" says Roos. Fortunately, her hunch turned out well, she has now been working for the organization for 4.5 years as an Invoicing specialist and now as Teamlead Invoicing.
Opportunities through growth
From the day Rose entered the organization, growth was the common thread. New clients, independent professionals and suppliers chose to work with HeadFirst Group. Mergers also caused HeadFirst Group to expand. More and more labels - including Myler, Staffing MS, Between and Sterksen - became part of the whole, bringing new colleagues with them. Roos did not experience this change as tedious, on the contrary. "Growth means opportunities. So I've had quite a few during my career here. For example, I was chosen as a buddy for every client who transferred during various migrations. A big responsibility, but one I gladly carried."
Continuous improvement
"Growth also allows you to see what leaps have been made, and there certainly are. With each billing run, things improve and more is automated. That gives space to focus on other things and your own growth," Roos explains. Continuing to develop yourself is encouraged from within the organization using its own learning platform, HeadFirst Group Academy. This contains hundreds of different courses and trainings that colleagues can make use of.
"I love the peak workloads in Finance. The rush you get when you get it all done is one of the reasons I enjoy my job so much."
Work atmosphere
Rose describes HeadFirst Group as a nice and personal employer. "It's a big organization, but it doesn't feel like that. You're not just a number. Also, if you are flexible, so are they. If you work hard, they also go the extra mile for you. In addition, the culture is very open. I do not experience any threshold to go to the management, for example. Everyone is very approachable. That makes it a nice working environment for me."
Will you become Rose's new colleague?
We are always looking to strengthen our organization. Take a quick look at our open positions!
Sem Overduin
"HeadFirst Group is a friendly club of hard-working people. I am confident that we will shape public affairs in the right way."
Sem Overduin | Public Affairs Officer
Studying and at the same time applying his knowledge in practice, that appealed to Sem Overduin. On the soccer field he got into a conversation with former colleagues about a possible assignment in the field of public affairs at HeadFirst Group. "These colleagues indicated that there were a number of issues I could help with. Since I was almost finished with my studies, I thought it would be very interesting to gain some work experience already. I then started with a research design, looking at the development points for HeadFirst Group in the area of public affairs," says Sem.
Public Affairs within the organization
For HeadFirst Group public affairs is a relatively new concept, but not for Sem: "During my studies I came into contact with this field several times and during one of my internships my interest in it was really triggered. I find the interaction between stakeholders in politics, political-social changes and the way policy is created in the Netherlands very interesting. It is especially fun to be allowed to think along in how this is then translated to business." Sem therefore sees his role as a nice challenge: "Public affairs means that I keep an eye on what is going on within politics and how you have to take this into account as an organization. The next step is to influence policy and decision-making processes. We also put topics and issues on the agenda of political and social stakeholders. A good example is the balanced labor market act (WAB), which came into effect on January 1, 2020. This is much talked about in The Hague and has an impact on the services of HeadFirst Group. We also have the ongoing discussion about the DBA Act and recently the Borstlap committee came up with a report full of proposals and recommendations. A lot is happening, and therefore I follow the developments, advise the organization and see how it can convey its opinion and experience to politicians."
Advance
After the investigation, Sem fortunately did not take leave yet. HeadFirst Group asked him to lay a foundation for the public affairs officer position. "Little to nothing is being done now with public affairs, and there is no one yet who focuses solely on politics," Sem explained. "I actually find this very interesting and think it's good to be visible in politics as a market leader, and to profile yourself on issues that are relevant to the organization. Important choices are made in The Hague. As an organization, you have to be aware of these in order to identify opportunities and threats in time. Furthermore, it is good to have someone in-house who understands how policy is created and how the government system works. After all, it is becoming increasingly complex."
"HeadFirst Group is getting bigger and bigger and therefore important to have a say and think in politics. Conversely, politicians need information from the market to make policy."
Incentive employer
Sem joined HeadFirst Group by chance, but is really enjoying it. "I have a lot of respect for the organization and the trust they are giving me to fulfill this new role. Surely this shows that it supports its employees and wants them to develop. I am very grateful to HeadFirst Group for the flexibility so that I could gain this experience alongside my studies. This gives me a head start in the work field," Sem said. He also likes to let these positive experiences grow even more: "Public affairs is currently still at zero, or in its infancy. Now is the time to change that. That is sometimes pioneering and I am very much looking forward to getting started. Whether I will continue with it afterwards and develop further in the field of public affairs? I am not sure yet. At the moment I am still being challenged every day and we have really taken off!''
Will you become Sem's new colleague?
We are always looking to strengthen our organization. Take a quick look at our open positions!