“Everyone at HeadFirst Group is different, but we all share the same drive.”
Sam van der Kreeke | Sector Director
Sam van der Kreeke (30) has been living in Rotterdam for ten years now. He left Brabant to study Business Process Management, a decision that laid the foundation for his career. After completing his degree in Business Process Management & IT, Sam began his career about eight years ago in the staffing industry, where he established a solid foundation in recruitment. He soon realized he was ready for an environment where he could make a bigger impact and grow faster, which he eventually found at HeadFirst Group. What followed was an impressive rise. Within two years, he progressed from a sales role to sector director within the Smart Industry division. “When I started here, I didn’t expect things to move this fast.”
Entrepreneurship at HeadFirst Group
In his current role, Sam manages an entire division, with revenue targets and growth objectives. And to him, it feels like more than just a job. “It might sound cliché, but it really feels like I’m running my own business within HeadFirst Group.” His days are anything but routine. After consulting with the partners in his sector, Sam is constantly coordinating with internal teams to best serve his partners—from optimizing contracts and finding the right professionals to making strategic financial decisions.
“I’m sitting down with many departments to figure out how we can make our partnerships even more successful. It’s that big-picture perspective that makes it so interesting.” The combination of strategy and collaboration energizes him. “You’re constantly building—building relationships, growth, and results.”
Collaborating with Impact
According to Sam, it’s the people within the organization who really make the difference. “The great thing is that everyone is different, but we all share the same drive. We want the best for our partners.” At HeadFirst Group, people of different ages and backgrounds work together, but always with the same mindset: results-oriented, committed, and energetic.“I now lead a team, and within this team we do everything together. That not only makes our work better, but also more fun.” That collaboration goes beyond just work. “We have serious discussions and are truly committed to delivering quality, but there’s always room for a joke. There’s a lot of laughter here, and that helps you build real friendships.”
“People work really hard here, but just as much attention is paid to having fun.”
Top-level sports mentality
As a former avid soccer player, Sam has developed a clear mindset that he applies to his work every day. “Through sports, I’ve learned discipline, structure, and perseverance. And the drive to always win is something I still carry with me.” That mindset aligns well with the culture at HeadFirst Group. “You’re given a lot of freedom, but that also comes with responsibility. I can decide for myself where and how I work, as long as I deliver. That freedom motivates me. You really feel like it’s up to you to make something of it.”
Unique culture
According to Sam, what truly sets HeadFirst Group apart is the combination of ambition and fun. “We work really hard here, but we place just as much emphasis on having fun.” This is reflected in the many events that are organized. From sporting events such as Hyrox and Mud Masters, which we attend together with partners, to team outings and company activities.
Sam is actively involved within the HeadFirst Group, which organizes these sporting events. “We organized thirteen events last year. And I love being part of that. It helps build connections with colleagues and partners.”
These opportunities are something Sam really appreciates at HeadFirst Group. “I’ve grown tremendously here in just two years. And that’s because there’s truly room to grow. If you show what you can do and what you want, the company works with you to make it happen.” His message to anyone who’s on the fence? “Just do it. The combination of hard work, freedom, and celebrating successes together—you don’t find that everywhere.”