New decade, new office: GQR is pleased to announce its expansion into Continental Europe in Düsseldorf, Germany!
The office is scheduled to launch April 2020, with our GQR Düsseldorf team currently incubating in London. Learn more about these opportunities.
Welcome to GQR Düsseldorf
Our New Managing Director
It is our pleasure to announce that Giordano Righi was selected as the head of the German office. Giordano brings 20 years of experience in Specialist Recruitment and is comfortable creating the fast-moving international environment GQR requires. Previously, as Managing Director, Giordano was responsible for 150 employees at four locations and successfully launched new offices across Germany in Munich, Dortmund, and Düsseldorf and in Santiago, Chile. Within his career, he started his own company as well as launched new business models in Permanent, Contract, and Temporary recruitment. He brings unparalleled market knowledge, cultural intelligence, and sharp growth management skills to head the new GQR office in Düsseldorf.
Starting The Düsseldorf Office
Our first specialism in Düsseldorf will be Information Technology (IT). Seed teams will start with four starting brands to begin rolling within Q1 2020. Our first goal will be to place both Permanent and Contract positions within the specialism, rising to be the top player in Artificial Intelligence (AI) recruiting. While Düsseldorf will currently be the only GQR office in Continental Europe, the GQR brand, support, and culture of excellence will fully be behind the business.
That is only the beginning, as we have an ambitious three-year agenda ahead, including expanding specialisms and increasing our position as a player in our target markets. Ambition, adventure, and accountability are our values! By 2023, we also aim to proliferate into Banking & Finance, Legal, and Energy & Engineering – all within the three planned locations, including Düsseldorf and in the future, Berlin and Munich.
The Market For Recruitment
The Country Is Ready For GQR’s Services
Germany is the world’s fourth-largest market and the number one largest market in Continental Europe. With an unemployment rate of 3.7% and 638,000 new jobs created last year, there is the enormous growth potential for recruitment specialists, particularly in niche markets looking to attract specific skillsets and backgrounds. A forecasted shortage in workers due to more people retiring than starting their careers means global talent sourcing will be more important than ever.
Employment rose 1.5% to 44.3 million people in 2017, yet the top 10 recruitment companies only have a combined 21% market share. As companies compete for talent, recruiting budgets have increased by nearly 5% in the last 3 years, yet a survey revealed that 61% of HR decision-makers never use recruitment companies or are unsure about the services these firms can provide.
Rising To German Client Expectations
GQR has great expansion possibilities in Germany, and our team is getting ready for the challenge. Claiming market share means sticking to our values and rising to the challenge of cultural differences, as German companies tend to value trust and quality over the value of a single candidate.
The core components of success are also key: Knowledge, Drive, and Efficiency. Client knowledge, in addition to industry knowledge and business intelligence, along with good relationship management and emotional intelligence, will make for a good client relationship in the German recruiting market.
Clients and prospects in Germany, if you were wondering, do expect consultants to speak German!
Providing Service to Candidates
Candidates in the German human capital market will be from Germany, EU, UK, US, or any other international location. The market is Candidate-driven and highly competitive, which means consultants not only source top quality candidates, but must provide advice, guidance, and relationship management as candidates decide among career opportunities.
Expanding the Recruiting Team
Our seed team consists of the 12 consultants currently incubating in London, who combined will bring over 100 years of successful work experience within the German Recruitment Market. The team goal for the office? Over 200 GQR recruiting consultants in Germany by 2023! The GQR Talent Acquisition team is working closely with the Managing Director to determine the timing and placement of recruiting team expansion.
Work & Life in Düsseldorf
Work/Life Balance For Recruiting Specialists
Working in Germany is an amazing opportunity, and that includes great features of the city and country to explore. Located on the Rhine River, Düsseldorf is the fashion capital of Germany and a major cultural center for the arts. That means great shopping opportunities alongside museums, galleries, and architecture. A historic promenade, as well as lovely river beaches, line the center of the city, along with ample parks and nature areas. Popular among ex-pats from other countries, Düsseldorf has incredible international cuisine options. And for nightlife, the Düsseldorf Altstadt (Old Town) is the longest bar in the world, with over 300 bars and clubs.
The 2019 Mercer Survey of cities with the best quality of life ranked Düsseldorf as Number 6 in the world. Known worldwide for its high standard of living, Düsseldorf ranks above more high-profile cities with a lower cost of living, family-friendly activities, public transportation systems, recreation opportunities, high average education, and low crime rates!
GQR is very excited to launch our newest office in Düsseldorf. Welcome to the GQR family!
