Matt Foster, Associate Director, has specialized in Shared Service Center recruitment for over 20 years, with experience across Central Eastern Europe.

He explains what excites him about the market, how he expects Shared Service Centers to evolve in the future, and the unique experience of living in Budapest.  

What inspired you to specialize in Shared Service Center recruitment?

While living and working in Budapest, I set up a new Shared Service Center team to serve multi-lingual needs. Whether it was a Finance or IT role, the multi-lingual aspect was more important than technical skills. We had lots of inbound calls; it was client driven, like most good specialisms.

People becoming what I call career SSC employees was a new phenomenon. They were moving from one Shared Service Center to the other, moving up the hierarchy.

It also satisfied my need of providing not just people, but imaginative, creative recruitment solutions. Shared Service Center recruitment isn’t a transactional occurrence; it’s not uncommon to face the challenge of sourcing a high volume of multi-lingual talent into a small, sometimes remote, location.

For example, I worked in tandem with clients to solve the problem of getting 30 languages into a small village in northeastern Hungary. Beyond having a dedicated team and conducing continuous research, we liaised with local universities and their Language departments to spread the word. They promoted the opportunities by emailing students and advertising on their physical and virtual job boards.

We also utilized references and referrals, for instance, if a student spoke Dutch, we’d ask them who else in the class speaks Dutch…

How has the global Shared Services market evolved over the past 20 years?

Unrecognizably. The Shared Service Center model began as a way to save money; putting your shared services into one center was the number one driver to save money. Looking for a low-cost location was a secondary by-product; you’d decided to create a Shared Service Center, so you chose a cheap country.

There is now a focus on digitization and service levels with Shared Service Centers – specifically, how to reduce the gap in service quality that customers may perceive. There’s also been growth in the type of functions that you can outsource to an SSC. 20 years ago, strategic functions would not have been considered. Now, you have people with 20 years’ experience working in SSCs rising to high levels in the organization. I’m sure senior SSC managers will be on the boards of FTSE companies in the future.

I’ve seen the whole lifecycle – SSCs are now relocating back to expensive countries to satisfy the ever-increasing desire for quality over cost. There’s a perceived service level relative to the cost of operating in each country. Think of it as tiers of quality versus cost. For example, India tends to be at the lower end, Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) in the middle, and Western countries at the top. There’s a perceived value of customer satisfaction closer to the top, which is the result of a higher educated workforce, and better alignment with the languages spoken in non-SSC departments and divisions.

Timezones play a role, too. It’s the reason why Vodaphone has a Shared Service Center in Newbury and not New Delhi. Companies have to find that balance.

How do you expect the Shared Service Center market to evolve in the future?

With the move towards working from home, the traditional model has had to evolve over the last few years. Maybe we’ll see virtual SSCs, or they might move to town centers in the future.

My personal experience is in Central Eastern Europe, but India and Central America are large markets. What they all have in common is that governments have actively pursued tax incentives for multi-national organizations to set up offices there.

We could see even less developed countries pitching themselves as players in the SSC market. With so many digital nomads disrupting the traditional way of working, maybe island nations, such as in the Pacific Islands, could be on the rise.

I’m also looking forward to how SSCs will adopt AI in beneficial way.

Why did you move to Budapest specifically?

I decided my career was going to involve international business a long time ago.

I was the Country Manager of an online job board in Prague. The CEO asked if I wanted to do the same in Hungary – I didn’t even know where it was!

My degree was in International Business & French, so I was excited to use my languages and learn Hungarian. Hungary joined the EU while I was there, but it still felt like the wild east.

It was great to network with other expats, and had an emerging economy and market. We could introduce proven western techniques very quickly and work across the rest of Eastern Europe from there.

After a year, I was given ten more countries to look after. Recruiting in Central Eastern Europe gave me a lot more than a very stale UK market and economy.  

What did you enjoy about living in Budapest?

I networked with like-minded people and met CEOs of FTSE 100 organizations, as well as being invited to Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday party.

I learned a lot and challenged myself. I was exposed to different cultures and languages, so I made loads of cultural mistakes; I declined vodka at breakfast with a CEO in Tallinn and the meeting ended suddenly…  

I made mini mistakes daily, but these resulted in real cultural improvements in my professional working abilities.

What are you excited about in the world of SSC recruitment?

Everything. Mostly our position; we get seats at the top table in organizations looking at new countries to set up in.

We make a big difference to people’s lives. People I placed 20 years ago are now in senior positions in Shared Service Centers, so it’s incredibly satisfying. The depth of our connections across this sector is of huge value to our clients and candidates.

If you’re setting up a new Shared Service Center or are expanding your SSC team, Matt can support you with strategic talent acquisition processes and an active database around the world.

Get in touch with him today: [email protected]

Over the past three months, our recruitment teams in Switzerland saw positive signs of economic recovery in Switzerland, with job vacancies on the rise. Our Swiss Country Director, John Byrne, dives into the details...

Confidence heading into the New Year marked a positive start to 2025. For instance, we’ve seen several major transformation projects move forward and a strong commitment to hiring key strategic roles. Obviously, the tariff challenges in April do add some uncertainty, but reflecting on the past three months, the market has responded well in 2025.

Key Trends

Human Resources is becoming increasingly strategic as digitalization and AI take on much of the groundwork in data gathering and administration. As a result, businesses are shifting HR away from operational tasks and focusing more on business partnering and delivering actionable analytical insights, even at junior levels. Professionals with such skills remain in high demand.

The high volume of vacancies mirrors trends seen post-pandemic. The October to December period indicated a market low, with hiring activity picking up in the New Year.

We’ve also observed a growing demand for office-based flexibility. This discussion will remain a strong talking point throughout 2025 and beyond, as enforcing strict return-to-office policies may make it difficult to attract top talent, especially in tougher markets.

Stay Ahead

The coming quarter should see more companies making decisive recruitment moves. Many organizations are looking to commit to senior hires before the summer, presenting opportunities for professionals seeking leadership roles. 

Where hundreds of applicants may be pitching for the same role, a strategic approach is key for job seekers. Leveraging your network can open doors and create opportunities beyond standard applications. 

If you’d like to discuss hiring trends or explore new opportunities, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or our Swiss recruitment team at +41 41 508 7007

EMEA Recruitment's Netherlands Country Director, Hannah Mallia, reflects on the Dutch Finance & Accounting recruitment market in Q1 and the roles in demand across the region. 

The past quarter has seen demand remain strong for skilled Finance professionals in traditional roles like Controlling and Reporting, despite a long-term focus on professionals with technical skillsets.

While technology remains a key driver in Finance & Accountancy roles, demand for Financial Controlling and Reporting professionals has surged since the start of the year, demonstrating the importance of these skillsets in maintaining business operations.

The predicted demand for professionals with technical skillsets – particularly SAP S/4HANA, NetSuite, Power BI, and blockchain – continued in quarter one, and we expect this trend to persist into the longer term. However, the need for Financial Controlling and Reporting talent, especially in manufacturing, real estate, and technology, has rocketed. Businesses still require skilled professionals who can interpret and manage data effectively.

Interim hiring has also remained strong, with projects spanning ERP implementations, centralization, outsourcing, and IPO preparation. Industries actively hiring interim professionals include real estate, FMCG, pharma, tech, construction, and oil & gas. A mix of project-led work is emerging, leading to both freelance (ZZP) and full-time hires.

A shift back to office-based work continued over the quarter, however candidates are telling us they want to work for companies with a more flexible approach - raising concerns that companies may be missing out on top talent by enforcing stricter policies. However, the benefits of in office collaboration, such as peer-to-peer learning and community, should not be overlooked, particularly for younger generations. Balance is the key to ensure business needs and job seeker preferences are met.

Looking Ahead

As we approach the summer period, businesses are putting teams in place to maintain operations. During these busy hiring cycles, effective planning and ownership are essential to keeping processes smooth and efficient.

At the same time, many professionals are seeking insights into the job market - how active it is, what factors could impact their job search, and reassurance on finding a new role.

We encourage candidates to think long-term when considering career moves. While salary is an important factor, career longevity, development opportunities, and overall job satisfaction should take precedence over short-term financial gains. Making informed decisions based on market realities will lead to more fulfilling career choices.

EMEA Recruitment is here to support our network with valuable insights and expert recruitment guidance. If you’d like to explore new opportunities or discuss hiring trends, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected]

When was the last time you updated your resume? Regardless of whether you're actively searching for a new role, passively keeping an eye on the market, or content in your current position, it's important to regularly review and update your CV. You never know when a dream opportunity may come along, and passive candidates often benefit most from being able to apply for a role swiftly.

The summer period in particular is a prime time to reflect on your next career move and strengthen your position for new opportunities as many professionals see this period as downtime. Regularly adding tangible key achievements, polishing any career advancements and generally reviewing your development is a great way to stay ahead and stand out from the competition.

As part of our specialised service at EMEA Recruitment, we offer in-depth Career Consultations covering career development and CV reviews to help our network excel in the market.

If you need help updating your profile, cv consultation, or assistance with mapping out your career trajectory, contact our Procurement, Supply Chain & Operations recruitment team for more information. We're here to support and guide you towards your next move!

Armand Sohet has successfully shaped HR organizations across diverse industries to support business strategy and enhance efficiency.

Armand’s 20-year HR career has taken him to some of the most prestigious businesses in Europe, including his current position as Chief Sustainability, HR and Communications Officer at AkzoNobel in Amsterdam.

His expertise lies in streamlining processes, leveraging big data, and developing unique KPIs for the HR function.

“In my own work, for example, when I joined a year ago, I had 35 senior executives in a 300-person department - a lot for a streamlined operation,” he explains. “I removed 15 roles and created a structure that elevated team members in places like Vietnam, India, and Brazil. Now, with fewer, more focused leaders, our operations run more efficiently.”

Technology & productivity

Technology is a modern issue that teams and larger organizations are struggling to leverage, Armand believes.

“Technology and structure should serve us, not control us,” he says. “While tech promises efficiency, it often has the opposite effect.

“Take ERP systems, like SAP, which initially promised streamlined processes. Over time, they’ve added layers of complexity to functions like Finance and HR. The productivity gains we expected haven’t materialized.”

So, how can high-performing teams utilize technology to enhance efficiency? “A simpler structure, supported by using technology as a tool, rather than a master, can reduce complexity and improve outcomes,” Armand explains.

Understanding data

“When I joined Akzo, despite all the hard work that had been put in, no one was looking into the data or using it,” says Armand. “It’s important to understand it; without that, it’s really hard to make progress.”

Armand shares the story of a student he met while teaching at Zurich University, who “had no clue about data or HR”. Armand saw potential and invited him to complete his thesis at his company.

“He wasn’t even 21 years old, but he replaced the entire Compensation & Benefits team – three people – as he understood the numbers and the mechanisms.”

Armand explores how this experience would influence his recruitment strategy: “Today, if I wanted to hire for other positions, I would continue to hire different profiles. I have already recruited people from Finance, Accounting, R&D, and Marketing.”

Are you an HR professional looking to enhance efficiency in your organization? Our HR recruitment specialists work with leaders like Armand to build and develop high-performing teams.

You can find out more about our bespoke services and who to contact in your region through our website: https://www.emearecruitment.com/pages/human-resources

The HR recruitment market has seen an interesting shift over the last year. The hiring frenzy that followed the post-COVID period has inevitably slowed, as businesses adopt a more cautious approach due to the unpredictable external factors affecting the economy.

However, businesses are still experiencing skills gaps in their organisations, impacting the ability to grow and evolve. As a result, we’ve witnessed an increased focus on developing internal talent, and with it an uplift in demand for Talent Management professionals able to bring a more integrated approach to employee development and fill key HR jobs.

Businesses are ensuring that the right conversations are happening by implementing a talent management framework. Many of our clients emphasise the importance of their performance management process in ensuring they manage and drive performance correctly. Implementing a robust succession plan and having a strong ‘bench’ is similarly high on the agenda.

If your organisation is facing similar challenges, or if you're looking to strengthen your talent management strategy, contact our HR Recruitment Team to learn how we can help you build a future-ready workforce and access top-tier talent.