Breadbox Shipping Lines Case Study

Breadbox Shipping Lines Case Study.

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BREADBOX SHIPPING LINE

Breadbox is at the heart of West Africa shipping, where the company has carved out a niche in the market. They understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the region, which sets them apart from other shipping companies.

Breadbox’s versatile fleet comprises 10-15 ships, adjusted to prevailing market circumstances and offers an impressive diversity rarely seen in the maritime industry. Ranging from small gearless 3k DWT coasters to larger 8k MPP vessels, handysize as well as Reefer vessels are all used in Breadbox trade lanes.

Their head office is based in Rotterdam and they provide a local presence throughout Europe and Africa via their agency network.

OVERVIEW

Breadbox was looking to recruit a Senior Chartering Manager to be based in Rotterdam. Having worked with them before, we knew we could help. Due to the nature of the role, our advice was to retain Navis Consulting on an Engaged Search basis, which would ensure a fixed timeline with deliverable milestones. At first, Breadbox opted to engage a local agency on a contingency basis as there was no up-front payment required.

UNDERSTANDING THEIR NEEDS

We made contact with Breadbox a few months later to check on progress and things seemed to be moving along. They had approximately 10 interviews lined up and were particularly hopeful of one of the candidates.

Before long, we became aware that they were advertising again and they informed us that the process had been unsuccessful. We again discussed the benefits of an Engaged Search approach and this time Breadbox agreed that this was the best way forward.

By this time, there had been a failed contingent search by another agency who had already sourced throughout Rotterdam and the Netherlands, so we knew it would be a tough role to fill.

IDENTIFYING THE CHALLENGES

The main challenges in the process were:

New candidate identification

How to identify the right talent that had not already been considered

Potential relocation

Candidates of the seniority required would need to relocate to Rotterdam if not already in the vicinity

Client representation

Represent the client and the opportunity in the most positive light at all times

BREADBOX SHIPPING LINE'S AIM

To identify an experienced Senior Chartering Manager, we were initially instructed to map other European shipping hubs to source candidates that would relocate, since the recent contingent search carried out in the Netherlands that had not proved fruitful. Their objectives were to:

Fill the role with a highly qualified and experienced candidate

Identify international candidates willing to relocate to Rotterdam

Engage a candidate as quickly as possible, as the initial search had begun many months previously

We mapped the European market for Charterers and Brokers in the Coaster-Handysize segment of the market, that were working in senior positions. Our approach then was to engage suitable candidates for the position using our database, referrals and our well-developed LinkedIn networks.

OUR BESPOKE STAFFING SOLUTION

In the early stages of the search, relocation became a challenge. It became evident that candidates of this level of seniority were not open to moving to Rotterdam.

After two weeks, we continued to search Europe but held a steering meeting with Breadbox and discussed this challenge and the fact that we were aware of some potential candidates from within the Netherlands. Breadbox were open to us approaching these candidates and we were able to start including the Netherlands in our search.

Over a period of eight weeks, we identified 13 candidates across Europe and the Netherlands that were interested in the role. We conducted a thorough interview and competency assessment process with each candidate, and created a shortlist of 10. The shortlist comprised candidates from the Netherlands, Poland, Greece, Romania and Germany.

Breadbox selected two of these candidates for interview, who were both based in the Netherlands, and we managed the interview and feedback process for them. One candidate was taken forward for final interview and was offered the position. The successful candidate was from Rotterdam and had been overlooked in the original contingent search completed by the other agency.

This is a testament to the deeper market penetration achieved with an Engaged or Retained Search and the enhanced quality of the service received.

DELIVERING ADDITIONAL VALUE

In addition to the identification and subsequent engagement of a candidate that had been missed in the previous agency’s search, we also delivered:

Mutually trusting relationship

True partnership approach

Ambassadorship for their business

Advice on recruitment strategies

Up-to-date market intelligence

Testimonial

Thanks so much to Navis for your great service throughout the candidate search. The pool of potential candidates for this technical role was small, but Navis did a great job in searching them out. They kept us well informed throughout the process and we are delighted with the candidate that we have taken on. We will certainly come back to Navis for future hires.

Williams Shipping – Client

Testimonial

We engaged Navis Consulting to assist us with the recruitment of a Deputy Harbour Master. The nature of our particular requirements and our location created some challenges, but thanks to our consultant's patience and determination, we were able to interview a number of candidates and make an offer. I am happy to recommend Navis Consulting as a specialist recruiter in the marine sector.

Cowes Harbour Commission – Client

Testimonial

Navis’ reputation and service standards were decisive in our choosing to partner with them. They have been supplying quality talent as we anticipated. Their methodical approach in presenting candidates, follow-up on their recruitment progress, and additional support in onboarding those selected have been significant assets for us, along with their excellent communication skills, they stand out in our universe of collaborators.

Carnival Corporation & PLC – Client

Testimonial

I have every confidence that those candidates Navis sourced and were chosen to join us will not only fit in well, but have the technical and organisational ability to deliver against the role. I would have no hesitation in recommending Navis Consulting as a recruitment partner, to colleagues and friends in the industry – in fact I already have.

HamiltonJet UK – Client

SEVEN7

BUSINESS

See things in the present,
even if they are in the future.

+001 234 56 78

We are ready to start a project of any complexity. Call us now!