200-Person R&D Center: How Devire Supported GN Nord During the Pandemic

As the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, GN Store Nord, a global leader in audio technology, embarked on the establishment of a new R&D center in Poland. Shortly thereafter, the company faced the challenges of a global financial crisis and the war in Ukraine. In these uncertain times, GN required a partner capable of not only recruiting specialists but also guiding them through the demanding process of establishing a branch in the unfamiliar Polish market. How to reach the right talents? How to overcome cultural and language differences? These were just a few of the challenges associated with building offshore R&D centers. The Danish company GN Store Nord sought a partner that could comprehensively support its entry into the Polish market. A critical aspect was the preparation and implementation of a talent acquisition strategy, particularly for the technology departments. From our partner's perspective, three factors were crucial for the project's success: flexibility, an excellent understanding of the Polish labor market, and the ability to swiftly acquire talent under changing market conditions. The pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the economic slowdown all influenced these factors. Another important consideration for GN was ensuring that the new team could adapt to the company's culture. The start of the collaboration was a true test for both our companies. It coincided with the beginning of 2022, the tail end of the pandemic, when the labor market was in a state of flux. Additionally, investor uncertainty and the need for partially remote talent acquisition added to the complexity. Notably, the target group had no prior experience with GN as an employer.

After thoroughly assessing the needs, we proposed a Full RPO solution, where Devire would assume full responsibility for building and executing the talent acquisition strategy, operating under the client's brand and structure. The initial preparation phase included: A detailed analysis of the Polish labor market (candidate availability, current rates, benefits offerings, migration, and workforce flows). Development of an Employer Branding strategy (including formulating the EVP, candidate offerings for the target group, and the Go-to-market message). Formulation of sourcing strategies (including channel and technology selection) and establishing KPIs and SLAs for the entire project. To support the collaboration with GN Audio, Devire assembled a nine-member team comprising recruiters and project and program managers tasked with implementing the planned actions and maintaining ongoing communication with the client. The project was divided into several phases. Initially, we began building the R&D center, hiring IT experts in the following technologies: Mobile (developing applications for iOS and Android), DevOps, QA/Test, Frontend and Backend, Embedded (Linux and Android systems). The project team on Devire's side was immediately adjusted to meet the client's new needs. Consultants specializing in finance and accounting recruitment, familiar with the SSC/BPO sector in Warsaw, joined the team. We placed great emphasis on close, direct collaboration between Devire's recruiters and GN's internal team, including Hiring Managers, ensuring that communication throughout the project was swift and direct, which also enhanced the effectiveness of sourcing efforts. Additionally, at GN's request, we expanded the scope of collaboration during the project by taking over the management of employment forms. Some of the experts recruited during the project signed employment contracts with the client, while others worked on an outsourcing basis under B2B contracts signed with Devire.

134 individuals hired in the R&D department (IT)
69 individuals hired in Finance and Accounting
1,200 candidates in the client's ATS database
26 months duration of collaboration
We contacted over 20,000 individuals
More than 1,200 candidates were added to the client's ATS
We recruited 134 IT specialists for the R&D center
We employed 69 individuals in Finance and Accounting (SSC)
Despite the challenging times marked by the pandemic, the crisis, and the war, GN Store Nord was able to establish and grow its R&D and SSC centers in Poland.