Partnering for a green success: Introducing Meijer and Co. our new partners in Hungary
Local companies are increasingly adopting green practices, from renewable energy initiatives to eco-friendly manufacturing processes. And that’s precisely where our new partners from Meijer and Co. can provide their HR and recruiting services.
Let's discover more about Meijer and Co. our new partners located in the vibrant city of Budapest (Hungary), and its CEO Thijmen Meijer here!
Helló Thijmen Meijer! Üdvözöljük a Talentor! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a Dutch Citizen living in Budapest for about 10 years now! I have a wonderful wife and a 2-year-old son who means the world to me. I got into the recruiting world accidentally more than a decade ago.
Do you have other hobbies or things you enjoy doing with your family that you would like to share?
I love cooking and hosting, I have worked prior to recruiting in the hospitality world and this passion never left me!
Furthermore, I love playing with my 2-year-old son in the garden.
As a Dutch living in Hungary, what do you miss most about the Netherlands and what do you like most about Hungary?
I miss fresh fish the most, it is quite hard to get good quality fresh fish here in Budapest. What I like most in Hungary is Budapest, it is such a fantastic city to live in.
What led you to found Meijer &Co.?
Actually, the first time I used the company name was back in 2017. While I was still working at Randstad Sourceright where I was managing a large recruitment team for a big pharma account in EMEA. I was also still in pursuit of my passion, in these days I was a freelance consultant for a large restaurant outlet in the middle of Budapest. I needed a name and this was the first that came up! A business start that I'm sure many can relate to!
What are the biggest learnings from your career?
Throughout my career, I've discovered that persistence, focus, and dedication are key elements to achieving success.
What advice would you give your younger self or any young person when starting their career?
"The world is small, so start building your network very early".
Take this advice from someone who built his network from Scratch in Budapest. It was hard for me, but I’m eager to see where this will take us!
What is your favourite thing about the recruitment and executive search industry?
In this industry, we are not selling car tires, but actually dealing with people who have their own opinions and quirks. No shows on an interview, changing expectations, nervous during an interview… This is what makes this job so dynamic and wonderful!
What is your company´s USP for clients and candidates? Why the green approach and focus?
We specialize in ESG and Sustainability, basically supporting traditional companies in becoming more sustainable through the ESG framework. Furthermore, holistically supporting sustainable companies (renewables, e.g.) with their general talent acquisition.
In CEE, we are the only ones and with Talentor we are aiming to support all its partners with our expertise!
On the left Imard Veenstra, Partner and Consultant, and on the right, Thijmen Meijer, Founder and Managing Partner of Meijer and Co.
What is a typical profile that you recruit?
Anything from Carbon accounting managers to head of Sustainability and Originators in the renewable sector.
Who is a typical client for you?
A manufacturing company that needs support in finding the right ESG team members.
What is one thing you would recommend to companies that not just want to recruit great talents, but also retain them?
Transparency and a vision/mission statement that can be drilled down to a granular level. Creating meaningful jobs that drive sustainable growth for the organization.
What would you highlight from the Hungarian market to our partners, clients, and candidates?
Hungary is a wonderful country, full of very talented people that have a great work ethic.
Due to the international vibe in Budapest, it is a wonderful place to locate your nearshoring COE. Due to its location in the heart of Europe, it is a great hub to the Far East, from a manufacturing or logistical sense. For candidates, Budapest is one of the most international cities in the region, lovely for families or expats.
What surprises foreign companies the most when they are recruiting specialists in Hungary?
The excellent knowledge and expertise, we have a fantastic automotive sector and an even bigger, very process-driven SSC sector. Furthermore, for foreign companies, the salary levels are still very attractive.
As a Dutchman living in Budapest do you have anything to tell us about cross-cultural differences?
Hungarians are a bit more "beating around the bush" than the Dutch. Also biking in Budapest is still considered alien 😉.
Why did you decide to join the Talentor network?
It truly feels like a family, very connected. My firm, Meijer and Co. is relatively small, and being part of such a global organization gives us numerous benefits. When Hana Hadzic from Talentor International called me, it immediately felt like this was the kind of family I wanted to be a part of!
What do you think is great about being part of an international network such as Talentor?
Being part of an international network like Talentor offers enhanced purchasing power, access to larger tenders, and invaluable knowledge sharing. This collective intelligence fosters innovation, provides insights into global best practices, and helps us navigate diverse markets effectively. By leveraging the network's shared expertise, we continuously improve our services, stay ahead of industry trends, and deliver exceptional value to our clients.
Thank you Thijmen for sharing with us more about you and your company’s environmental focus and consciousness, we know it is not always easy to talk about yourself but it is a pleasure for us to introduce you to our global community! We are glad to have you in our network and we are excited to hire green!
See you soon in person at our next Talentor Summit in Poland!
For more information about Meijer and Co. and to get in contact with Thijmen, click here.
