International recruitment with local impact

Case study: Darta - Iberia

In 2025, Seven Seas, our Executive & International Talent Search division, was entrusted with filling a key position at Darta: Senior Manager Finance, HR & Business Support for the Iberian region. An assignment that required the best of both worlds: strong local anchoring and international alignment.

A bridge between two countries and two teams

Darta is a Belgian family business that has grown into a major European player in frozen food products, with production sites in Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Despite this international footprint, the organisation continues to strongly value entrepreneurship and short decision-making lines. It was precisely in this context that the need arose for a profile capable of building bridges between the various Iberian operations. Someone who, from the Portuguese production site in Alentejo, would act as the right hand to two plant managers: one in Portugal and one in Spain. The role covered a broad scope: from finance and administration to HR, with the aim of aligning processes more effectively and strengthening decision-making. Fluency in three languages (Portuguese, English, and Spanish), willingness to travel regularly to Spain, and comfort with working in a rural environment far from major cities were all essential requirements.

“With a sharp approach and strong market knowledge,
Search & Selection ensured that we quickly
found the right candidate –
completely unburdened from start to finish.”
An Vandenberghe – HR Group Director

From market analysis to targeted search

Before actively searching for candidates, we took the time to thoroughly analyse the local labour market. Alentejo is not an obvious region for attracting senior profiles with a broad finance and HR background. This meant we consciously had to broaden our perspective without losing sight of practical feasibility. Based on these insights, the actual campaign was launched.

From broad inflow to final selection

Through a high-performing combination of targeted search and impactful publications, we received a strong response of more than 650 applications. This not only confirmed the attractiveness of the vacancy, but also highlighted the need for a strongly phased selection process.

After an initial screening, relevant candidates were invited to complete a targeted questionnaire. Ultimately, 115 candidates submitted a complete file. The candidate files were thoroughly reviewed, after which a longlist was compiled of profiles that matched both the content requirements and the organisational context.

Following an additional telephone screening, the 16 most suitable candidates were invited for in-depth interviews in Lisbon. These face-to-face interviews marked a turning point in the process. In addition to experience and competencies, our consultant focused primarily on motivation, realism, and the ability to function in an international yet strongly local context.

Six candidates reached the shortlist and were further evaluated by the Group HR Director at the site in Alentejo. Two finalists proceeded to reference checks, screening, and an interview with the CEO. After that, the final decision was made and Darta was able to hire the right candidate.

The power of presence

One of the factors that made this trajectory successful was the deliberate choice to strongly invest in on-site presence. In a context like this — a remote location, cross-border responsibilities, and cultural nuances — meeting on location provides crucial additional insights. For both the recruiter and the candidate.

Our personal meetings on-site not only offer a deeper assessment framework, but also strengthen mutual commitment. Candidates feel that an organisation is willing to invest in a serious and careful procedure. This creates trust, even before the first working day.

Connecting across borders

This case demonstrates that international recruitment is more than simply publishing a vacancy. A successful campaign requires preparation, local market knowledge, rigorous process control, strong central coordination, and personal involvement.

When these elements are aligned, the result is not only a good match, but a sustainable strengthening of the organisation.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR INTERNATIONAL SEARCH APPROACH?
Contact Marc Van Beethoven via m.vanbeethoven@sevenseastalentsearch.com or visit sevenseastalentsearch.com