From London to Singapore

Daniel Walsh started his career with Resource Solutions, our recruitment process outsourcing business, in 2010 as an on-site IT recruiter in the investment banking division of a multinational banking client in London.

Daniel’s career and ambition has now led him to Singapore, where he is currently the regional account director on-site with one of our global banking and financial services clients. We asked Daniel about his career in recruitment outsourcing and working for Resource Solutions in Asia Pacific.

What first attracted you to Resource Solutions?

I’d been working in recruitment for four years and I was struggling to find more career development opportunities. Resource Solutions’ significant expansion plans and opportunities for growth drew me in. I could see the passion Resource Solutions had to change the landscape for Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) and I wanted to be a part of that.

Tell us about the opportunities that were available to you and describe your career progression within the company.

Making the move to Resource Solutions was an easy transition and working on-site for the client suited me very well. I started as a vendor recruiter, recruiting technology contractors. Early on, I managed to build up strong relationships and raise my profile within the client’s business.

Less than a year into the role, I took a six-month secondment to India to support the client with their location strategy, acting as the conduit between key business stakeholders and HR. When I returned to London, I became a resourcing lead, taking on additional responsibility for Scotland and London, including HR, risk, compliance, finance and legal. Two years later, I was promoted to account manager for the UK.

As the client grew, so did my opportunities. Resource Solutions was then awarded the client’s business globally. I travelled to America, India and across the UK and Europe to help roll out our new service. I got a taste of what Resource Solutions’ global network had to offer and after six-and-a-half years I decided to accept a role as regional account director for Asia Pacific for one of our global banking clients.

What do you like most about Resource Solutions’ company culture?

Resource Solutions has people at the core of everything they do and that is one of the main reasons I am still here today. It feels like a truly inclusive environment where every single person has a key part to play in making what we do truly great. There is a strong culture of teamwork.

We’re a united organisation, dedicated to delivering a quality service to our clients, and that is something of which I’m very proud.

Describe how your international move came about. What was that process like?

International opportunities are communicated weekly to the whole of Resource Solutions. Singapore and Hong Kong piqued my interest, and I shared my desire to move abroad with my line manager. Whilst I was in India I met with the managing director of the Asia Pacific region. We discussed all the opportunities that would arise with a potential new client coming on board. After I returned to London, we caught up weekly. Resource Solutions was awarded the client’s business in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, China and Sydney, and immediately after my offer was formalised and accepted.

I cannot speak more highly of how our HR team in Singapore managed my transition from the UK. I felt supported every step of the way in regards to flights, relocation, shipping, the visa application and accommodation.

What is it like living in Singapore and how has this change of scenery impacted you professionally?

Singapore is a fantastic place to live – safe, clean and easy to navigate. There is a large expat community for those moments when you’re missing the comforts and familiarity of home.

Singapore is a hub for travel, I am a boat ride away from northern Indonesian islands like Bintan and Batam, and a just two-hour flight from the likes of Bali, Thailand, Malaysia and some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. I try to add a day or two before or after my work trips to uncover and enjoy new destinations.

Having a remit that includes seven countries has opened my eyes to different ways of working. How I think and engage with the client in Japan is very different to the way I would in Hong Kong or Sydney. It’s encouraged me to be more adaptable in my approach whilst appreciating cultural nuances.

What is your favourite Resource Solutions memory to date in Asia?

When I first landed, I immediately went on tour to visit the client in each key location and meet members of the new team. Although I spent those three weeks living out of a suitcase, it was a great introduction and helped forge strong relationships very early. Day one of going live with the new service has been the highlight so far - the energy and enthusiasm of all my teams in each region was fantastic to witness - a truly heart-warming moment.

What traits/skills/values do you need to be a successful on-site recruiter at Resource Solutions?

You must be tenacious and possess strong relationship management and organisational skills. Flexibility is key - as the business grows, so will the responsibility and the opportunities for career development. It’s important to show you can adapt to any situation that arises. You need to be able to live and breathe your client’s values whilst upholding the Resource Solutions way of working.

What advice do you have for anyone considering an international move?

Do it! Always put the opportunity for professional development first and welcome the changes and challenges with open arms. Be brave, don’t be afraid to take the leap - Resource Solutions will be there to support you.
 

Interested in a job in recruitment? Please send your updated CV to serena.pook@robertwalters.com.