Vol.14 – Journey of a Talented Expat Leading Market Expansion in the UK and Europe
Today we met with a leading member of the Centre People family, Hiroki Nozawa, who in 2019, moved from our parent company in Japan to our UK office as Business Development Manager and Recruitment Consultant. After nearly 5 years developing the UK and European market from London, Hiroki was chosen to start up our Netherlands branch, building it from a one-man operation to the 5-person machine it is today.
Briefly, how did you get started in recruitment?
“So, I’ve always believed that companies are built on people, and I wanted to support Japanese businesses around the world by strengthening their human capital. A problem in Japan is that the number of young people in Japan is decreasing, so local hiring is a challenge. Through my experience travelling overseas, backpacking and holidaying in Asia and meeting people that want to work in Japan, I realised I wanted to bring these young people through recruitment – so I joined the Quick Co. Group in 2015.”
“Another reason that was that I wanted to work using my name, not the company’s product – my credibility would carry the business, I think this is something that’s you know, my cup of tea.”
What’s something your clients and candidates might be surprised to learn about you?
“It is quite rare to be stationed overseas within a recruitment company, and in my case, I have been based in Europe for six and a half years since the age of 26, which is very young for an ex-pat. I also got married after relocating overseas and now have two children, people are often surprised by this.”
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
“I recently bought a home bread maker, so making bread with my two daughters has become our trend. We made already sausage bread, sweet red bean buns, and custard cream bread together with them, this is my current thing now.”
How did you feel when you were asked to lead the Netherlands office?
“Honestly, I was excited, but also a little worried. From the time I was first posted to London, I had personally begun developing relationships with Japanese companies in the Netherlands, so it was the market I felt most connected to although I had never been here. On top of that, the Netherlands has been attracting many Japanese companies since Brexit, and I wanted to test my abilities in such a dynamic environment.”
“I was mainly worried, because I’d never been to the Netherlands so it was whether or not I could live here. I knew I could work, but my family getting used to life here was my main concern.”
Which do you enjoy more, the Netherlands or the UK?
“It’s very difficult, I love London and the UK, and colleagues in the UK office, but at the moment, it’s the Netherlands. While it may feel less stimulating compared to the UK, I really value being able to take family trips by car to neighbouring countries and enjoying the abundant nature—such as farms and encounters with animals—together with my children.”
What does it take to be a strong business developer?
“I started by attending as many events as I can, exchanging business cards with clients, and people started knowing me – when they need recruitment, they will remember my name. At the same time, it is vital to always act with sincerity and maintain a spirit of giving towards others. Aiming to build a long-term relationship with a client, not just a “one-off recruitment” angle, is not only respectful to them, but is sustainable for us too.”
What’s the most rewarding part of working as a recruiter?
“It is when people express their gratitude. Our work is fundamentally based on appreciation, so I find it very rewarding when I can introduce the right talent to a company and witness its growth, or when I support someone through a significant career change and see them thriving in their new role. I also feel a strong sense of fulfilment when, years after helping a candidate, they still remember my name, or when that person later becomes a hiring manager and I get to support their company’s recruitment as a trusted partner.”
We’re lucky to have Hiroki not only leading our Netherlands branch, but also continuing to be a key player across the company. Feel free to connect with Hiroki here on LinkedIn, and follow us to meet more of our fantastic consultants!
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