Industry
Industrials
Location
Malaysia & Germany
Number of Employees
>1000 employees
CLIENT OVERVIEW
The client is an internationally operating engineering and procurement company specializing in process technologies for the oils, fats, and oleochemicals industries. Over the years, the organization has delivered more than 300 industrial plants worldwide and is widely recognized for its technical expertise in areas such as edible oil refining, oleochemical processing, and biodiesel production.
With a global workforce of approximately 140 employees, the company combines deep engineering know-how with a highly specialized, project-driven operating model. As part of its long-term growth strategy, the organization decided to expand its footprint into Europe, establishing a new regional sales and operational presence in Germany. At the time of the engagement, the German team was still in its early formation stage, with limited local infrastructure and a strong reliance on coordination with international headquarters.
CHALLENGE
As the company began setting up its European operations, it became clear that strong local support for senior leadership was critical. The Regional Sales Director, based in Frankfurt am Main, required a Personal Assistant who could take full ownership of operational and administrative activities during this early growth phase.
The role went far beyond classic executive support. The Personal Assistant needed to operate with a high degree of autonomy, managing office setup activities, coordinating meetings and travel, and acting as a central point of contact for internal and external stakeholders. Native-level German language skills were essential, as was the ability to work confidently in an international environment and collaborate closely with colleagues at the company’s headquarters in Malaysia.
At the same time, the company faced a competitive local talent market and needed to identify a candidate who could meet these demanding requirements within a clearly defined salary range. Finding the right balance between experience, independence, cultural fit, and budget made the search particularly challenging.
SOLUTION
Avomind worked closely with the client to gain a deep understanding of the operational realities of the role and the broader context of the European expansion. Together, the teams refined the position profile to reflect the level of responsibility, autonomy, and stakeholder interaction required, ensuring clarity on what would define success in the first year.
Based on this foundation, Avomind conducted a highly targeted search in the Frankfurt region, focusing on experienced Personal Assistants and Office Management professionals who had previously supported senior leaders in lean, fast-growing, or greenfield environments. Candidates were assessed not only on their administrative and organizational capabilities, but also on their ability to act independently, manage multiple priorities, and communicate effectively across cultures and time zones.
Avomind placed strong emphasis on evaluating cultural fit and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates could build trust quickly with both the Regional Sales Director and international stakeholders. Throughout the process, Avomind facilitated close coordination between local decision-makers and headquarters leadership, enabling a smooth and transparent interview process.
OUTCOME
The engagement resulted in the successful hire of a highly capable Personal Assistant who fully met the operational, cultural, and communication requirements of the role. From the outset, the new hire provided critical support to the Regional Sales Director, helping to streamline daily operations, coordinate setup activities for the Frankfurt office, and serve as a reliable interface with the international headquarters.
This additional level of operational stability allowed senior leadership to focus on building customer relationships and developing the company’s European sales pipeline. By delivering a precise and well-aligned hire during a critical growth phase, Avomind helped lay the groundwork for the company’s long-term success in the European market, demonstrating its ability to support complex international expansions through carefully targeted talent solutions.