Want to work for a European leader in consulting, digital services, and software development? In the next two years, Sopra Steria Benelux, driven by its growth and fast post-covid recovery, wants to recruit no less than 400 new employees, mostly tech profiles. With several high-level projects for large institutions on the horizon, and by focusing on internal training, well-being at work, and sustainability, the company hopes to attract many young candidates.
Hiring sprees
The Benelux branch of Sopra Steria weathered the coronavirus crisis well, so much so that it needs several new professionals to support its local growth ambitions. "In 2021, we recorded growth of 18 percent," says Michel Lorgeré, CEO of Sopra Steria Benelux. "Our goal is to recruit 400 new people over the next 18 months."
Experience not essential
Management jobs generally attract more senior profiles, but Alicia De La Torre, HR Director for Benelux is happy to stress that young graduates and junior candidates should not hesitate to apply. "We hope to fill at least half our vacancies with younger candidates," she states. And that is not an empty promise either: in neighboring France, where Sopra Steria's headquarters are, the company's aiming at 75 percent young recruits.
"We perform some of the most interesting large technology projects and multi-year ICT programs at various government departments and financial institutions, all the way up to the European level," says De La Torre. "Naturally, we'll always need some senior profiles. But we do make it possible for younger employees to climb the ladder quickly, for instance, by investing in custom-designed training through our in-house academy."
Numerous benefits
Other vital motives for choosing Sopra Steria? You will get to work with the latest technologies in prestigious projects and for well-known clients in government and finance, the manufacturing industry, the energy and utility sectors, and transport and aviation.
The company also commits to sustainability and well-being at work. For example, company vehicles are replaced with hybrid and electric models, and the use of (electric) bicycles and public transport for commuting is strongly encouraged with incentives. "We're committed to reducing CO2 emissions to zero by 2028. After that, we want to be completely climate neutral," says Lorgeré. "In the fight against climate change, we take pride in being one of the most ambitious companies in our sector."
Also, Sopra Steria believes in an optimal work-life balance for its employees. "We have a new HR policy, called 'Smart Way of Working.' Hybrid work is at the core of this. Employees can work partly from home and partly at the office," explains De La Torre. In addition, expats are allowed even more flexibility. "If they're within the Schengen zone, they're allowed to work from their home country for two weeks a year."
Great place to work
The efforts made by Sopra Steria in recent years in work culture, leadership, and well-being are now clearly reflected in the workforce. Therefore, it is no surprise that Sopra Steria Benelux was awarded the 'Great Place to Work' certification this year, based on the evaluations provided by their Benelux-based employees in an anonymous survey conducted at the end of 2021.