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Boosting the Data Center market in Japan
Strategic Data Center Talent Acquisition in Japan
We understand that specialist talent is crucial for critical infrastructure projects, especially in complex markets like Japan's Data Center. In this case study, we highlight how our targeted recruitment approach helped a global real estate and infrastructure services firm overcome a two-year hiring challenge. By placing a bilingual Technical Manager with niche electrical expertise, we enabled our client to strengthen operational reliability, accelerate project timelines, and enhance their competitive position in Japan’s booming data center sector.
Name of Company
Global Commercial Real Estate & Infrastructure Service companySector
Data CenterLocation
JapanConsultant
Shu ChenThe Recruitment Challenges Faced
Our client faced a prolonged and complex hiring challenge for a Technical Manager role responsible for managing electrical systems in a regional data center. Despite efforts over two years, previous recruitment attempts failed mainly due to:
- High candidate requirements: bilingual fluency in Japanese and English, technical expertise in electrical facility management, and regional flexibility
- Talent scarcity in Japan’s data center sector
- Poor visibility of the role across recruitment channels
- These issues threatened project timelines, operational reliability, and the client’s ability to scale in a fast-growing market.
The Solution We Provided
We spoke with the client several months prior as part of an outreach to firms in their space to understand their recruitment challenges. After meeting with their HR teams in Hong Kong and Japan, our data center and infrastructure recruitment specialists were engaged by the client to resolve their challenge - marking their first placement for them in Japan. The process included:
- Initial consultation to clarify the role and expectations
- Outreach to 200 candidates, with a shortlist of 20
- Submission of 3 top CVs, all selected for interviews
- Streamlined interview process: HR-led first round followed by technical interviews
- Offer made within 10 days of CV submission
- To increase the attractiveness of the role, we advised the client to adjust the salary, making the role more competitive and appealing top-tier talent.
The Outcome & Business Impact
Outcome
We successful placement of a bilingual Technical Manager with the required expertise. The time-to-hire was 1.5 months from engagement to start date. The quick nature of this recruitment process meant that there was an enhanced operational capability and project momentum.
Business Impact
The placement had a measurable impact on the client’s operations:
- Operational Reliability: The new hire ensures effective management of electrical systems, supporting uptime and energy efficiency.
- Project Advancement: Enables progress on regional data center projects aligned with national decentralisation goals.
- Market Positioning: Strengthens the client’s presence in Japan’s data center market, projected to grow at a 25% CAGR through 2030.
- Improved Communication: Bilingual skills enhance coordination with local authorities and global stakeholders.
Consequences of Inaction
Had the recruitment challenges persisted, the client risked:
- Project delays and increased costs
- Operational inefficiencies and potential downtime
- Regulatory non-compliance
- Loss of market share to more agile competitors
Conclusion
This strategic placement resolved a two-year hiring challenge and reinforced the client’s ability to deliver high-performance data center solutions in Japan. Our targeted approach and market insight proved essential in overcoming talent scarcity and driving business success.