Partnering for Success in APAC Data Center Growth
A large data centre operator was executing an APAC growth strategy centred on acquisitions across multiple markets. To support this expansion, the company needed to rapidly build an experienced regional team across leadership, technical, and corporate functions.
The Challenge
Accelerated Growth Timeline
The acquisition-led strategy created immediate demand for senior and mid-level professionals across several APAC markets, requiring hiring to occur in parallel rather than sequentially.
Internal Capability Constraints
Although the client planned to establish an internal HR and recruitment function, the team was newly formed and lacked regional hiring experience at the scale and speed required.
Geographic and Functional Complexity
Roles spanned multiple countries and disciplines, including construction, design, engineering, finance, real estate, and regional leadership. Each market presented different talent availability and compensation dynamics.
Our Approach:
Embedded Search Partnership
Building on an existing relationship following prior senior placements, we worked closely with the newly appointed Head of APAC to support workforce planning and execution. Rather than operating independently, we integrated our search consultants alongside the client’s internal HR team.
Workforce Planning and Forecasting
We supported role sequencing and hiring forecasts to prioritise critical positions and minimise bottlenecks as new sites and acquisitions progressed.
Targeted Regional Search
Search activity focused on professionals with direct data centre or adjacent infrastructure experience across key APAC markets, including Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia.
Knowledge Transfer and Capability Building
Throughout the engagement, we shared market intelligence, candidate mapping, and hiring insights to support the development of the client’s internal recruitment capability.
Advisory on Market Positioning
In parallel with delivery, we provided guidance on employer positioning and compensation structures to improve competitiveness in talent-constrained markets.
The Outcome:
Over a six-month period, 11 senior and management-level roles were filled across multiple APAC locations. Appointments included Regional Managers, Directors, and Vice Presidents across construction, design, engineering, finance, and real estate functions.
The collaborative model enabled the client to accelerate team build-out while strengthening its internal recruitment capability. The regional workforce established during this phase supported continued integration of acquisitions and ongoing expansion across APAC.
Beyond Recruitment: Employer Branding and Compensation Strategies
Our contribution went beyond traditional recruitment. We provided input on the client's employer branding and positioning, particularly in talent-scarce emerging markets around Asia. Additionally, we tailored compensation strategies to attract top talent in competitive markets like Singapore and Australia.