Recruitment agency: setup - Kortrijk - Belgium

Presentation of Mise en Place

The firm Mise en Place establishes itself as a specialized player in recruitment within the hospitality and catering sector in Belgium. Based in Kortrijk, in the heart of West Flanders, this firm develops sharp expertise in supporting companies in the Hospitality & Catering sector. The Mise en Place team understands the specific challenges of this demanding industry, where service quality, operational excellence, and passion are determining criteria.

Kortrijk represents a strategic positioning for the firm, as this dynamic city located near the French border offers privileged access to the Flemish market while benefiting from proximity to European metropolises. The local economic fabric, rich in hotels, gourmet restaurants, and catering companies, provides an ideal playground for Mise en Place. The firm leverages this geographical location to develop a dense network of partners and build a deep understanding of the regional specifics of the job market.

The philosophy of Mise en Place is based on a craft approach to recruitment, mirroring the professions it supports. The firm prioritizes quality over quantity, developing lasting relationships with its clients and candidates. This approach relies on a fine understanding of the cultural codes of the sector, operational constraints, and technological evolutions that are gradually transforming the hospitality industry.

Areas of Expertise

Recruitment in Hospitality

The firm Mise en Place develops recognized expertise in event recruitment, covering all professions in hospitality. The team masters the specifics of each segment, from luxury hotels to business tourism establishments, including alternative accommodation structures. This specialization allows the firm to accurately assess the technical skills, interpersonal qualities, and managerial abilities required according to the positioning of each establishment.

The firm's expertise extends to operational functions as well as management positions. For roles in reception and service, Mise en Place evaluates language skills, presentation, interpersonal ease, and adaptability to international clientele. Regarding support functions such as governance, maintenance, or hotel accounting, the firm values specialized technical skills and knowledge of quality standards specific to hospitality.

• Recruitment of multilingual reception and front desk staff
• Selection of housekeepers and housekeeping teams
• Identification of hotel managers and directors
• Search for specialists in revenue management and yield management
• Recruitment of experienced concierges and front office managers
• Selection of staff for spa, wellness, and premium services

Recruitment in Catering

Mise en Place's specialization in the catering sector encompasses the full diversity of food service, from fine dining to fast food, including collective catering, event catering, and catering services. The firm understands the particularities of each segment: creative demands of gastronomy, logistical constraints of collective catering, and profitability imperatives of commercial catering.

The Mise en Place team accurately assesses culinary skills, as well as the managerial, commercial, and organizational abilities essential in a constantly evolving sector. The firm takes into account new trends such as sustainable cooking, specialized diets, and the integration of digital technologies in the management of catering establishments.

• Recruitment of chefs and sous chefs
• Selection of front-of-house staff and sommeliers
• Identification of restaurant managers and operations directors
• Search for specialists in food & beverage management
• Recruitment for collective and corporate catering
• Selection of teams for events and banquets
• Identification of production managers for central kitchens

Services and Processes

Specialized Recruitment Methodology

The recruitment process of Mise en Place revolves around a proven methodology, adapted to the specifics of the Hospitality & Catering sector. The approach begins with a thorough analysis of the client's needs, incorporating not only the required technical skills but also the company culture, service values, and strategic objectives of the establishment. This diagnostic phase allows the firm to define a precise and realistic candidate profile.

The search for candidates relies on a professional network developed over the years, complemented by a direct approach to identified talents in the sector. The firm also utilizes specialized sourcing channels, including hospitality schools, professional associations, and industry events. This multi-channel approach allows access to both actively seeking profiles and passive talents, often the most sought after.

The evaluation of candidates combines behavioral interviews, practical skills tests, and professional simulations. For culinary roles, the firm can organize culinary tests in real conditions. For commercial or managerial functions, sector-specific case studies allow for the assessment of analytical and decision-making abilities. This approach ensures an optimal match between the candidate and the position.

Support for Client Companies

Mise en Place develops personalized support for each client company, taking into account the size of the structure, its market positioning, and its development challenges. For independent establishments, the firm offers HR organization consulting services, including the definition of job descriptions, optimization of internal recruitment processes, and support in career management.

Hotel groups and restaurant chains benefit from a dedicated service that includes managing large-scale recruitment campaigns, harmonizing multi-site HR practices, and supporting opening or restructuring projects. The firm also develops expertise in international recruitment, particularly useful for brands in development or establishments welcoming a cosmopolitan clientele.

• Consulting on sector-specific recruitment strategy
• Support in defining job profiles
• Training in interview techniques specific to the sector
• Support in managing seasonal activity peaks
• Assistance for talent integration and retention

Support for Candidates

Candidate support is a cornerstone of Mise en Place's approach. The firm offers personalized coaching, including CV optimization, interview preparation, and assistance in defining professional projects. This approach proves particularly valuable in a sector where career paths can be atypical and where geographical mobility often represents a key factor for advancement.

The firm also offers a career monitoring service, maintaining contact with placed candidates and supporting them in their professional development. This long-term relational approach allows for the construction of a pool of qualified talents and facilitates career advancements within the sector. Mise en Place regularly organizes networking events that enable industry professionals to develop their networks and stay informed about market developments.

The firm's team also provides insights into salary trends, regulatory changes, and opportunities for continuing education. This informational added value strengthens the trust relationship with candidates and contributes to the overall improvement of employability in the Hospitality & Catering sector.