Sebastian’s Journey as a Sourcing Specialist at Volvo Cars

Working as a sourcing specialist at Volvo Cars, I had the opportunity to be at the forefront of the creation of a talented team to drive the company’s sourcing innovations. My primary focus was sourcing highly specialized engineers who could support our goals for safety, sustainability, and technological advancement within the automotive sector.

Managing the Sourcing Process for Niche Engineering Roles

In my role, I took charge of the sourcing process, closely collaborating with hiring managers from the Engineering and Manufacturing teams. My data-driven approach involved identifying talent needs, researching market trends, and developing strategies to attract and retain the right candidates. I worked extensively to source and present talent for critical roles such as:

  • Battery Engineers:

    Specialists in battery development and electric vehicle technology

  • Seat Engineers:

    Experts in automotive seating design, focused on safety and ergonomics

  • Manufacturing Engineers:

    Professionals skilled in optimizing production processes and implementing advanced manufacturing methods

  • Safety Engineers:

    Dedicated to enhancing safety features in line with Volvo’s core values

By aligning with hiring managers, I ensured that our sourcing strategies were tailored to meet the technical and cultural needs of each department. This collaboration was essential for crafting precise job profiles and targeting our search efforts efficiently.

Overcoming Challenges in a Specialized Market

One of the significant challenges I faced was sourcing niche engineering talent in a highly specialized market. The demand for expertise in fields like battery and safety engineering was high, and finding individuals with the right combination of skills and industry knowledge was no easy task. To address this, I focused on leveraging data insights to understand global talent trends.

I often presented data to hiring managers, highlighting regions with concentrated expertise, such as where seat engineers were predominantly located or which companies employed leading battery engineers. These insights allowed us to approach the search with a strategic mindset, positioning Volvo as an attractive employer in the eyes of potential candidates.

Strategic Data-Driven Sourcing

In my data-driven sourcing approach, I relied on advanced tools and market analysis to pinpoint talent both locally and globally. This method allowed me to engage with skilled professionals who might not have been actively seeking new opportunities but were intrigued by Volvo’s values and vision. I used various sourcing platforms and conducted in-depth market research, reaching out to candidates with customized messages to ensure a personal connection.

Through these targeted sourcing efforts, I helped Volvo establish a strong presence in competitive talent markets, enabling us to build teams that would contribute significantly to our technological advancements and global competitiveness.

Results and Impact

Enhanced Collaboration with Hiring Managers

Through my data-driven approach, I contributed to improving the collaboration between hiring managers and the sourcing team. Presenting actionable market insights allowed hiring managers to refine their understanding of global talent availability, salary expectations, and competitive dynamics. This not only streamlined the recruitment process but also empowered hiring managers to define clearer and more realistic requirements for roles, leading to better alignment across teams.

Building a Pipeline of Talent

One of the outcomes of my work was the creation of a sustainable pipeline of candidates for future recruitment. By mapping out talent across different regions and maintaining relationships with potential hires, I enabled Volvo to build a database of pre-qualified candidates. This proactive approach helped reduce dependency on external recruiters and ensured we had a strong pool of talent ready to be engaged when new opportunities arose.


Reflection

Reflecting on my time at Volvo Cars, it’s clear how essential a data-driven approach is for sourcing within the automotive sector. As a sourcing specialist, my focus on research, strategic planning, and candidate engagement helped address the unique challenges of recruiting niche engineering talent. This method not only attracted top talent but also supported Volvo’s growth and commitment to innovation. I believe that my experiences here have set a strong foundation for future efforts to meet the evolving demands of the automotive industry. 

Sebastian Sjöström