Randstad is a global talent leader with the vision to be the world’s most equitable and specialized talent company. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Randstad operates in 39 markets and has approximately 45,000 employees.
FESTIVE ROAD and
Randstad Case Study
Outsourcing Expertise
How Randstad embraced outsourcing expertise from FESTIVE ROAD to navigate a transitional phase in their global travel program and empower a new travel manager to thrive.
The Overview
At a glance
Challenges
- Loss of key travel team members
- Knowledge gaps in corporate travel
- Unoptimized hotel and airline programs
- TMC implementation in Portugal
- Need for policy revisions
Outcomes
- Mark transitioned to Travel Manager
- Completed hotel RFP and air contracts
- Implemented TMC in Portugal
- Streamlined travel policy and communications
- Project completed in six months
The Mission
Following the departure of two key travel team members, Randstad, a leading global talent firm faced the daunting task of stabilizing and managing its global travel program amidst significant challenges. Randstad recognized the need for specialized expertise to navigate this critical period.
FESTIVE ROAD, the only people-first and purpose-led independent company providing consulting and outsourcing services for buyers across global travel, meetings and payment, was invited to step in and provide guidance.
To Create Better in the transition of Randstad’s corporate travel program, FESTIVE ROAD emphasized the importance of providing specialist expertise to equip Randstad’s Global Travel Coordinator, Mark Teerink, with the skills and strategic insights needed to navigate evolving responsibilities effectively.
FESTIVE ROAD provided a highly experienced Consultant, Esther van der Aa who was able to seamlessly integrate with Randstad’s company culture and foster strong stakeholder relationships, promptly addressing local concerns and ensuring that Randstad and Consultant could effectively partner and navigate the challenges ahead.
The Issue
By early 2024, the global travel program faced several challenges, including an unoptimized hotel program and the implementation of a Travel Management Company (TMC) across multiple markets in EMEA and APAC. The Global Travel Coordinator, with a strong background in leisure travel, recognized an opportunity to enhance their business acumen and negotiation skills, essential for excelling in corporate travel management. Recognizing these knowledge gaps as an opportunity for growth, Mark turned to FESTIVE ROAD and Esther as a trusted advisor to pave the way forward.
Key areas needing immediate attention included:
- TMC implementation best practice
- Sourcing global airline contracts
- Executing hotel RFPs
- Familiarity with loading information into the Global Distribution System (GDS)
- Reviewing Randstad’s travel policy
The Solution
As a seasoned FESTIVE ROAD travel industry expert, Esther played an essential part in delivering purposeful elements to strategically enhance Randstad’s travel program, while effectively mentoring Mark. Daily communication between Esther and Mark ensured that priorities were clear, questions were addressed promptly, and progress was monitored through a detailed project tracker.
Esther emphasized crisp, concise communication, especially in interactions with executives, and maintained regular one-on-one meetings with the Director of Procurement, fostering a collaborative environment based on openness and transparency. This helped Mark to avoid getting buried by daily tasks and elevated his thinking towards strategic priorities.
With access to FESTIVE ROAD’s hive mind, Esther’s guidance proved crucial in completing the first comprehensive hotel RFP and establishing global contracts with several airlines. Additionally, she revised Randstad’s travel policy, making it more concise, and accessible on the intranet, all whilst preparing Mark, for future growth. One notable instance of Esther’ executive coaching involved preparing Mark, to confidently deliver a speaking opportunity at the Business Travel Show in London.
This support significantly enhanced her mentee’s presentation and networking skills, contributing to his professional growth and reinforcing FESTIVE ROAD’s culture that celebrates collective success. Mark praised Esther for her exceptional support and passion, which extended beyond the usual professional responsibilities.
The Results
Facilitated by FESTIVE ROAD and Esther’s invaluable support, the global travel coordinator confidently transitioned into the new role of Global Travel Manager, reflecting his growth and readiness for new responsibilities. Together, Esther and Mark achieved significant milestones, including successful hotel RFPs, air negotiations, and TMC implementation, beginning with Portugal.
Randstad’s Executive Board expressed satisfaction with the new streamlined travel policy and enhancements through improved communication strategies. In Esther’s consulting capacity, she demonstrated a genuine commitment to Randstad’s success, fostering a relationship that went beyond transactions.
This deep understanding of Mark’s unique challenges allowed Esther to facilitate her broad expertise, resulting in meaningful development of Mark’s professional growth and increased confidence. Originally set for twelve months, the project concluded in just six, empowering Mark to independently confront future challenges.
This rewarding experience also reaffirmed our Roader Consultant’s passion for her work, highlighting the value of their partnership in achieving shared goals.
“Working with FESTIVE ROAD and Esther van der Aa transformed my approach to corporate travel management. Esther’s genuine care and support to put my best interests first, not only equipped me with the necessary skills but also empowered me to lead with confidence and resulted in me achieving both professional and personal milestones.”
Mark Teerink
Global Travel Manager, Randstad
“Seeing Mark grow into the role of Global Travel Manager was incredibly fulfilling. Our collaboration not only achieved remarkable results to build a sustainable global travel programme, but also reaffirmed my passion for helping individuals and organizations reach their potential.”
Esther van der Aa
Consultant, FESTIVE ROAD
TALK TO ONE OF THE
FESTIVE ROAD TEAM
To speak to Mark about his experience with FESTIVE ROAD and the Outsourcing support Randstad received to enhance the company’s global travel program, or to talk to one of the FESTIVE ROAD team contact us in the link below.