Welcome

SAPhire International Limited is a specialist in the SAP world, providing retained search, contingency, contract and Interim recruitment solutions to end users and consultancies alike. We source and place highly qualified and skilled SAP consultants for clients on a pan-European basis, and these can be both permanent or contract. We have access to over 9000 SAP Professionals due to our huge network of contacts built up over the last 15 years.

Our scope of Activities cover the UK , Ireland, Germany, France, Belgium, Holland, Austria, Portugal, Spain, Italy and Switzerland which is our biggest market.

In addition, SAPhire International is the chosen SAP division of CNA Executive Search, part of the UK's largest independent recruitment business - the £800M Pertemps Group. Please go to our Partners page for website links.

For the last 25 years, since the R2 days, our consultants have specialised in SAP Recruitment for Functional and configuration of all SAP modules, ABAP developers, Basis consultants, Solutions Architects, Project Managers and IS-Solutions as well as SAP Sales. We also have expert knowledge of multi-lingual consultants. Our own recruiters are all bi-lingual.

We are REC accredited, membership number 00074583, and as such our process follows the REC Code of Professional Practice.

We are registered under the data protection act no. Z1865965 this ensures that any information provided to us is secure.

We are partnered with Accurity GmbH in Zurich who manages all of our Swiss business in terms of licensing, payroll, work permits, pensions and mandatory deductions.

We have partners for financial advice, career coaching and outplacement. Please see our links and partners page.

We have relationships with several SAP consulting companies and as a result can implement full projects as well as finding individual consultants.

Our business ethos is to build long, strategic and successful relationships to allow your business to continue to grow along with ours. We believe SAPhire International to be the leading SAP Executive Search Consultancy for Europe and as such have a client and candidate base that reflects this.

When we are given the opportunity to source a new Consultant for a client, we first spend time discussing the job specification. With the experience we have in the SAP industry, we understand the importance of detail, no matter how small. Amongst other things we speak with the client to understand the project’s module and sub module requirements, linguistic requirements, budgetary limitations, the importance of delivering the project on time and of course the salary and benefits package for a permanent role.

We will not merely send you many CV’s, we have continued to be successful by sourcing, screening and interviewing Consultants ourselves prior to them meeting the client. That way we present the client with only 2 or 3 quality candidates for interview. We ensure that these Consultants want the position, are skilled, and are able to fill the role. Visas are checked when necessary and any relocation or commuting considerations are fully understood. We appreciate that the client’s time is valuable and offer a service where we deliver based specifically on the client’s needs. The client can then make a decision knowing that each Consultant is capable, available and affordable to perform the role.

We also offer a fully retained service, which allows the client to have first choice of all Consultants sourced by SAPhire International LTD for the specific role; this is the preferred choice of many of our major clients.

As a business, we take honesty, integrity and ethics very seriously and as such, we abide by the REC code of conduct.

About us

SAPhire International Limited was founded by people who understand SAP and recruitment. Our senior management team include former Managing Director of two SAP centric recruitment companies, an Ambassador for ABSCO, 2 Fellows of the Institute of Recruitment Professionals, a former Vice President of JP Morgan and a qualified Chartered Accountant.

There is a combined SAP recruitment experience of over 25 years in the team, going right back to the R/2 days.

We believe in total honesty and integrity and always treat people as we would like to be treated ourselves.

We are the ethical recruitment consultants.

Finding us

Our offices are located at:

Riverside House
River Lawn Road
Tonbridge
Kent
TN9 1EP

Click the map to find us using Google Maps.

Our Services

Here at SAPhire International Limited we believe in delivering solutions tailored to our client’s needs.

We offer retained executive search for those hard to find SAP specialists or senior executives and contingency recruitment for the day to day hires needed by all companies

The executive search profession has two distinct fields, retained executive search and contingency search. Retained search firms such as SAPhire are paid a retainer fee to locate and evaluate potential internal or external candidates for a senior level position.

Search consultancies are often entrenched in particular market sectors, in our case SAP. Their market sector networks are used along with various methods to seek candidates for a particular job. Normally the individuals are not actively seeking a new job. It is the job of the search consultant to approach these individuals with a view to taking them out of their current company and placing them in another, often a competitor.

The service is paid for by the client company or organization, not by the hired job candidate. Potential job candidates are identified, qualified and presented to the client by the executive search firm based upon fit with a written or verbal Job Specification developed in conjunction with the client. Assessing degree of potential fit of the candidate with the job specification is a key activity for the search firm, since the most common reason a search consultant is engaged by a client company is to save time and effort involved with identifying, qualifying and reviewing potential candidates for specific leadership positions.

It is common for a potential candidate to be identified by the search firm via a telephone call. Often the phone call is the result of a recommendation from someone inside the existing network of the search firm. Quality oriented search firms work hard at cultivating and continually updating their network of contacts so that when a search assignment is awarded they will be ready to start recruiting potential candidates. Another way to identify potential candidates involves search firm "research", which is contacting targeted people in specific companies who appear to fit the job profile in some logical manner. Some of the best candidate referrals come from people who could be candidates for the job themselves but for any number of reasons are not interested at that particular time.

Job seekers who qualify for senior-executive level searches often mistake executive recruiters for career transition, or "outplacement" specialists. Here at SAPhire, we do not do this, we use a specialist company called Mayfair International Resources Limited. Executive recruiters work for their client companies. They do not actively place out-of-work individuals. This would not only be a conflict of interest, it would also be financially unwise. A job seeker does not pay a recruiter when he lands a job. The client company pays the recruiting firm when it fills a position. This nuance is lost on many. It may be worthwhile to contact executive search firms if you qualify, but do not expect them to take time out of their schedule to talk with you or see you. They are driven by their specific assignments for their clients: they find people for roles, not roles for people. Executive search consultants can be "career makers" for some individuals, but for most, this will not be the way they will find their next role.

We offer contractors to fill the “needed now” talent shortages often experienced by new projects or upgrades.

Our contract recruitment services enable you to quickly source specialist SAP consultants without compromising on quality. Hundreds of contractors register with us every month and we have access to over 10,000 SAP contractors via our partnership network.

We also offer interim management for short to medium term business improvement or to cover in the event of maternity or illness.

Finally, we have a consulting partnership agreement where we are able to introduce you to some of the very best specialist consulting companies in the world.

Uniquely we can also provide our own employees and associates for a wide range of SAP contract and consulting positions. This provides an added level of quality assurance.

The Team

Now that you know a bit about our company, here's a bit about us.

Stephen Hall FIRP, Managing Director and owner

Stephen started his career in the early eighties and worked in the world of IT for eight years at Reuters and The London International Stock Exchange.

He moved to recruitment within IT in 1988 and was managing and mentoring a team of twenty recruiters just 4 years later. In 1997 Stephen founded Sapphire Consulting International (a niche recruitment company) and built the business to £3.75 Million in sales over just two years. He sold Sapphire as a going concern to James Caan (now of Dragons Den fame) and subsequently founded the Method Group which he grew to a multi million pound international operation over 4 years. He trained all of the recruiters in executive search and all were highly successful. Subsequently he became CEO of Berkeley International Plc., where he built a significant business. Since then Stephen has worked as an interim Management Consultant for several recruitment companies and spent a year in Switzerland with The Albany Group, facilitating the deployment of SAP contractors on an international basis.

Stephen has helped over 200 recruiters to beat their targets through training and mentoring.

Gary Cockerill, Business Development Consultant

Gary originally worked in the technology industry in the mid 80’s and was involved in numerous high profile projects such as the satellite GPS systems and the original cellular mobile networks.

Having been active in a number of market sectors he has spent the last 10 years working in both Europe and the US in the IT and communications industry. He has worked as a Consultant and has also directly managed the sales and marketing teams for a number of Global Systems Integrators, Manufacturers and Resellers.

Formerly a Director at Fujitsu he was responsible for £10.0 million revenue stream that encompassed all of the Central Government direct business. Gary has extensive commercial and technical experience across multiple software and hardware platforms as well as emerging Cloud based technologies.

Shaun Rogers, Finance Director & Company Secretary

Shaun Rogers is the Managing Director of High Finance Group, having played an instrumental role in establishing the company in 2003. Shaun is also Finance Director and Company Secretary of Saphire International Ltd. He is involved in all company decisions including the employment of new staff.

Shaun is a widely connected and knowledgeable individual, with an extensive business network.

Shaun gained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Accountancy from University College of North Wales and later qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Ernst and Young.

A father of two, Shaun is dedicated to his family. He plays cricket, football and golf and promotes youth sport.

Simon Long, Senior Consultant

Simon joined SAPhire International LTD in 2009 after being approached by Stephen Hall FIRP, the Managing Director. Simon had been running his own business since 2003, which he has since sold as a going concern. He sources and places SAP candidates for medium size businesses to large multinational clients on a pan-European basis. He also has relationships with consulting companies in the UK and central Europe. Simon is well versed in business practice and ethics and seeks to build long term relationships with his client base. Simon adheres to the company ethos of treating people as he would like to be treated.

Kadi Debbah, Senior Consultant

Kadi joined SAPhire International Ltd in early 2010 as a researcher. Since then she has been promoted to Associate Consultant, Consultant and currently holds the position of Senior Consultant. Kadi was fairly new to the world of SAP executive search, however has cemented strong ongoing client relationships with her predominantly Swiss customer base.

She initially received extensive consultancy training to REC standards on both internal and external courses. Her current role is to source and place SAP consultants for medium size businesses to large multinational clients on a Pan-European basis. Kadi is bilingual in French and English. She is building a SAP client base across Europe.

Kadi has provided solutions to some very difficult SAP recruitment projects with tight budget and time constraints. Recently Kadi has been visiting Switzerland to further cement her excellent relationships there. Kadi adheres to the company ethos of treating people as she would like to be treated.

Hayley Griffin, Associate Consultant

After completing her further education, which included a qualification in Human Resources, Hayley joined the commercial world working for a prestige business centre in central London.

She moved on to an administrative role in a major recruitment consultancy dealing with many issues, including compliance and HR.

Hayley then became a recruiter for an educational recruitment consultancy where she experienced considerable success before leaving to join Saphire International in the role of Associate Consultant in 2011.

Hayley focuses on the UK SAP market and is currently working with some household name clients.

Careers at SAPhire

Working at SAPhire is unlike working for the majority of recruitment or staffing companies. We say what we mean and mean what we say, so there is no ambiguity as we move forward in our partnership.

Our people are our business and as such we treat them with the respect and dignity that they deserve.

Our salary structure is the same for everyone so no nasty surprises.

Our bonus structure is simple. We take the cost of you salary, national insurance, and office costs as you’re “cost of employment”. Once you have achieved this, we pay you 20% up to £10,000 in fee income per month and 25% over £10,000 in fee income. We do not cap bonus so it is up to you how much you earn.

We have a clearly defined career path which is as follows: Salaries are 2010 levels.

We also from time to time hire administrators and researchers; we do not have defined salaries for these roles, so they can be negotiated at interview.

Current Vacancies:

Please contact us using the contact form here.

Employee Benefits:

• Full training will be provided in executive search and SAP.
• Stake holder pension scheme with matched contributions by the company after 6 months of continuous employment.
• 20 days paid holiday per year, increasing by one day for each completed year of service up to a maximum of 25 days.
• Generous and uncapped bonus structure.
• Quarterly staff incentives for achieving targets.
• Company funded Christmas meal and outing.
• A structured career, with defined goals to reach promotions and pay rises.
• Employee share ownership scheme available after 12 months of continuous service.
• All expenses incurred in the day to day performance of your duties will be paid under our expenses policy.
• Six monthly performance appraisel for each employee.
• We treat our people as we would like to be treated.
• SAPhire International Ltd is an equal opportunities employer.

Office hours:

Monday to Thursday 08.45 - 17.30 with one hour for lunch.

Friday 08.30 - 16.30 with one hour for lunch.

It may be that you are expected to work outside or beyond these hours in the performance of your duties, however, we are a flexible company that understands that you have a life outside of work.

Contact us

You can use this form to contact us. You might like to know we are fully registered and compliant with the Data Protection Act 1998 (Registration PZ1865965) and will never disclose any information to third parties without your consent.

Links & Partners

CNA International

CNA has been operating since 1995 and successfully combining specialist Executive Search processes with their unique CABS® methodology to provide their clients with the best talent available. CNA are part of the Pertemps Group. SAPhire International is the chosen SAP specialist division of CNA International.

Pertemps Group

Since 1961 their growth has been spectacular. From their roots in the West Midlands the company has developed into a national organisation with branches from Edinburgh to the Isle of Wight. This year their turnover is anticipated to be in excess of £240 million and they employ nearly 1000 permanent staff and payroll in excess of 20,000 flexible workers per week.

Accurity

Accurity offers a comprehensive permit, payrolling and management service for freelancers working on contract. Accurity is run by an experienced team of professionals who are familiar with the challenges associated with freelancing and know what is important to contractors, agents and clients. They are committed to providing the best retention rates possible to contractors and consistently provide the best value in the business and only partner with agencies committed to high professional standards

Accurity manage all of Saphire International's Swiss based business

Mayfair Coaching Practice

Mayfair Coaching Practice was formed after recognising that individuals and companies perform better from being coached. This enhanced performance translated into better business practices, improved customer relations, and increased employee motivation and loyalty, which combine to produce significantly better business results and a much happier personal connection with life and its fulfilments.

Mayfair Coaching Practice was developed in collaboration with people at the very top of their profession.

The Mayfair team comprises Psychologists, Sport and Performance Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Psychoanalysts, Master Coaches, Internationally Accredited Career and Personal Development Coaches, Hypnotherapists and NeuroLinguistic Programming Practitioners. Together with a significant team of career coaches at both junior and senior levels. They also have experienced directors of finance, Chartered Accountants, Tax specialists and Business Professionals to assist those who choose to open business, buy Franchises or seek self employment.

SAPhire International works closely with Mayfair when long-standing SAP Consultants require new career paths and outplacements.

Endorsements

"Stephen is an expert in the world of SAP recruitment. Stephen has a broad and deep knowledge of his market place and is extremely well networked. He has an unflinching commitment to delivering to his clients and SMEs and contractors. I recommend Stephen as an invaluable resource to your SAP project or as a source to find a new engagement."

Kenny McAllister, Director, Business Services Group

"Stephen is a consultant who has a vast network of contacts within the industry. This along with his entrepreneurial drive and ability to keep on top of the key issues affecting the market, have enabled him to become extremely talented in building lasting relationships."

Stephen Davey, Account Manager, Top-Consultant.com

"Stephen is very talented & energetic man. When it comes to delivering a task, he applies himself in & out to complete that with utmost care. He is a learned man & always gives best advice."

Pradeep Yadav

"Stephen, along with his colleague Chris Willard put a lot of effort into helping me gain employment at my current company. It is a fantastic job and they went above and beyond the call of duty helping me through every step."

James Roberts

"Stephen Hall is very efficient in fulfilling client’s requirements and is very on the ball where skills and experience is concerned in placing candidates in high level positions. Stephen is reliable, conscientious and a hard worker who forever strives to reach his goals within the recruitment sector."

Karen Turner, Client Service Director, Mayfair Coaching Practice Ltd

"Steve yet again proved his exceptional knowledge and capabilities within the recruitment industry, continuing our long recruitment partnership. Always a pleasure to work with and am sure we will do so again in the future."

Chris Willard, Director, Aimselect

"Stephen is an experienced recruitment professional with a wealth of knowledge and a strong customer focus. Stephen and I have known each other professionally for some time and I can thoroughly recommend his professionalism and integrity"

Jonathan Nardinochi, Director, Aimselect

"Stephen brings a wealth of recruitment and management experience to any venture he is associated with. I attended client meetings with Stephen and his questioning and closing techniques were both instinctive and incisive. I would recommend Stephen as a trainer, business developer and evangelist in the staffing industry. His integrity and honesty puts him head and shoulders above the majority."

David Bridge, Director, Mayfair International Resources

"Stephen is a vastly experienced Recruitment expert. With 15 years knowledge in the field he has a strong hand on the bigger picture. He understands completely how to make a business deal or partnership work and how to continue that through with excellent account handling and relationship building skills.

Stephen can walk through the door and make a quick impact by securing PSL's and retained business with the specified clients that he wishes to work with.

Stephen has grown companies from scratch, ran them and sold them in this space. He is FREC qualified and has excellent due diligence and attention to detail with legalities, financials, cash flows and strategy.

He also has excellent networks and contacts with the industry both in other Recruitment companies and clients alike.

I very much look forwards to seeing and being part of the continued impact that Stephen brings to our firm."

Craig Milbourne, Operations Manager, Consulting Point

"Stephen is a highly motivated professional with a real depth of recruitment services understanding. He is technically adept and driven to develop his team through providing best practice solutions to his clients at all levels of their corporate development. Should you either be a professional in IT services seeking a new career challenge or an organisation in need of securing quality technical services personnel, I thoroughly recommend getting in contact with Stephen."

Graeme Elkin, Operations Manager, Consulting Point

"Stephen is one of the most seasoned and respected recruiters in the European ERP marketplace. Having spent over 10 years in the industry he has built up an an extensive network with candidates and clients, a reputation of integrity and professionalism along with in-depth knowledge with ERP vendors and leading SAP consultancies across Switzerland and the UK. In addition he's a lovely bloke and naturally creates rapport, morale and energy with people he's around."

Fraser Riddington, Principle Consultant, Horizon Resources Worldwide Ltd

"Stephen is a versatile individual with expertise and knowledge in several areas of business. He is also very personable and articulate in conveying new business ideas and presenting a fresh approach when required. A pleasure to work with."

Stephen Cooper, Director, Kredus International Consulting Ltd

"Always professional with almost unparalleled business experience, Stephen is a valued contact who I would recommend to any SAP professional."

Simon Baker, Search Consultant, Bowden Mayes

"Stephen has proved reliable and innovative. He has helped us challenge some of our recruitment decisions and come up with some alternative approaches that have worked out well for us.

I have known Stephen for many years now and would not hesitate to recommend him."

Stan Cawsey

"Stephen has always displayed that mixture of passion and intelligence that marks him out as being both credible and professional. Over the years I have known him, he has been reliable, trustable and highly proficient. I am happy to provide further information at any time."

Del Hunter, Director, SSR Personnel Services Limited

"Having worked alongside Steve at The Alexander Mann Group under a James Caan "umbrella" company, I can thoroughly recommend him as a proactive, personable and hardworking professional who extracts the maximum from both his team and colleagues.

Really nice guy, too!"

Mark Pickering, Business Manager, Alexander Mann Associates

"Saphire International contacted me with regard to a role at Chartis Insurance. The role was explained in detail to me, the selection and interview process was clear and concise. The interview took place as planned and I was offered the contract which has since been extended. Simon Long is a good communicator who kept me informed of the progress throughout the whole time. He also called a few weeks later to ensure the contract was proceeding as planned and that I was happy with the position. He and the business are extremely professional and I would recommend them to anyone who is searching for a new freelance or permanent position within the SAP industry. Thank you for your efforts."

Shlok Sharma

Press releases & News

SAPhire International Ltd featured by recruitment-international.co.uk