Recruitment and selection for Smart Buildings and building automation

An important development within Smart Buildings and building automation is the integration of various building-related installations into a single central building management system. Terms such as GBS, Building Management System, BMS, and Building Automation System are also used for this.

Whereas lighting, climate control systems, access control, fire safety, sun protection, and energy management previously often functioned separately, data and functionalities are now increasingly being brought together within a single platform.

As a result, the building can respond more intelligently to presence, temperature, energy consumption, air quality, daylight, safety alerts, and the use of various spaces.

The integration of building technology is changing the role of account managers, sales engineers, and technical consultants. A professional no longer sells exclusively a light fixture, climate control system, access system, or security solution.

During the consultation, the focus is increasingly on the overall performance of the building. Energy efficiency, comfort, safety, sustainability, ease of use, and the ability to integrate various systems play an important role in this.

As a result, an account manager in lighting deals with topics such as sensor technology, presence, data, energy consumption, and building management systems. A similar development applies to professionals in HVAC, security, and access control.

Recruitment and selection for Smart Buildings involves the targeted finding, assessment, and guidance of professionals active in building automation, Building Technologies, and integrated building systems.

This involves not only looking at job title or general commercial experience. The recruiter must also understand which technologies, sales channels, stakeholders, and project structures a candidate has experience with.

For scarce or senior positions, a vacancy alone is often not sufficient. Many experienced professionals are successful with their current employer and do not actively respond to vacancies. They must be approached personally, substantively, and discreetly.

The Smart Building market comprises commercial, advisory, technical, and managerial roles. The precise terminology varies by organization, technology, and position within the market.

In addition to commercial and managerial professionals, many organizations have a need for technical specialists who configure, integrate, analyze, or advise on building installations.

Think of professionals with experience in control engineering, Building Management Systems, system integration, commissioning, energy management, and the technical supervision of complex building projects.

The ideal candidate often needs to combine knowledge of multiple disciplines. Electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, IT, software, control engineering, and commercial consulting are converging increasingly within Smart Buildings.

At the same time, many experienced professionals have built up their knowledge over several years within specific products, systems, and customer groups. As a result, the number of candidates who directly match a specialist profile is limited.

Due to the limited availability of experienced technical and commercial talent, we see that employers are increasingly competing for the same professionals.

This affects not only the fixed salary. Bonuses, lease budgets, flexibility, remote working options, training budgets, and career advancement prospects also play an increasingly important role in attracting and retaining candidates.

Especially professionals with a combination of technical system knowledge, commercial experience, and a relevant network often have multiple opportunities. An attractive offer must therefore contain more than just a higher salary.

Voltys supports organizations that develop, supply, integrate, install, or advise on technology for intelligent and energy-efficient buildings.

Drawing on our experience in lighting, HVAC, access control, security, building technology, and technical sales, Voltys possesses a network that connects multiple segments of the Smart Building market.

For each assignment, we map out the required technical experience, commercial skills, product knowledge, and market contacts. Next, we determine which organizations and professionals are relevant to the search.

As a result, we are not solely dependent on professionals actively applying. Candidates who are well-suited to their current position but are open to a suitable next step in terms of content can also be reached in a targeted manner.

Smart Buildings bring lighting, HVAC, security, access control, energy management, software, and building data increasingly closer together.

This creates a need for professionals who not only possess technical knowledge but can also provide integrated advice, understand various stakeholders, and translate complex technology into demonstrable value for the building.

With specialized recruitment, selection, and headhunting, Voltys helps organizations reach commercial, technical, and executive professionals within this rapidly evolving market.