Loo roll maker is flushed with success of new recruitment tool

Deployment of recruitment portal helps attract talent to maker of Velvet toilet roll

Attracting new talent is a priority for SCA

Multinational manufacturer Svenska Cellulosa Aktibolaget (SCA), best known in the UK for its Velvet toilet paper and Plenty kitchen roll, has implemented a new electronic recruitment package from StepStone, to reduce costs and speed up the process of getting recruits started in their new jobs.

StepStone’s i-Grasp system will provide both external and internal candidates with a single platform for job applications.

SCA can use the system for the whole candidate selection process, including posting job advertisements, accepting and reviewing candidate applications online and managing interview logistics.

I-Grasp is fully integrated with SCA’s corporate web site and intranet, and lets applicants register for email alerts about future vacancies within SCA.

The system is expected to enable SCA to reduce its spending on recruitment agencies and advertisements in the press, said Caroline Brent, human resources operational development vice president at the company.

“Obviously cost is an issue, but another big reason is having something that fits with your company culture,” she said. “We wanted to drive more effective recruitment by establishing an open market for all available jobs across the company.”

Previously, the company has had a static external portal, where candidates could register interest, but it was slow to update and did not generate automatic responses.

The global economic downturn has heightened the need for firms to become better recruiters, said Brent, as the pressure to attract the most talented staff intensifies.
In future, SCA plans to extend the use of the system to include the reporting of recruitment activities, and may look to integrate the system with online job boards.