DeltaTek makes a string of appointments and doubles premises

DeltaTek is growing quickly – and it believes that a bit of creativity when it comes to recruitment is the key to its success.

Following the appointment of Chris Johnstone as Operations Supervisor in autumn 2018, DeltaTek has gone on to make a number of hires in its Aberdeen head office including Lori Angus as Business Administrator, Jonas Taverne as Service Supervisor and Gerry Cantwell as Workshop Supervisor.

DeltaTek is in the process of expanding internationally, with an appointment made in the United States, and the company has undergone the process of setting up an entity and recruiting in Norway.

Like most growing businesses, recruitment is key to DeltaTek’s ongoing strategy. However, it takes a slightly different approach to its recruitment. Dave Shand, Chief Operating Officer, is particularly proud of the stance DeltaTek has taken, to employ the right people.

“Our recruitment strategy has been to avoid filling positions quickly, but instead employing the most appropriate people for the role and the company – even if they don’t appear the most obvious choice on paper”, he explains.

“These recruits will play a pivotal role in the future growth of the business, so getting it right was crucial. We knew that there would be plenty of viable candidates, but - unlike so many companies in the industry – experience and qualifications aren’t all that matter to us; personality and attitude is central.”

DeltaTek’s first hire of 2019 was Jonas Taverne, an Electrical Engineering graduate struggling to open the right doors since graduating from Robert Gordon University in 2017. Jonas had been working at B&Q throughout his studies, and stayed on there for a further two years, while applying for positions related to his degree.

“Jonas applied for a position as a Service Supervisor, and as soon as we met with him, it was clear that this was someone who didn’t have a huge amount of industry experience but who did have a fantastic attitude. He was keen to learn and eager to get going, he simply hadn’t been given a chance. We knew right away that he’d be a perfect addition to the team.”

As a young company, DeltaTek has the freedom to do things differently when it comes to recruitment. Traditionally, oil and gas industry candidates are competing against hundreds of other qualified individuals and it can be difficult to get the break required to land them their first role.

On this, Dave commented: “Being a smaller company affords us the opportunity to look beyond the confines of a traditional pool of candidates. We’re growing quickly, but often are reminded of the fable of the Tortoise and the Hare – slow and steady wins the race – and that is true when it comes to our recruitment strategy. Finding the right candidates is key to our growth. We’re still in our infancy, but this feels right for us – we want to help grow the next generation of great engineers.”

As well as a growing team, DeltaTek has signed a lease on additional premises to allow for the expansion in headcount and activity. The new space doubles DeltaTek’s footprint in Dyce and enables the organisation to meet the increasing demand for its services as the business continues to see success in both the North Sea and further afield. 

Tristam Horn, DeltaTek’s CEO, commented: “It’s full steam ahead here. With contract wins and upcoming projects scheduled, the additional space will allow us to turn around our equipment incredibly quickly and continue providing a high-quality, reliable service to our clients.”