David Semple

Job Title: Commercial Director, Middle East (United Arab Emirates, Dubai)

Why are you interested in hiring young VIE?

From Dubai, we look after some very specific and challenging markets in the Middle East. I found it difficult to find local people with the right kind of experience and mindset for such markets. The VIE formula allows me to bring to the team some young, motivated and flexible people, who are willing to learn and who can be taught the Manitowoc way of doing business. Dubai is a rather attractive destination, so we have been able to find excellent, multi-cultural VIE candidates, who have become permanent employees of the company.

How did you organize the first semester of the VIE recruit?

Once the hiring process is over, success depends on a solid training program – no different to the one we organize for long-term employees. In Dubai, we implemented a two-month training program with 10 months follow up to make sure the VIE is fully operational. We invest a great deal of time and effort to coach the VIE in order for them to become a valuable team member.

Any additional comments you like to share?

For the young graduate, the VIE program is a way to kick-start a career with a high level of responsibility and interesting challenges. The VIE program should therefore be seen as a first step into the professional environment.