Industry

Food & Manufacturing

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2,500+

Solutions

Talentera Applicant Tracking System

Hiring in a Complex Industrial Environment: SADAFCO’s Journey with Talentera

Since its founding in 1976,SADAFCO (Saudia Dairy & Foodstuff Company) has grown into one of the leading names in the Kingdom’s and the region’s food manufacturing sector. With flagship brands such as Saudia, Ladan, and Crispy, the company has established itself as a market leader in long-life milk and dairy products, while diversifying its portfolio to include juices, tomato products, ice cream, and more.

Behind this growth lies a complex manufacturing operation that relies on cutting-edge technologies, including milk pasteurization and advanced Tetra Pak systems. These processes require not only heavy investment in equipment but also highly specialized talent capable of running sensitive machinery with precision and expertise.

Introduction

Behind every food product that reaches your table lies an unseen story of challenges and tough decisions. In such a highly complex industrial environment, theoretical qualifications alone are insufficient; Sadafco requires employees with direct hands-on experience in operating precise and sophisticated production lines, experts who often already work with direct competitors.

When we sat down with Aws Altaf, HRMS Manager and Talentera Technical Support Lead at Sadafco, we realized we had a rare opportunity to uncover what usually goes unsaid about an industry driven by innovation and precision. We asked him about competition, the scarcity of specialized talent, and how the company ensures production continuity in an environment where mistakes are not an option. And then, we came to the inevitable question: Why Talentera?

The Challenge: Scarce Talent and Intense Competition

In such an environment, theoretical qualifications alone are not enough. SADAFCO needs employees with hands-on experience in running precise and sophisticated production lines, and these professionals are often already employed by direct competitors.

Aws, HRMS Manager and Talentera Technical Support Lead at SADAFCO, explains:

The biggest challenge we face is finding candidates who can operate sensitive equipment like milk pasteurization machines or filling lines. These skills are highly sought after in the market, and most experts are already employed by competitors. That drives competition up and pushes operational costs higher.

The challenges go beyond manufacturing. The sales function is also notorious for its high turnover, as employees frequently receive new offers from the market. This reality makes it essential to have a flexible compensation system and quick solutions for covering vacancies to keep operations running smoothly.

From Paper-Based to Smart Hiring

Before Talentera, recruitment at SADAFCO was entirely manual: job requisitions were filled out on paper, CVs were collected in files, and many were lost or overlooked. Even when using Bayt.com for sourcing, the platform’s role was limited to attracting candidates, while the rest of the process remained manual.

The Impact: Faster Hiring, Higher Quality

Today, with Talentera, SADAFCO has reduced its time-to-fill from up to two months to under three weeks. Recruiters now have instant access to accurate dashboards and real-time data, enabling faster, evidence-based decision-making.

Given the sector’s high turnover, particularly in production lines and specialized technical roles, employee retention has become a strategic priority. SADAFCO actively invests in clear compensation frameworks, ongoing professional development, and stable work environments. With Talentera, the team also benefits from a robust candidate pipeline, ensuring business continuity without panic when vacancies arise.

Beyond Technology: Real Value for People and the Company

Digital transformation at SADAFCO has proven to be more than a productivity booster; it has also elevated the candidate experience. The hiring journey is now structured, transparent, and fully digital—from CV submission to interview scheduling—all through a user-friendly, trusted platform.

Aws summarizes it best:

Technology for us is not just a tool to speed up hiring. Today, we hire faster and more efficiently, while projecting flexibility and attractiveness to candidates. It positions SADAFCO as a modern employer that’s ready for the future.

Conclusion

SADAFCO’s Talentera story demonstrates how a major industrial player can transform structural recruitment challenges in the food manufacturing sector into opportunities for excellence. With every step toward smarter hiring, SADAFCO reaffirms its leadership not only in food production but also in managing the human capital that powers its success.