This week, we’re excited to introduce Chris Scherer, the latest addition to the Key Consulting family. Chris joins us as the Director of our newly established Contract & Temp Management Solutions team. With over nine years of experience in recruitment, Chris brings a fresh perspective and an extensive track record in building successful contract desks across Japan.
We sat down with Chris to learn more about his background, his journey in the industry, and his plans for this new team at Key Consulting.
Q: Tell us more about your background, and how you came to this new role at Key?
A: I grew up in Germany and moved to Japan in 2015 after completing my degree in industrial engineering. Before Japan, I lived in Manhattan, New York, where I worked for Mercedes-Benz in their After-Sales department, focusing on finance and business viability. After relocating to Japan, I entered the recruitment industry, specialising in contract and temporary management solutions.
My career began at a boutique agency, Focus Core Group, where I was the second hire to help set up the contract business. It quickly became the best-performing team. I then moved to one of Japan’s largest agencies, En World, where I became a top performer and led a highly successful team, focusing on Accounting & Finance roles. Most recently, I joined a boutique APAC Executive Search Firm, establishing their contract desk in Japan and expanding my expertise across various functions like HR, Marketing & Sales, IT, and Legal.
What drew me to Key was their people-focused approach and clear vision for the future. Their culture and strategic vision made joining the team an easy choice.
Q: Can you share details about your journey in Contract & Temp management recruitment and what initially drew you to specialise in this area?
A: Interestingly, joining a contract desk wasn’t initially my choice. Early in my career, I was placed in contract recruitment because of my calm demeanour, which they thought would suit the fast-paced, high-pressure environment. And they were right—it turned out to be a great fit for me.
Even though my uncle runs a successful contract business in Germany, I hadn’t considered recruitment as a career path until I came to Japan. I began with Accounting and Finance roles and later expanded to other areas like HR, Marketing & Sales, and IT. I found it fulfilling to help companies manage their fluctuating staffing needs and support professionals in finding rewarding opportunities as independent contractors.
Q: Throughout your career, you’ve experienced starting contract desks. Tell us about your plans with Key Consulting.
A: My experience in building contract desks has taught me a lot about what works and what doesn’t. At Key Consulting, I plan to use this knowledge to build a strong, efficient Contract and Temp Management team. My focus will be on implementing best practices, using real-time market data, and customising our services to suit our clients’ needs.
I aim to create a team that not only addresses immediate staffing needs but also adds strategic value to our clients by helping them navigate the challenges of today’s evolving business environment.
Q: With your well-established background in Contracting, what core strengths are you bringing to Key Consulting as you spearhead this new business unit?
A: I bring a proven track record in establishing and growing contract recruitment divisions, along with a deep understanding of the Japanese market and its unique challenges, such as labour laws. My entrepreneurial mindset and hands-on approach help in getting things up and running, from administrative setup to business development.
Additionally, I believe in strong leadership and collaboration—working closely with my team to drive success. My extensive network of clients and candidates and my experience in supporting functions like HR, Accounting & Finance, Marketing & Sales, and IT will be key assets as we build this new team.
Q: What are you most excited about as you take on the new challenge at Key Consulting, and what unique opportunities do you foresee?
A: I’m most excited about working with my new colleagues and combining our expertise to reach new heights. I’m looking forward to introducing innovative solutions that blend the flexibility of contract work with the high-level expertise associated with executive search, offering a unique value proposition to the market.
The current business landscape, with its economic uncertainties, presents a unique opportunity for flexible staffing solutions. I believe we can help companies manage headcount restrictions, support critical projects, and drive business transformations without the long-term commitment of permanent hires. I’m eager to build something impactful at Key Consulting and to help our clients thrive in this dynamic environment.
