At Van de Groep & Olsthoorn, it’s all about people. Since 1979, we have been connecting leaders with organisations in Technology, Industry & Food – at management, executive and board level. For both permanent and interim positions, nationally and internationally.
We do this with conviction and dedication – because we understand the impact the right person in the right place can have. These are often key roles that shape growth, transformation or continuity. That responsibility drives us every single day.
We specialise in finding entrepreneurial leaders who match not only the ambitions, but also the culture of an organisation. We know the sector, speak the language, and have built relationships that go far beyond a single placement. That’s what defines us.
Curious to see how we can work together? We’d be happy to start the conversation.
Van de Groep & Olsthoorn is a family-owned business with strong roots and a clear view of the future. Since its founding in 1979 by Wim van de Groep, we have grown into a leading Executive Search and Interim Management firm. We focus on management and executive positions in Technology & Industry – and since 2025, also in the Food sector.
What began as a one-man operation has evolved into a dedicated team of experienced consultants, all working toward a single goal: connecting organisations with leaders who truly make a difference. Our focus on Technology, Industry & Food is no coincidence – it’s in our DNA. That background enables us to understand our clients deeply often, just a few words are enough.
In 1997, when a key employee unexpectedly resigned during a busy period, Gertjan van de Groep joined the company. During an informal conversation, he instinctively asked his father, “Shall I do it?” With his background in technical business administration, he was a natural fit – someone with an eye for the work, the people, and the needs of clients. In 2007, Gertjan officially took over from his father. He sharpened the firm’s focus on executive-level placements and strengthened its positioning in the upper end of the market.
More than 45 years after our founding, we continue to evolve. In 2024, we expanded our leadership team with the appointment of Wim de Kruijf (Managing Director) and Bert-Jan de Visser (Director of Operations) – both long-standing, trusted members of the organisation. Together, they are guiding Van de Groep & Olsthoorn into its next chapter, with a continued emphasis on quality, a personal approach, and deep market expertise.
At the start of 2025, we took another step forward. By expanding into the Food sector, we broadened our field of work without compromising on focus or quality. With new consultants who know this sector inside and out, we continue to grow our network – and our impact.
Since 1979, Van de Groep & Olsthoorn has been finding the right Directors, Managers and C-level candidates for positions in the Technology, Industry & Food sectors – both for permanent and interim roles, nationally and internationally. We match entrepreneurial leaders with entrepreneurial companies, with a special focus on mid-sized businesses, family-owned companies and private equity portfolio firms.
Executive Search is a specialised service in which we help organisations find and attract top-level managers and leaders for key positions. Our consultants use their in-depth market knowledge and carefully built networks to identify and proactively approach candidates who are the right match in terms of profile, culture and organisational ambitions.
Interim Management provides temporary leadership support to organisations in need of immediate expertise and experience – for example during a transition, crisis, merger or specific change process. Our interim managers are decisive professionals who act quickly, add immediate value, and deliver both stability and results.
In addition to reviewing the CV and motivation letter, each candidate is assessed through a personal interview with the responsible Consultant. Using a structured, criteria-based interview – supported by the STAR+R methodology – we evaluate whether the candidate is a strong match for the organisation and the specific challenge. Further along in the process, we often conduct reference checks and/or assessments (through our external partner Jan Willem de Seriere) for additional validation.
File Search
The vacancy is shared directly within our carefully built candidate database and extensive professional network.
Direct Search
A targeted search in which our Research Consultants proactively and discreetly approach candidates working in similar or related sectors. Thanks to our deep market knowledge and personal approach, we identify highly qualified professionals who are an excellent match for the role.
Vacancy Marketing
We present each vacancy in a visually appealing way on our website, which attracts over 130,000 visitors annually. In addition, all roles are published on our LinkedIn Company Page (with over 16,000 followers) and supported by a targeted, sponsored LinkedIn campaign to actively reach suitable candidates within the desired audience.
The cost of an Executive Search process is typically based on a percentage of the annual salary for the position. If preferred, we can also work with a fixed fee, providing full transparency on the total cost in advance. The fee is divided into several phases and invoiced according to the progress of the search process.
The duration depends on the complexity of the role and current market conditions. On average, the entire process – from intake to placement – takes approximately 12 weeks.
Van de Groep & Olsthoorn specialises in Executive Search and Interim Management for organisations in the Technology, Industry and Food sectors. We primarily work with mid-sized and larger (family-owned) businesses, production and trading companies, and private equity portfolio firms – both in the Netherlands and internationally.
Van de Groep & Olsthoorn stands out through our deep expertise in the Technology, Industry and Food sectors, and our focus on mid-sized and larger (family-owned) companies and private equity portfolio firms. Since 1979, we have built a strong national and international network of entrepreneurial leaders.
What truly makes us unique is our personal and thorough approach. We don’t just look for the right skills and experience – we take the time to understand your company’s culture and strategy to ensure the perfect match.
Before starting the search, we agree on a guarantee arrangement. If the match turns out not to be as expected within a set time frame, we work closely with the client to find a suitable replacement.
You can easily apply for a position via the vacancies page on our website, where you’ll find an up-to-date overview of available roles. If you see a position that interests you, you can submit your application – including your CV and motivation – directly through the online form.
If there’s no suitable vacancy at the moment, you’re welcome to send an open application. Our consultants will get in touch with you as soon as a relevant opportunity becomes available.
We specialise exclusively in leadership positions – both permanent and interim – ranging from management and executive roles to C-level appointments. These span a variety of functional areas, including general management, commercial, operations, finance, HR, supply chain & procurement, technology, project management, and maintenance & service.
At Van de Groep & Olsthoorn, we assess whether your profile matches a vacancy by comparing your experience, skills and ambitions with the specific requirements of the role. If your background aligns well, one of our consultants will contact you to explore the opportunity further.
If you’re not an exact fit for a particular vacancy, we will keep your profile on file and consider you for future relevant assignments. Our consultants are also always open to having a conversation about your career path and next steps.
The application process typically consists of several phases, including interviews, assessments and reference checks. Throughout this process, you’ll be guided step by step, with each stage carefully tailored to the specific role and organisation. Our consultants ensure everything runs smoothly and provide support wherever needed.
An interview with Van de Groep & Olsthoorn is not just an opportunity to present your experience and skills – it’s also a chance for us to get to know each other. We value understanding who you are as a person, what drives you, and how you apply your leadership qualities in practice. The conversation is an important moment to explore mutual fit and cultural alignment while discussing future possibilities.
It’s also essential to be well prepared for the strategic aspects of the interview. Make sure you are familiar with the organisation behind the vacancy – including its strategic goals, market conditions and current challenges. This will allow you to connect your experience and vision to the company’s specific needs and ambitions.
Applying through Van de Groep & Olsthoorn gives you access to exclusive positions at leading companies in the Technology, Industry & Food sectors. Many of these roles are filled confidentially and are not publicly advertised.
Our experienced consultants guide you personally throughout the application process – from preparation to placement – ensuring you’re well informed about both the position and the organisation.
Yes, you can withdraw your application at any time. Simply contact the consultant handling your case. We fully respect your decision and will ensure the process is handled professionally.
Yes, we provide support and advice during salary negotiations to ensure a fair, appropriate and market-aligned compensation package.
You can subscribe to our mailing list to be the first to hear about new vacancies. We also post all public positions on our LinkedIn page, and you can regularly check our website for the latest openings. Additionally, your profile will be included in our database, which we regularly review to approach suitable candidates for relevant roles.
If you haven’t received a response within a reasonable timeframe, you’re welcome to contact the consultant handling your application. We understand the importance of clarity and will gladly update you on the status of your application and any next steps.
