Scaling IT Talent at Danone

Danone is a global food and beverage business operating in more than 120 countries and serving millions of consumers worldwide.

As its digital transformation programs have developed, so has its need for specialist technology talent. Enterprise systems, data platforms, cloud technologies and cybersecurity all require people with the expertise to support business-critical projects.

Montreal Associates began working with Danone in 2011, initially supplying specialist SAP talent in France. Over the following 14 years, the relationship expanded to support a broader range of technology teams, platforms and international requirements.

Danone needed access to specialist technology professionals to support its digital transformation while maintaining continuity within existing teams.

Its requirements extended beyond SAP into Salesforce, infrastructure, digital platforms, data, cloud, cybersecurity and Microsoft technologies. Supporting these different areas required a recruitment partner that understood both the technical requirements and the wider business priorities.

As Danone explored more flexible global workforce models, including nearshore and offshore delivery, the challenge was to scale internationally while maintaining specialist expertise, project continuity and operational efficiency.

MA’s role was to adapt its support as these requirements evolved, combining local market knowledge with international talent access and flexible engagement options.

As Danone’s technology needs evolved, MA’s support expanded with them, providing specialist expertise while helping existing teams maintain continuity.

• Broader access to specialist talent, growing from SAP recruitment into support across multiple business-critical technologies.
• Continuity within project teams, with contractor extensions helping retain expertise and established business knowledge.
• More flexibility in international hiring, combining local market expertise with nearshore and offshore talent access.
• Engagement models suited to different needs, including specialist contractors, project-based consultants and payroll-supported hires.
• A recruitment partner familiar with the business, building on an established understanding of Danone’s systems and priorities.

2011–2015: Establishing SAP Expertise

The partnership began with SAP recruitment in France, delivering three placements in its first year and expanding to 13 new placements in 2015. This established reliable access to niche expertise supporting Danone’s enterprise systems.

2016–2021: Broadening Technology Coverage

Support expanded into Salesforce, infrastructure, support, and Adobe AEM. In 2021, MA delivered 20 new placements and 33 contractor extensions, adding expertise while maintaining continuity within existing teams.

2022–2025: Supporting Wider Technology Delivery

The partnership broadened across data, cloud, cybersecurity, Microsoft technologies and digital transformation programs. MA delivered 14 new placements in 2022, 24 in 2023, and 22 in both 2024 and 2025.

Montreal Associates adapted its delivery model as Danone’s technology requirements expanded, combining business understanding with access to specialist talent across markets.

Local Market Expertise

MA supported hiring across France and Europe, drawing on local technology talent networks and an established understanding of Danone’s systems, teams, and business requirements.

Nearshore and Offshore Talent Access

Access to established nearshore and offshore talent pools gave Danone additional options for sourcing specialist professionals, increasing workforce flexibility and supporting delivery cost objectives.

International Hiring Support

MA drew on its presence across Europe, North America and Latin America to support international hiring requirements and technology initiatives spanning multiple regions.

Flexible Engagement Models

Support included specialist contract placements, project-based consultants and payroll-supported international hires, allowing the engagement model to reflect different workforce and project needs.