Cases
In a nutshell
Attract experienced store managers in a highly competitive retail market
Target scarce talent already working in similar roles at other grocery retailers
Fill urgent positions in specific geographic locations requiring precise regional targeting
Multi-platform digital campaign combining Meta and Google Ads with LinkedIn automation
AH Matchmaker interactive quiz to engage and pre-qualify candidates
Authentic storytelling using real store manager testimonials and team photos from actual locations
Strategic A/B testing revealing group photos outperformed polished individual shots
259 quality applications in 6 months from experienced retail professionals
33% conversion rate for the AH Matchmaker campaign
9.6% visitor-to-application conversion rate
90 "supermatches" from the right talent pool, including managers from competitor chains
The challenge
Albert Heijn Peeters-Govers needed experienced store managers for specific locations where hiring was most urgent. The challenge centered on attracting professionals already working in similar roles at other grocery retailers, a scarce talent pool that traditional recruitment methods struggled to reach effectively.
The company required candidates with proven retail experience who understood grocery operations and could lead teams from day one. Geographic requirements for specific store locations demanded precise regional targeting to connect with qualified professionals in the right areas.
Our mission was clear:
Build a consistent flow of qualified applicants for store management roles across Belgium
Reduce time-to-hire by targeting candidates proactively, not passively
Increase conversion rates by creating recruitment touchpoints that felt personal, not transactional
Establish a repeatable digital methodology that Albert Heijn Peeters-Govers could scale across future hiring campaigns
Digiti developed a recruitment campaign built on three core elements: targeted paid advertising across Meta and Google platforms, automated LinkedIn outreach through a current store manager's profile, and the AH Matchmaker, an interactive quiz tool.
The approach recognized that retail managers needed multiple meaningful touchpoints before considering a career move. Close collaboration between design, marketing, and strategy teams ensured authenticity throughout, emphasizing real stories and genuine workplace environments over polished corporate messaging.
The campaign architecture centered on three interconnected elements working in concert to reach and convert experienced store managers.
We launched targeted ad campaigns across Meta and Google display networks, ensuring candidates encountered Albert Heijn Peeters-Govers multiple times across their digital journey. Using the "rule of 7 touchpoints" (the idea that people need to see a message about seven times before they take action), we maximized recall and trust before asking for action.
Our creative approach was simple but powerful: real store managers, not stock photos. Activating copy that spoke directly to retail professionals. And reassurance messaging about support, training, and growth opportunities. We A/B tested everything to keep cost-per-application low and performance high.
We deployed a LinkedIn outreach strategy targeting passive candidates at competitors like Jumbo, Carrefour, JBC, and hospitality brands. But instead of generic recruiter spam, we used the profile of Alexander, a real store manager at Albert Heijn Peeters-Govers. Peer-to-peer recruitment that felt personal, not automated. Once engaged, candidates landed on a dedicated page designed to inform and convert.
Here's where we got creative. We built a custom "Matchmaker" experience that qualified leads before they even hit the formal application process. Candidates answered a few questions about their experience, ambitions, and fit. Based on their responses, we identified "supermatches," candidates with exactly the right profile.
This did two things: it attracted passive talent who might never have applied through a traditional job board, and it pre-qualified candidates, saving HR time while improving match quality. Each campaign was geo-targeted to specific hiring stores for maximum relevance.
259
Applications in just 6 months
33
%
Conversion rate for the Matchmaker campaign
90
"Supermatches" identified
But beyond the metrics, here's what mattered most: Albert Heijn Peeters-Govers's HR team was thrilled. They weren't drowning in irrelevant CVs. They were having real conversations with real candidates who actually understood the role. The Matchmaker became their favorite tool because it brought them people who otherwise wouldn't have raised their hand.