Anyone who speaks with Josien Cool quickly notices where her strength lies: a genuine interest in people. No polished sales pitches, but honest conversations and relationships built on trust. In her role as Senior Account Manager Offshore, she moves daily between clients and crew members, where the human aspect is what truly makes the difference.
From junior consultant to senior account manager
Josien has now been with TOS for almost 16 years. She started as a junior consultant, without a background in the maritime sector. ‘I did have experience in client contact and knowledge of labour law, but the offshore world was completely new to me.’
Over the years, she grew into her current role, taking responsibility for several key accounts. What started with recruitment and operational tasks gradually developed into a role with more client contact, advisory work and strategic involvement. ‘In the beginning, you mainly focus on recruitment and operational tasks. Gradually, your role shifts more towards client contact, advisory work and thinking along at a strategic level.’
Today, she works closely with clients such as Seafox, spending time on site and collaborating directly. ‘We really sit at the table together. Especially with larger projects, you are involved from the very start: what is needed, how are we going to approach it, and which people are the right fit?’
Over the years, TOS has grown considerably, but the culture has remained the same: approachable, involved and supportive. We share knowledge, help each other and work together to achieve the best results for our clients and crew members. That team spirit makes a real difference.
Contact and collaboration
For Josien, the job is no longer just about filling positions. Offshore projects can be complex and fast-moving, which makes clear communication and trust even more important. ‘It’s much more about how you deal with people. If you are genuine and stay true to yourself, people sense that. That’s how trust is built.’
‘You don’t have to be a typical salesperson to do this job well. It’s not about who speaks the loudest, but about listening, understanding and doing what you say you will do. Clear communication is essential. People appreciate honesty, and that helps you build long-term relationships.’
She sees the impact of this approach in practice. By maintaining regular contact and being transparent, even when circumstances change, relationships become stronger over time. ‘You really build a connection, a relationship where you understand each other and know what is going on.’
A broad range of roles
Offshore recruitment is highly dynamic, partly due to the wide variety of roles involved. ‘We cover many different positions: from offshore installation managers and superintendents to engineers, mechanics, electricians and everything in between.’
The composition of the crews also makes the work interesting. ‘On a vessel, you are dealing with complete teams, from technical roles to catering. That means you are involved on multiple levels within a project.’
Working with people worldwide
What makes the job particularly interesting for Josien is the people she works with. ‘Seafarers are open and direct. That dynamic not only makes the job more enjoyable, but also more meaningful. You stay in touch through WhatsApp, photos they share, short updates in between. You become part of their world in a way.’
The international aspect of the work plays a big role as well. ‘You work with so many different cultures. It really enriches the job. People are often genuinely grateful when you help them find the right position, and that motivates me to go the extra mile.’
The strength of TOS
Within TOS, she recognises the same down-to-earth and committed way of working. ‘We’re not all the same type of person, and that’s fine. But we do share the same foundation: knowledge, trust and collaboration.’
According to her, that is exactly where the strength lies. ‘Over the years, TOS has grown considerably, but the culture has remained the same. People are approachable, genuinely involved and always willing to help each other. We have a lot of knowledge and experience within the team. We share ideas, support one another and work together to achieve the best result for our clients and crew members. That team spirit makes a real difference.’
Continuing to develop
Even after all these years, Josien remains motivated to grow. Building new collaborations is something she particularly enjoys. ‘I would love to develop a client or project from the very beginning and help it grow. That process is what I enjoy most.’
Looking ahead, she also sees opportunities on a personal level. ‘Travelling more for work would definitely be interesting, but it has to fit with life at home.’
Work that continues to inspire
What keeps the job enjoyable and interesting is the combination of people, dynamism and substance. Not every project goes exactly as expected. You are constantly working with different clients, crews and projects, while continuing to learn along the way. Every time, I find myself thinking: what a unique world this is.
That feeling is exactly what keeps her motivated. ‘As long as you keep learning, meeting new people and building something together, it remains a truly rewarding job.’
