The Brief
We were engaged by a global engineering consultancy to appoint a senior leader within one of its most technically specialised business areas. The role was central to the group’s growth plans following a recent acquisition and required an individual who could integrate teams, shape strategy, and lead commercial development.
This was not a typical hire. The brief called for a rare combination of deep technical expertise, leadership experience, and a strong commercial mindset. The successful candidate also needed fluency in two languages and the ability to travel extensively while being based full time in a less prominent European location.
The Challenge
The client’s internal team had already been actively searching for over 12 months. They had partnered with local agencies and undertaken their own outreach campaigns, but after a year of effort, they had only interviewed three candidates. None met the full brief. The market was proving exceptionally limited.
Our Approach
We worked in close collaboration with the internal talent team, not as a replacement but as an extension of their effort. From the outset, we sought to fully understand the technical nuances of the role, the strategic objectives behind the hire, and the cultural fit required.
Our approach included:
- International market mapping across both direct and adjacent sectors
- Targeted outreach through specialist forums, sector networks, and confidential recommendations
- Ongoing market feedback to refine expectations and align on candidate profiles
- Clear communication throughout to ensure a seamless candidate and client experience
We remained committed even as the search took longer than anticipated. By maintaining focus, refining the narrative, and staying aligned with the client’s evolving view of the market, we were able to move the process forward.
Key Stats
- 12 months of internal and agency-led search before we were engaged
- 5 highly qualified candidates shortlisted by us
- 1 successful appointment with early start negotiated
- 100 percent retention at six-month milestone
- Outstanding client and candidate feedback
The Outcome
The appointed candidate brought the exact blend of leadership capability, technical credibility, and commercial track record the client was seeking. Already based in Europe, they were able to start earlier than expected, with a reduced notice period. They have since made a strong impact and are viewed as a key asset by the senior leadership team.
Why It Worked
This assignment demonstrated the value of deep sector understanding, close partnership with internal teams, and persistent, insight-led search. By bringing fresh energy and market intelligence to a niche and complex brief, we succeeded where previous efforts had not.