Our Objective: Strengthening Financial Leadership for Growth
Our client, a thriving wholesale/distribution business with an annual turnover in the region of £90 million, sought to enhance its financial leadership to support its ambitious growth plans. The primary objective was to find a dynamic Director of Finance capable of working closely with the Managing Director (MD) and the Board to drive growth, maximise profits, and facilitate the company’s expansion into new markets. Additionally, the ideal candidate would possess the expertise to improve the company’s financial systems and processes. This case study outlines how we successfully met this objective through our tailored approach.
Our Approach: Partnering for Success in a Challenging Market
During this period, candidate applications were not reaching the levels seen before the onset of the Covid pandemic. In response, we heavily relied on our professional network and conducted thorough market mapping to facilitate targeted headhunting. Building on strategic cooperation and adaptability, we recognised the necessity of thoroughly comprehending our clients’ unique needs and challenges prior to commencing the recruitment process.
- Business Partnering: We invested significant time in engaging with our client, gaining an in-depth understanding of their business operations, culture, and the specific profile they sought in a Finance Director. This collaborative approach ensured that our candidate search was precisely tailored to their requirements.
- Network Leverage and Market Mapping: Given the challenging candidate market, we utilised our extensive network and conducted comprehensive market mapping to identify potential candidates. This approach allowed us to uncover hidden talent pools and access candidates who might not have been actively seeking new opportunities.
- Face-to-Face and Teams Meetings: Candidates identified through our network referrals and targeted headhunting underwent rigorous assessments. We conducted both face-to-face and Teams meetings to evaluate their compatibility with the role and the organisation’s culture, ensuring a high-quality shortlist.
- Multi-Stage Interviews: To further assess the suitability of candidates, we designed a multi-stage interview process. Shortlisted candidates advanced to first-stage interviews with the MD and the outgoing Finance Director. Successful candidates proceeded to a second-stage interview with the MD and Commercial Director, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic goals.
Our Results: Successful Placement and Exceptional Feedback
Our dedicated and collaborative approach culminated in a successful placement within eight weeks of commencing the recruitment process.
- Candidate Feedback: The selected candidate provided highly positive feedback, expressing satisfaction with both the recruitment process and the alignment of the role with their career aspirations and expectations.
- Client Feedback: Our client, commended the recruitment process as excellent. They expressed their utmost satisfaction with the outcome and the Finance Director’s immediate contributions to the company’s financial leadership.
- LB Reflection: This case study reflects the value of a thorough and strategic recruitment process in challenging candidate markets. It underscores the significance of partnership between specialist recruitment agencies and clients, demonstrating that collaborative efforts can yield the most successful outcomes that meet both immediate and long-term organisational objectives.
In conclusion, this case study highlights how our tailored approach, encompassing a deep understanding of the client’s needs, network leverage, rigorous assessments, and multi-stage interviews, led to a successful placement and a highly satisfied client and candidate. It emphasises the critical role that strategic recruitment plays in supporting business growth and transformation, even in the most competitive environments.
