A new Managing Director was required due to the planned departure of the current MD.

1. MANAGING DIRECTORREQUIRED DUE TO THE PLANNED DEPARTURE OF THE CURRENT
UK MANAGING DIRECTOR
________
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2. This company has nearly 130 years of history
and it's instantly recognisable product range
continues to be a leader in the sector. Therefore
the organisation has to balance a complex
operation of tradition, innovation, design,
manufacturing, supply chain and export,
within the retail, educational and
commercial markets.
________
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3. The European head office was keen to
appoint an individual who would represent a
safe pair of hands in which to continue the
legacy of growth, transparency and
innovation. The successful applicant would
also support the business through an
ongoing period of cultural change.

4. ________
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Chris Barker, our FMCG consultant, spent time with the
European parent company and the current MD. He wanted to
know what challenges lay ahead, get a true feel for the culture
of the business, and ultimately understand their expectations of
the successful candidate.

5. The owners were keen to expand their search and
look outside of their sector, but their knowledge of
the UK market was limited. Chris provided guidance
and suggested potential aligned sectors where retail
and independent markets provided the right
commercial and operational exposure.
The candidate’s collaborative leadership style; their
ability to communicate, influence and empower,
would be key to a successful appointment. As a
result, it was agreed that psychometric assessments
would form part of our recruitment process.

6. Gaining interest in the opportunity would not be difficult and by advertising the
role we could potentially create a negative brand perception as a result of
disappointing unsuccessful candidates. We felt a headhunt approach, focusing on
companies with a strong values orientated ethos and engaging with our established
network, would deliver the quality of candidates required opposed to quantity.
This approach also allowed us to sensitively manage the candidate’s expectations
when the recruitment process was delayed due to the client’s own internal
pressures.
________
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7. ________
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12 6
Individuals presented
to the clients and
interviewed face-2-
face by Collingwood
Shortlisted
candidates were
interviewed by the
client
Preferred candidate
appointed first time

8. Through significant upfront investment, Collingwood were able to fully understand
our brief, but more importantly the cultural fit of the individuals required. Through
their targeted headhunt approach, along with behavioural profile assessment, they
were able to provide a high calibre shortlist.
At the end of this process, I gained feedback from candidates and senior
management regarding their Collingwood experience, and they all praised the high
level of professionalism and accountability, along with the detailed business insights,
communication and advice they received during the process. It was pleasing to hear
that my team had had an equally positive experience of engaging with Collingwood
and I would highly recommend Collingwood as an Executive Search and Talent
Development partner in the future.
Adrian Ellis, departing Managing Director________
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“
“

9. My biggest frustration with recruitment companies is poor communication. Even if
you aren’t selected for roles its always good to know. Whilst looking for a new role
for the last few months I have been shocked just how bad communication can be. In
this area I think you personally and Collingwood have done a great job. I’ve always
felt that I’ve known what is going on. I felt the original briefing regarding the role
was informative and well presented and I have also enjoyed working with you on
this role. Overall its been a really professional process and I would definitely
consider using Collingwood for future recruitment.
Appointed candidate
________
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“
“

10. ________
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Most recently Collingwood have helped secure senior talent across Sales and
Operations channels to help develop and grow the business further.
Contact Chris Barker, our Executive Search Consultant for
more information:
+44 (0)1829 732374