Overview
Securing top-tier leadership is a critical step for any organization, particularly for companies aiming to drive growth and innovation in niche markets. When a leading private equity-backed company sought a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee operations for their 1,400-employee organization, they turned to our executive recruiters to ensure success. This case study showcases how a methodical executive search and talent-mapping process helped identify a high-impact leader ready to guide the company for the next decade.
Challenge
The search for the ideal COO was not without its difficulties.
Location: The company's headquarters in Madawaska, ME, posed a challenge for attracting top talent, as many candidates hesitated to relocate to this region.
- Candidate Profile: The ideal candidate required significant operational experience but should not be an overly seasoned COO. The company sought someone with room to grow, coupled with a passion for scaling within a private equity environment.
- Niche Expertise: Finding a leader who could balance managerial excellence with strategic foresight, all while fitting into the company’s growth trajectory, narrowed the talent pool even further.
These factors made it imperative to approach the search with precision, leveraging extensive market knowledge and a refined recruitment strategy.
Solutions
Our headhunter team developed a comprehensive plan tailored to meet the client’s unique needs. Here’s how we delivered:
Talent Mapping: Our search began by mapping mid-market pulp and paper companies across the U.S., with a particular focus on neighboring states and regions with similar climates. This created a focused pool of potential candidates.
Targeted Search: We identified 169 target candidates through thorough market research. Out of these, 101 candidates were prioritized for initial outreach. Our executive recruiters evaluated candidates based on their operational expertise, leadership potential, and passion for private equity growth environments.
Streamlined Selection Process: Of the 101 approached, 71 candidates underwent deeper evaluations. We provided the client with a shortlist of 9 highly qualified candidates, giving them a clear path to selecting the best fit for their organization.
Timely Delivery: The entire search process, from initial mapping to final placement, was completed within a 12-week timeframe—demonstrating our efficiency and commitment to delivering results.
Key Services Provided
- Retained Executive Search: Leveraging a specialized executive search process to identify and engage high-impact candidates.
- Consultancy Services: Advising on candidate profiles and market insights to align with the company’s long-term goals.
- Talent Mapping: Providing a comprehensive view of the talent landscape to inform hiring decisions.
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Results
Our tailored approach led to a successful hire that exceeded the client’s expectations:
- 169 target candidates identified through market mapping.
- 101 priority candidates approached, ensuring focused engagement.
- 71 candidates evaluated further to refine the search.
- 9 candidates presented at the shortlist, giving the client a selection of top-tier leaders.
The COO selected not only met the client’s operational needs but also aligned with their long-term vision for growth and success in a private equity environment.
Conclusion
When it comes to identifying transformational leadership, the right executive search partner can make all the difference. Our proven process, led by experienced executive recruiters and headhunters, ensures that companies find leaders who are not only qualified but also aligned with their growth strategy and culture.
If your organization is seeking high-impact leadership or needs support in navigating the complexities of executive recruitment, contact us today. Let us help you build the leadership team that will drive your success for years to come.