Having consistently delivered talent on previous assignments, we had already built a strong relationship with KitchenCraft. This was a competitive pitch, but we secured exclusivity. Head of Marketing was a new position within the business; a broad role designed to encompass marketing, brand, content and digital. KitchenCraft sought a strong leader with exceptional people and stakeholder management skills in addition to a holistic understanding of both modern and traditional marketing. The greatest challenges of this brief were the breadth of experience required and the blend of strong digital skills paired with traditional marketing and brand. KitchenCraft also required us to work discreetly due to the sensitive nature of the role.

Our first priority was to ensure the assignment was conducted under the strictest confidence, making sure all advertising and communication would not compromise confidentiality. To this end, all candidates in the process received and signed a non-disclosure agreement prior to the disclosure of the client. The search was multifaceted. Andrew Carr reached out to his unparalleled network of senior marketing professionals in the Midlands, approaching both active and passive candidates and obtaining peer referrals. Andrew also utilised the extensive GRG Executive Search database, in addition to targeted adverts, LinkedIn Insights, market mapping software and mobilising a tailored research project internally. Once Andrew had assembled a strong longlist of suitable candidates, he began a three-stage screening process; conducted via Microsoft Teams. He challenged each candidate’s technical capabilities and applied competency-based interview techniques to determine each candidate’s suitability to the role. The client had highlighted the urgency of the assignment and the need to move at pace; the fully-screened shortlist was presented within three weeks of receiving the initial brief. On several occasions, the client required additional information about the candidates, which was gathered and submitted by Andrew accordingly. Several submissions were well known from within Andrew’s network, meaning that Andrew could leverage his previous knowledge of the candidate’s strengths and attributes. Of the five shortlisted candidates, four were invited to a first stage interview, and two at the final stage. Though these interviews were conducted by the client, they were arranged and managed by Andrew, who also provided live feedback to each candidate at each stage. The successful candidate started within two weeks of receiving their offer.

The successful candidate was placed into the business within five weeks of the initial brief. Andrew supported the candidate through their offer, acceptance and resignation process to ensure a smooth onboarding. The post-placement feedback has subsequently been very positive from both the candidate and client and Andrew maintains contact with them regularly. We are actively supporting KitchenCraft with further requirements.