Case Study: Tackling A Talent Shortage

Fraser Dove International partnered with an innovative organisation specialising in the development and manufacture of medical and pharmaceutical packaging and solutions. 

Due to growth and acquisition of several other organisations, our client required an automation roadmap that would centralise and tie everything together within the different plants. Our client sought an Automation and Controls Senior Manager to develop a standardised roadmap strategy across these multiple sites. This was a unique opportunity that would allow the successful candidate to prepare the organisation for change and build the roadmap from scratch.

Our client approached Fraser Dove to assist in the search as they were already very aware of the talent shortage within this skill set globally. Not only was there a shortage of Automation talent in the industry, but conducting the search amid the global, coronavirus pandemic meant that many candidates were reluctant to relocate or move jobs in such an uncertain time.

Solution: Primary Search

Due to the levelling of the role and difficult nature of the search, our exclusive search solution – Primary Search – was the perfect fit. This research-heavy, retained solution is designed to find, engage and qualify high-impact talent across geographies and regardless of whether they are seeking new opportunities.

Following the discovery call to understand the requirements of the role, the Assignment Lead, Brett Lofthouse and his team, conducted in-depth assessments of longlisted candidates and compared them against the essential technical skills and personal attributes for the position. From these assessments, Brett delivered a shortlist of 6 exceptional candidates, all with the necessary automation roadmap and hands-on experience. 

The search presented some unique challenges in that it took place in the middle of the global pandemic; candidates were hesitant to relocate and travel restrictions meant that interviews could not take place on-site. Our client was quick to adapt and implement virtual interviews – rather than in person – with 5 of the 6 shortlisted candidates.

The discovery call through to offer acceptance took 13 weeks despite the complications caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Outcome:

What distinguished the winning candidate from the others was his extensive management and technical roadmap experience whilst remaining hands-on. The client was thrilled with the successful candidate’s expertise as well as Brett’s persistence in identifying the ideal candidate amid the pandemic.

While the candidate was initially hesitant to commence a new role due to the uncertain job market, Brett managed to negotiate with the client to make the role remote. The candidate would be able to work from home and travel to the different sites as and when. The candidate was delighted with this new offer that exceeded his expectations and accepted immediately.