Expediting a search but leaving no stone unturned

Executive summary

Our case study takes us to South Africa, a highly unique market where the client, following the move of its current regional GM to its US operation, needed to backfill this important position and quickly. 

Finding a GM is a challenging task in itself but finding a candidate with the industry knowledge, understanding of the country’s socio-economic and business landscape and a track record for growing a business required the unique Kestria touch.

With the above in mind it, employing leadership with the right understanding of both the socio economic as well as the business landscape and to be able to thrive within it is something that most multinationals in the area struggle with and takes time to come to grips with. 

The challenges

A swift path to success with clear expectations 

Given the complexity of the market for the hire, our rapport with the Client and gaining their trust was more important than ever.

1.

The financial point

The salary benchmark was significantly higher than the client anticipated, which resulted in a lot of discussion and consultation about market-related remuneration.

2.

Small pool of candidates

A further unusual factor was the smaller shortlist than we would generally produce, given the limited size of the market.

3.

Time pressure

A short and strict timeline also put some pressure on us to deliver so expectations had to be clearly set. 

To ensure we were driving the project at the required pace, we held weekly meetings with our talent touchpoint and bi-weekly meetings with the regional head of the business, providing regular feedback on our progress and enabling them to meet with interesting candidates faster. 

The candidate availability challenge coupled with the task of convincing candidates to leave their current organization to join the client was communicated at all times so they were always clear on the difficulties and what could be expected given what we were up against.

The human approach to goal attainment 

Despite the prospect of a smaller candidate pool and the possibility of a lack of interest on the side of the strongest candidate to change jobs, Kestria managed to exceed all expectation, first by identifying and then securing a GM who was delighted and excited to make the move to the Client. Kestria took on this challenge and set an equally exciting one for the new GM that they were ultimately very excited to take on.

Until there is no stone to turn

The true marker of success is when the outcome goes beyond all expectations and through tireless efforts to meet the needs of our clients, Kestria continues to outdo itself. Our belief in partnership and the human touch is how we build lasting trust and presence with those who seek our services. 

Our global partners know that we have an ear to the ground and local knowledge to ensure no stone is left unturned when we search in a challenging territory, even one as unique and complex as South Africa.