Client Overview

An established investor, developer, and asset manager sought expertise to optimise their recently acquired commercial portfolio in Birmingham. They required a Finance Director with a rare combination of process-driven methodology and commercial acumen.

The Challenge

This newly created position demanded specific skills to transform inefficiently managed assets into high-performing investments. The regular travel requirement between London and Birmingham significantly narrowed the candidate pool, creating a complex recruitment challenge.

Our Approach

We developed a tailored strategy recognising the specialised nature of the role and geographical constraints:

Talent Mapping: We advised the client that the talent pool would be limited and that securing the right candidate would require swift decision-making and a competitive compensation package. Our dual-location mapping approach targeted qualified professionals in both the London and Birmingham markets.

Consultative Process: Our senior consultant personally led headhunting efforts, engaging candidates with thorough role briefings to qualify their ability and willingness to accommodate the travel requirements. This consultative approach prevented time investment in candidates who couldn't meet this critical criterion.

Executive Search Framework: We activated our extensive network and referral channels to identify finance leaders with experience establishing finance functions from scratch. Our thorough screening process focused on candidates with demonstrable success in commercial investment and asset management environments.

Leadership

Our senior consultant, with a deep understanding of financial leadership roles in the property sector, personally led this assignment. Their expertise in identifying candidates with the right cultural fit and technical capabilities ensured that only appropriate candidates progressed through the process.

Results

• Presented a shortlist of 7 highly qualified candidates
• 5 candidates advanced to the interview stage
• 100% of shortlisted candidates met all technical requirements
• Offered varying experience levels and salary expectations to provide client choice
• Successfully placed an experienced Head of Finance with a track record of establishing finance functions

Key Success Factors

Our comprehensive understanding of both the technical requirements and travel constraints allowed us to overcome a challenging brief. By focusing on quality over quantity and maintaining transparent communication throughout, we delivered a candidate who not only met but exceeded the client's expectations, earning their complete satisfaction with the recruitment outcome.