Client Overview

A growing property business in London's Canary Wharf area was seeking strategic expansion. Previously, the director personally handled sales and lettings responsibilities, but business growth necessitated specialised leadership.

The Challenge

The client needed to recruit their first-ever Sales Manager—a critical senior appointment and significant milestone for the business. The director needed someone capable of managing day-to-day office operations while driving sales performance. The talent pool in Canary Wharf with appropriate expertise was limited, with most qualified professionals already settled in stable positions.

Our Approach

We implemented a comprehensive strategy focused on identifying and securing the ideal candidate:

Talent Mapping: We conducted extensive mapping of the Canary Wharf property market to identify professionals with the specific expertise required, including those not actively job-seeking but potentially open to the right opportunity.

Consultative Process: Our team personally interviewed each potential candidate, evaluating both technical capabilities and cultural alignment with the client's values and vision. This thorough vetting ensured only the most suitable professionals reached the client.

Network Activation: We leveraged our extensive industry connections and referral network to access candidates not visible through traditional recruitment channels, tapping into the hidden job market.

Leadership

Our senior consultant led this executive search, bringing significant experience in property sector recruitment and a deep understanding of the unique dynamics of the Canary Wharf market. Their consultative approach ensured alignment between client expectations and candidate career aspirations.

Results

• Achieved 100% shortlist-to-interview conversion rate, demonstrating precision in candidate selection
• Successfully placed a candidate who has now completed three months with consistently positive feedback
• Facilitated negotiation of a compensation package commercially viable for both client and candidate
• Enabled the director to focus on strategic business development by confidently delegating operational management

Key Success Factors

Our tailored approach to this challenging brief demonstrated the value of deep market knowledge and relationship-based recruitment in accessing hidden talent. The successful placement has accelerated the client's growth trajectory while establishing a foundation for future organisational development.