The Client

A publicly owned, market leading defence manufacturer selling niche defence communications products to over 70 countries worldwide. Selling to Defence OEMs as well as direct to the worldwide military. The Group has a number of manufacturing facilities in Europe supplying the local and international markets. 

The Business Challenge and Role

After the acquisition of a new manufacturing plant in France, Collingwood was tasked with recruiting a new Managing Director with manufacturing and operational expertise. Candidates needed to move an already highly profitable business to the next level through the introduction of Lean manufacturing principles, motivation of the team, sharing best practice and to drive production to meet ambitious growth plans. The Managing Director has full P&L responsibility for the French site and is an integral part of the senior management team. 

The Solution and The Result

Collingwood headhunted into an agreed target list of International manufacturing companies with sites based in France.

A strong shortlist of four was presented with final interviews carried out at the French plant. At the client's request Collingwood supported the CEO and his team by attending all candidate interviews in order to offer guidance, support and up to the minute feedback.