The Client

A privately owned organisation, our client are the UK's leading manufacturers and suppliers of furniture solution products for adults and children with all levels of physical ability or disability. 

The Business Challenge

Following a management buyout by a number of the board, a new strategy for prolonged growth had been put together by our client. With the current Operations Director approaching retirement the decision had been made to search for a dynamic Operations Director with a real focus on production, to lead the organisation through high levels of change and strive to achieve the growth plans set out in the new strategy. 

The Role

Key areas for this role included the implementation of a world-class manufacturing process, development and recruitment for the team, working with the rest of the senior management team to implement and roll-out the 5-year strategy, strengthen relationships with supply chain and key clients and to develop plans for expansion into foreign markets.

This role was to work across 2 manufacturing sites and so the right candidate needed to be prepared to travel. 

The Solution

Collingwood organised a meeting with the new CEO of the business as well as full tours of both manufacturing sites. From this meeting we were able to give insight into the current market conditions, salary ranges and areas to focus on. Collingwood were then able to draw up a target list of companies, highlighting key companies who historically recruit high calibre individuals. As the company had not recruited for a similar role for a long time, and not since the new management team were in place, we were able to offer a lot of guidance and recommendations for the direction of the search. 

The Result

63 individuals were identified from target organisations using a national search. Collingwood made confidential approaches to all of the individuals and, following qualification, were able to produce a long list of 8 individuals. Following Collingwood’s face-to-face interviews, 4 candidates were presented on a shortlist along with 1 candidate who was sourced by our client. Following a positive interview process, it was decided that the candidate sourced by our client would be offered the position. Collingwood managed the contract negotiations through to a successful outcome.