The Challenge
Fres-co Systems, a leading packaging solutions company based in Telford, was on the hunt for a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
The stakes were high: they needed someone who could not only elevate their finance function but also manage the nitty-gritty of day-to-day operations.
The catch?
The candidate had to be on-site full-time in Telford, a requirement that significantly narrowed the talent pool.
The Mission
Our mission was clear but daunting. We needed to find a financial wizard who could:
- Uplevel the Finance Function: Bring fresh, strategic insights to the table.
- Board-Level Reporting: Confidently report to the board with authority and expertise.
- Operational Savvy: Roll up their sleeves and improve legacy financial systems and processes.
The Journey
We knew this wouldn’t be a walk in the park. The perfect candidate had to be comfortable with both high-level strategy and hands-on operational work. Plus, they needed to live in the proximity of Telford, PA, USA.
Here’s how we tackled the challenge:
- Broadening Horizons: We expanded our search beyond traditional packaging sectors. We scoured the manufacturing industry, knowing that someone with experience in this field would understand Fres-co’s unique challenges.
- Geographical Focus: We zeroed in on companies within a commutable distance to Telford, ensuring we didn’t miss out on local talent, as well as leveraging our very robust network in the sector.
- Rigorous Vetting: Each candidate was meticulously vetted for their ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution.
The Discovery
After weeks of intensive searching, interviews, and evaluations, we found our unicorn. The ideal candidate emerged from the manufacturing sector, bringing a perfect blend of strategic acumen and operational expertise. This individual had a proven track record of modernizing financial systems and was eager to take on the challenge at Fres-co.
The Result
The new CFO hit the ground running. Her immediate impact was felt in the streamlining of legacy systems and processes – quick wins, as well as laying the foundation for the future. The board was impressed, and the day-to-day operations saw significant improvements.
The Takeaway
This case study underscores the importance of thinking outside the box in executive searches. By broadening our search criteria and leveraging a diverse network, we were able to find a candidate who not only met but exceeded Fres-co Systems’ expectations. It’s a testament to the power of a well-executed search strategy and the importance of looking beyond the obvious to find the perfect fit.
