Case Studies
Group IT Director – International Multi-Site Retail Group
A leading global retail business had recently gone through a complete review of its Information Technology infrastructure.
Following several key findings from a major consulting firm, it was clear that the IT function needed a unifying leader.
Three very separate divisions within the group were operating independently of each other and as a result IT was not supporting the store operations in an effective and efficient manner.
Buckley & Wallace were instructed to carry out an International search for a Group IT Director. Our first task was to clearly sector map for a change driven IT Director. Working closely with both the Group HR Director and the Group Finance Director, we compiled a truly reflective Assignment Briefing Pack, which enabled target candidates to make an informed decision as to whether they would be up to the challenge of the role.
The search was concluded in under eight weeks from its inception and within two months the successful Group IT Director has already made structural changes to the department that have made a direct impact on the bottom line. He has, working closely with Buckley & Wallace Executive Search and the HR Director, formulated a key strategic plan, resulting Buckley & Wallace Executive Search being appointed preferred supplier.
Property Director – International Gaming Business
One of the UK’s leading gaming businesses with over 50 units within the UK and Europe, operating across a number of well-known brands, all market leaders in their respective segments.
The board identified the need for a concise development strategy going forward to be able to deal with the forthcoming changes in the gaming laws and we were retained to find a Property Development Director.
Working to a strict timetable and closely with the client we drew up a specifically targeted long list, from which our research team started identifying and approaching specific individuals immediately. Interviews were organised from the end of the first week and a shortlist was formed within four weeks of taking the brief.
We identified, evaluated, and presented multiple candidates to the client. The successful candidate was was a senior-level Property Director who had both asset management as well as extensive development experience and appointed shortly thereafter.
European Operations Director – International Multi-Site Retail Group
Buckley & Wallace Executive Search were asked to help source a newly created European role for a leading European retail and wholesale healthcare group.
The role, although primarily based in UK was responsible for the retail operations in several newly entered East European markets.
The group currently operates in 7 European countries on either a wholly owned or joint venture basis with over 300 retail outlets in the region. Eager to take advantage of further expansion possibilities in the European Union, our client decided that it needed to expand its current retail team to include an experienced retail operator with Eastern European experience.
Our client was concerned that as a small, close-knit team, hiring externally may upset the balance within its team members and cause potential disruption amongst the regional offices. It was agreed that the successful candidate would be solidly business-oriented; exceptional at building relationships with internal clients, franchisees, and business; strategic and proactive in providing counsel to senior management; and experienced in managing a geographically dispersed and diverse team of retailers.
Buckley & Wallace Executive Search began by reviewing which UK and European companies provided similar services (healthcare retailing) and discussing this with the client.
On deciding that it would be beneficial to bring in fresh retailing perspectives, Buckley & Wallace Executive Search agreed to look outside of the usual talent pool to seek this talent. Buckley & Wallace Executive Search used our extensive research network and after agreeing a tight timetable with the client presented the shortlist of five fully qualified candidates within five weeks of inception of the search. All the candidates fitted the brief and several spoke more than two European languages including English. Each candidate possessed a desire to work within emerging retail markets in a company that was willing to nurture and grow its talent.
All the shortlisted candidates were interviewed resulting in the hire of an MBA qualified and highly experienced European retail professional. Although this individual had no previous healthcare experience it was unanimously agreed that their professional attitude and approach would see them fit seamlessly into the team. Along with a structured induction programme within Head Office and the regional offices any potential disturbance to the balance of the existing teams was minimised and the introduction of the new employee was allowed to progress smoothly.
What Candidates say
Buckley & Wallace were undoubtedly the best Executive Search firm I used in searching for my next role. They were proactive in understanding what it was I wanted to do by meeting me twice before proposing prospective employers to go and see.
The manner in which they manage the process is professional, swift & effective from both the candidate & client’s perspective & I thoroughly recommend them
They have a passion to succeed and highly-geared results-driven approach. These qualities combined with a truly first class knowledge of the retail and leisure sectors, make them an ideal bedfellow for any Retail or leisure executive
They were always available for follow up questions and issues and made the whole process as smooth as was possible. They are professional and make candidates and companies feel valued by effectively and efficiently matching them with the right company and role
I always knew enough about the situation, was extremely impressed with the way the partner kept me informed and felt the whole process was managed very professionally
I have known the team at Buckley and Wallace for many years and have worked on a number of assignments with them . They provide high levels of integrity, great communication and are focussed on finding the very best candidates for their clients.
I have successfully worked with Buckley Wallace for many years, both as a client and candidate. Their network and depth of sector knowledge is second to none. This, combined with very diligent and effective candidate screening, consistently leads to positive outcomes with the minimum of fuss. Their communication between all parties is timely and succinct, follow up feedback constructive and thorough. Buckley and Wallace are my go to search firm.
Having been recommended to us, we retained the services of Buckley & Wallace to recruit our e-commerce Director. They were highly flexible and diligent, and got to know the company and more importantly the culture. They have deep knowledge of the retail/e-commerce space. They produced a high quality short-list and challenged our thinking on progressing candidates to interview and ultimately selection, keeping communication flowing throughout the process. They were professional throughout ensuring candidates arrived for interview fully briefed. I would have no hesitation in recommending Buckley & Wallace for senior level and Board appointments.
The appointment of our latest Non-Executive Director has probably been the simplest recruitment process I’ve experienced in 45 years. Buckley & Wallace presented the perfect candidate with the precise skill set we were looking for. If they were a website I’d say the transaction was completed in 3 clicks. So uncomplicated and refreshing.
I have successfully worked with Buckley Wallace as a client. Their network and depth of sector knowledge is second to none. This, combined with very diligent and effective candidate screening, consistently leads to positive outcomes with the minimum of fuss. Their communication between all parties is timely and succinct, follow up feedback constructive and thorough. Buckley and Wallace are my go to search firm.
As Lane 7 continued to grow, it became clear we needed a CFO. Buckley & Wallace carried out that search and found us David Bence. The search was swift, cost effective and without fuss. I would highly recommend them.
Buckley & Wallace were given the tough assignment to secure Lane 7’s Chief Financial Officer. The moved swiftly, flexibly and cost effectively to secure us a top class candidate. We would certainly recommend them and for senior roles, would use them again.
I used Gary Buckley in a search for a new non executive director. Gary quickly grasped the brief and produced a list of excellent candidates. They were all of high calibre and made the choice difficult. The only challenging part of the process was choosing between a number of excellent candidates. I would certainly use Buckley & Wallace again and highly recommend them.