// The Brief
Supply Chain Leadership.
Newly Created Role.
Barloworld Supply Chain Software is a global leader in supply chain software and services across multiple industries. During a period of significant growth and transformation, the company created a new senior leadership position.
was retained to recruit a Marketing Director for EMEA and US, to be based in their UK offices.
Project Summary
// Key Challenges
What Made This Search Different.
Finding the Right Calibre
This newly created role blended strategic leadership, operational execution and people management. It required someone seasoned in running marketing activities and managing teams, but ready to step up into a larger director-level position.
Change Management
The successful candidate would work across multiple markets with numerous senior stakeholders who needed to be engaged with new processes - while also serving as a member of the management team.
// Our Approach
Deep Profiling.
Rigorous Selection.
Matchking deployed a blended approach, combining existing candidate searches from our database and social networks with targeted outreach through our Powering H2H marketing network.
Within two weeks, 22 candidates had been profiled and an initial selection process completed. Using the agreed role playback brief and focusing specifically on the calibre and change management challenges, we conducted face-to-face interviews resulting in a shortlist of six candidates. The interviewing process covered three stages - telephone interview, panel interview and a final presentation to a senior panel.
// The Outcome
22 Profiled. Six Shortlisted.
One Outstanding Hire.
All six shortlisted candidates progressed to first interviews, three advanced to second interviews and two reached the final stage. Michelle Newton was offered and accepted the role.
Matchking remained closely involved throughout the offer process. Michelle not only settled in quickly but demonstrated strong leadership of her team and delivered plans with conviction from her very first months.
// Client Feedback
What Barloworld Said.
Robin and Tim understood the challenges quickly - a well-seasoned director would not have found this role challenging enough, and may have been put off by the operational aspects. A recently appointed manager would not have had the experience to deliver change management or the gravitas to achieve stakeholder buy-in.
These requirements were taken on board, and the team demonstrated an excellent understanding of the supply chain space. Candidates had a clear view of the role, understood how it was pivotal to future growth, and each outlined their potential contribution convincingly. They were all professional and well-prepared.
The interviewing process was well-coordinated and transparent, which allowed us to learn more about each candidate as time went on. The insight Tim and the team provided was instrumental.
Alexandria Rumble
Senior Vice President, Barloworld SCS
