The challenge
MGA Entertainment is a US-based manufacturer and distributor of children’s toys and entertainment products. The company was creating a new IT department to support its EMEA operations and needed a business systems director to set up this function and help drive growth across the organisation.
Kevin Dainty, Senior Business Manager at Reed, who has extensive experience of recruiting senior IT directors, was tasked with sourcing the best talent. He said: “The client wanted to explore both the UK and Netherlands’ candidate markets, as the role could be based in either location”.
This brought its own unique challenges, where Kevin had to quickly understand the requirements from a technical and cultural perspective. As the operations were predominately manufacturing and supply chain logistics, Kevin noted that “it became clear that these high-calibre candidates would need considerable experience in ERP solutions above all other technical aspects.”
Kevin exceeded my needs, provided excellent candidates, took full ownership of the process, and behaved like a true partner.
Dawn Lewis, HR Director at EMEA and Australia MGA Entertainment
The solution
To rise to this challenge, Kevin utilised his full candidate sourcing toolkit, which included headhunting, advertising, referrals, and the use of Reed’s extensive database, to present the client with a high-quality shortlist.
MGA Entertainment chose Reed’s executive recruitment service, as they wanted to fully utilise our additional support in facilitating psychometric testing and our unique 12-month guarantee.
Using our retained service Kevin was able to meet the clear expectations set out by the client. Kevin said: “I outlined a clear process, to provide clarity on what will happen, when it will happen, and what a client or candidate will need to do at each stage.”
From this, he oversaw the full recruitment process, ensuring all candidates went through extensive assessment and screening, including video and face to face interviews, before they were submitted to the client.
The results
Kevin’s efforts led to a successful placement which fitted the client’s needs. The successful candidate has hit the ground running since joining the company, has taken ownership of the new position, and has proven her credibility.
Dawn Lewis, HR Director at EMEA and Australia MGA Entertainment, was delighted with the service, she said: “Kevin exceeded my needs, provided excellent candidates, took full ownership of the process, and behaved like a true partner. I was able to use him as a sounding board due to his expertise and he ensured the process stayed on track.”
She added: “It took a couple of months, which was slightly longer than planned, but this was due to delays with MGA, not with Kevin, who was extremely responsive.”
The successful candidate, Lyndsey Wick, is extremely happy in her new role, she said: “I am enjoying the challenge! I feel I am a good fit for the role and have settled in well – even though I only spent one day in the office before lockdown. I believe that I am delivering benefits for the company as planned. Kevin was a good communicator – he kept me up to date with the business status and encourage the business to move when stalling, without being overbearing.”
Ultimately, Reed ensured a perfect match between employer and new employee, which is underwritten by our unique 12-month guarantee.
