The Problem
Our client was looking to hire a Global Head of Quality Engineering and wanted to understand the size, extent and capability of the out-of-sector candidate pool. At the same time, the business was interested to learn if there was quality engineering best practice which could be identified and applied from other industries.
The Solution
We undertook deep-dive research into 15 global companies with a world-class reputation in quality engineering. Our target list included names from aerospace, automotive, construction, defence, technology and manufacturing.
Via a series of sourcing calls with current and former employees, we identified the senior quality engineering talent in each company together with an understanding of headcount, reporting lines and overall functional structure. We also obtained insight on process and pay scales.
Results
- We provided our client with a talent pipeline of over 50 potential candidates for the role of Head of Quality Engineering.
- We assessed each individual in terms of ‘transferability’ to the oil & gas sector and presented data on career history, remuneration and openness to moving.
- We explained each target company’s ‘journey’ towards a world-class quality engineering function, sharing insight on process, ‘philosophy’, methodology and hiring strategy.
Outcome
Having considered our report, our client undertook a wholesales redesign of its quality engineering function. Then they interviewed six of the candidates we’d identified, eventually progressing one of them to offer and acceptance.
Case Studies

Benchmark Studies Case Study
Client: Global consumer technology company
Our client was undertaking an end-to-end review of its long-established internal processes. They wished therefore to gain insight into best practice across ten key organisations. Of particular interest to our client were the areas of design, product development, testing and manufacturing.

Competitive Intelligence Case Study
Client: One of the big four UK banking groups
Our client, the Group CEO, wanted the bank to become recognised as a leader in responsible business. This project played perfectly to our trademark methodology – primary research.

Executive Search Case Study
Client: A European life sciences company
Our client was concerned about some of its talent acquisition metrics in the UK and Germany. We proposed the business trial our unique executive search offering, which provides whole market benchmarking and is costed on a time & materials basis.