Overview
I was just reflecting on a previous project with my team and wanted to share insights about the depth of what we do. Recruiting for senior leadership positions is always a blend of strategy and precision. In this instance I successfully placed a Global Quality Assurance Director, for a Belgian based global Clinical Research organisation. They were looking for a skilled candidate who would play a pivotal role in ensuring excellence across global operations. This assignment presented unique challenges but also taught me valuable lessons about navigating high-stakes recruitment.
My Client’s Thoughts
Understanding the Role
The client required a Global Quality Assurance Director to oversee All global quality strategies, lead a team of QA professionals, implement and maintain quality risk management system and control all budgetary needs.
This individual needed:
- Expertise: Direct QA experience in life science clinical research
- Global Experience: Proven ability to lead global strategy but direct access to the Belgian office
- Leadership Qualities: Have direct experience of leading a team of 10+ people
The stakes were high—this hire would directly influence the company’s ability to deliver multi million dollars of business.
Challenges Faced
This role came with several hurdles:
- Niche Expertise: The industry demanded candidates with 5 years+ CRO experience.
- Global Competition: Many top candidates were already being courted by competitors.
- Cultural Fit: Beyond qualifications, aligning the hire with the company’s global ethos and leadership style was critical.
Strategies for Success
To tackle these challenges, I relied on a multi-faceted approach:
- Expansive Sourcing
I leveraged our global networks build over 20 years to identify suitable talents, we headhunted, carried out extensive research in the local market to identify suitable target companies.
- Brand Storytelling
Having worked with this client before, I know they are a great business who put their employees first which helped attract top-tier talent. I created personalised video approaches to engage on an individual level.
- Credibility Screening
I ensured a precise evaluation of each candidate’s technical and leadership capabilities over an initial 45-minute discussion.
- Client Collaboration
Regular updates with the client allowed us to refine the profile mid-search, ensuring every candidate met evolving needs.
The Results
After weeks of targeted efforts,
- I introduced 4 perfectly matched individuals
- All secured interviews and a final 3 was selected
The successful candidate was working for a competitor on the same science park and had heard positive things about my client but had never reached out given the successes in their existing role. Their leadership style and technical acumen were a perfect match, and the client reported an immediate impact on their experience thanks to their industry knowledge, QA specialism, leadership and interpersonal skills.
Lessons Learned
- The Power of a 20-year Network: Casting a wide net is critical for niche roles. I had reviewed and assesses over 200 candidates.
- Adaptability is Essential: Staying flexible during the search process ensured a better final outcome.
- Leadership Recruitment is Relationship-Centric: Building trust with both the client and candidates was pivotal.
Closing Thoughts
Filling a role as influential as a Global Quality Assurance Director is more than a recruitment exercise. It’s about shaping the future of a company. This assignment reinforced my passion for connecting transformative leaders with organizations ready for growth.
Have you tackled similar leadership challenges in recruitment? Let’s discuss further if you find yourself facing critical hiring decisions within your business.
You can call us at 01423 813 450 or email us at [email protected]
Or you can peruse the rest of our Med Tech jobs here!