The challenge.

A ground-breaking start-up, developing cutting-edge technology within the automotive industry, needed to find a Managing Director for their European operation. This was a business-critical role requiring a specific background and knowledge base. The ideal person also needed to be trilingual, with global exposure. Due to the specific skillset required by the hiring company, this role had been open and unfilled for some time and there was now a high level of urgency due to the seniority of the position and the real risk of deadlines being missed across the European business. As with all start-ups, this could cause a significant knock-on effect as regards forecast and market confidence. As such, this assignment had to be completed quickly, efficiently and covertly.

The solution.

Chad Harrison International (CHI) conducted a retained search for a highly strategic, knowledge-based expert who had the required experience. This was carried out by employing true executive search methodology; working closely with senior executives and gaining a thorough understanding of the requirement of the role and capabilities needed. CHI then ran a fast-paced campaign, pulling out all stops to enable the role to be filled in the shortest possible timeframe. Our Future Mobility division allocated significant resources to ensure the standard of service was not compromised in any way, despite the short time-to-hire requirements.

The search comprised market mapping to target companies across multiple countries globally and drawing up a diverse pool of highly credible prospective candidates. Working in collaboration with the client’s HR Director, CHI identified a long list of suitable candidates. We then commenced a targeted headhunt on all preferred candidates based on credentials, salary requirements, and motivations. This created a shortlist comprising qualified and fully engaged candidates.

CHI coordinated a combination of face-to-face and virtual interviews in a multi-stage hiring process. The final stage was conducted in person with the CEO flying from the US to Europe. Other stages of the four-part process were conducted with the Global President of Vehicle Operations, the Group CFO and the VP for Vehicle Engineering.

The result.

By utilising our established network of connections and with complete visibility in the market, together with broad customer knowledge, we were able to produce a strong shortlist to present to our client within nine working days.

Following interviews, an offer was made to the first-choice candidate who accepted after a total of four weeks from the commencement of the assignment, with a start date agreed for three months later (in line with the individual’s notice period). CHI handled the offer presentation and negotiation stage to facilitate the smooth onboarding of the desired candidate. Their experience fit all the relevant skillsets our client required, as well as being an excellent cultural fit with the business.

This placement led to a close-knit working relationship between CHI and the client. As such, we have agreed on a long-term partnership covering North America and Europe.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has calculated that in a full net-zero clean energy transition, the estimated quantity of jobs gained and lost would more than double across almost all sectors, with a net addition of 22.7 million new jobs.

As Professional Recruiters in this arena, Chad Harrison’s Future Mobility and Energy practices have noticed the increase in demand for headcount across all business areas. This is a clear indicator of what the future requirements will be as the industry transitions into a net-zero world.

As a point of note, clean energy spending committed by Governments in response to the Covid-19 pandemic has surged to over $710 billion since late October last year.

It is clear the job shifts required to support the climate change pledges of 2021 will result in job losses in the fossil fuel and Internal Combustion Engine arena. With an estimated over 2 billion ICE in use today, the move away from these outdated technologies has to happen if we are to keep to the goals set by policymakers.

In real terms, this means anyone currently working as an engineer or employee in ICE development, transmissions, and fossil fuels should be considering a transition away from these ageing arenas and into roles within clean energy and zero-emissions transportation.

Certainly, we are already seeing a radical rethink of opportunities, especially in engineering, there is a clear move toward companies specialising in batteries and software. Indeed, IoT is indelibly linked to this new world of clean energy and future mobility.

We are talking about new roles in batteries, fuel cell design, battery packs, EV performance and development, and R&D. There are many emerging companies that desperately need specific skillsets and the pool of skilled employees is not increasing at the same rate.

By the end of Q4 2021, venture investors raised $97.78 billion for mobility tech start-ups. This will continue and increase over the next five years and beyond.

We’re actively hiring and filling roles within this space. If you’re looking for your next challenge or you’re a company looking to hire, we’re here to help. Please contact our Future Mobility Associate Director, Jayne Hood, who will be happy to help.

Connect on LinkedIn
Tel: +44 (0)151 541 7283
Email: jhood@chadharrisonint.com
Learn more about Jayne’s credentials here.