Recruitment of Group Finance Director
£75m
Company size
Manufacturing
Sector
500+
Employees
Brief
Founded in 1946, Selwood is a multi award-winning company which serves the Water, Environmental and Construction industries designing and manufacturing mobile site pumps. It is one of the UK leaders in this field, with 75% of units being exported worldwide, and is the largest Pump Hirer in the UK.
With ambitious plans to expand across the UK and Internationally, Selwood identified the need to appoint a Group Finance Director. The role was to work alongside the Managing Director (“MD”) and senior management, supporting the delivery of the growth strategy.
CMA spent significant time with the MD to develop an in-depth understanding of the people, culture and operating processes, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the business. Absolute clarity on each of these factors was essential to a successful outcome.
Search Parameters
It was critical to identify a shortlist of candidates with the ability to add value to this group by demonstrating exceptional financial, strategic, commercial and operational expertise. Furthermore, a proven track record of leadership in a similar high performing environment was deemed essential.
The first step was to research key industry players and competitors, in addition to potential candidates from complementary industry sectors. A combination of methodologies including detailed research, proactive head hunting and referrals delivered in excess of 30 prospects for initial consideration, referencing and qualification.
"The first step was to research key industry players and competitors, in addition to potential candidates from complementary industry sectors. A combination of methodologies including detailed research, proactive head hunting and referrals delivered in excess of 30 prospects for initial consideration, referencing and qualification."
Outcome
In partnership with the Managing Director, CMA designed a rigorous four stage interview process which would include meeting with the Chairman and Senior Non-Executive Director, as well as a site tour.
From the long listed candidates, six individuals were particularly able to demonstrate the required skill set combined with a strong cultural fit, and were subsequently selected for an initial meeting. This was further reduced to three candidates, each of which had evidenced the ability to balance stewardship with growth and long term success, and a ‘front-runner’ was then identified for a final meeting.
CMA’s approach and management of this recruitment exercise allowed a successful appointment to be made within the agreed timescales. This facilitated a seamless integration of the newly appointed Group Finance Director into the business and its existing senior management team which continues to go from strength to strength.
