Understanding the Client’s Needs

McMillan and Lockwood Central Ltd, a commercial main contractor with offices across the lower North Island, approached One Eighty Recruitment through Rob Pedersen, the General Manager, of their Palmerston North branch, with a critical leadership vacancy. The role of Services Divisional Manager was more than a traditional site-based position; it required a leader who could manage a team of services coordinators, engage with clients during the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) or design phase for design and build projects, and oversee a sister company handling the onsite HVAC maintenance services. installation team.

This role demanded a combination of advanced technical expertise and strong leadership skills. Additionally, the candidate needed to be based in Palmerston North, presenting a significant recruitment challenge.

A Comprehensive and Targeted Search

To tackle this complex role, we began with an in-depth briefing session to understand the unique requirements and nuances of the position. We then conducted a thorough market mapping exercise, analysing the talent pool across Wellington, Kapiti, Wairarapa, and the Manawatu regions. Our research revealed that there were only about 30 potential candidates who possessed the right blend of skills and experience for the role.

Fortunately, due to our extensive network and longstanding relationships within the industry, we already knew approximately 80% of these candidates. We conducted tailored phone calls with each prospect to understand their current situations and explore their motivations for considering a new opportunity.

Transforming the Search into a Success

What initially seemed like finding a needle in a haystack became a focused and strategic search, leading to a shortlist of three highly qualified candidates. Each candidate brought a unique set of skills and strengths, providing Rob with a challenging yet rewarding decision to make.

The Result

Our detailed and targeted approach resulted in presenting three exceptional candidates for McMillan and Lockwood Central Ltd, allowing them to choose the best fit for their leadership team. This success underscores our ability to navigate tight talent markets and leverage our extensive industry connections to deliver tailored recruitment solutions.

Client Testimonial

"One Eighty Recruitment turned what seemed like an impossible search into a success story. Their understanding of the market and their relationships within the industry were invaluable in finding the right fit for our leadership team."

Rob Pedersen, General Manager, McMillan and Lockwood Central Ltd