Client:  Blue Chip Bank

Role(s): Interim IT Procurement Lead

Package:  £750-£950/day

Outline:   Exclusive assignment to appoint an interim to work as part of their senior management team leading IT procurement following a separation from their parent company. All contracts were held by the parent company so there were 3 major projects that needed to be undertaken as a matter of urgency.

How we handled the search: Our Interim Managing Consultant had a detailed briefing call with the client, as time and availability were both a factor. This provided a clear insight into the scope of the role, the required deliverables and timescales and likely candidate profile fit. The requirement was urgent, as they were behind the point where they needed to be however appointing the right individual was key  to the future success of the programme.

Having the right brief enabled us to reach out to our senior-level IT Procurement network to establish interest and availability. Additionally we were able to identify other candidates through referrals. A pre-qualified shortlist of four candidates was provided complete with full competency based profiles within an eight hour time period.  1ststage interviews were arranged with the Programme Lead before meeting a key stakeholder. Our client told us that all the candidates ‘passed the mark ’ and the role was offered to the ‘best fit’ candidate working at £850/day plus expenses.  The candidate started 2 weeks after offer as soon as they had completed their prior commitments (6 month contract initially which has been extended twice).

What difference did our candidates make?  The successful candidate started to deliver from the minute they started. In a organisation where procurement was not an established function they were able to set up meetings with key stakeholders to understand what their requirements were and how they could assist in the process. The successful candidate was very quick to demonstrate credibility and went to market on key outsourcing arrangements, making significant savings through negotiating with suppliers while assuring the required services.

Time to appointment: 3 weeks from brief to starting in the role