Advertised Selection - Case Studies
Case Study 3 - Scottish Enterprise - Edinburgh & Lothian/ Napier Univ. and West Lothian College
- Recruitment of a Chief Executive for the Scottish Advanced Manufacturing Centre (SAMC)
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the first joint venture between FE and HE institutions in Scotland
Scottish Enterprise funded a two year appointment to assist with the start-up of a new facility to train Electronics industry staff. This Livingston centre would be unique in Scotland, combining the teaching of a Further education college with a Higher education establishment in a 'seamless robe' offering HNC to MSc level courses. Training would range from operator and technician level up to senior engineering managers and directors.
The specification was very demanding. The Chief Executive would have to be able to start up a new venture without direct control of lecturing staff who reported back to their academic 'home'. S/he also needed:
- a good degree in electrical engineering;
- a background in industry to senior level (to have credibility with customers such as Motorola and NEC);
- a commercial outlook and experience;
- an interest in staff development and strong man management skills; and
- a strategic outlook.
We conducted research and liaised with S.E., the Principal of the College and the Managing Director of Napier University's commercial arm to design a process as follows.
- Recommended inclusion on the panel of an industrial member (General Manager, Production of NEC); this would add a useful dimension to assessment and selection of a candidate whom the industry could work with;
- Prepared advertising copy, advised on media, agreed the budget and draft wording with our clients, then ran the advertisement;
- Assessed applications, pre-interviewed 15 candidates, short-listed five candidates, prepared extensive reports on each of them, then
- Set up and managed the panel interview process.
Finally, we assisted with negotiations, took extensive industrial references and checked academic qualifications, and advised on the induction process to ensure a successful appointment.
Note
When the electronics industry market for SAMC's training dried up soon after he joined, the CEO proved particularly adept at strategic planning and selling. He researched a whole new market, then got on a plane to the USA and sold new 'products' to US multinationals. The CEO completed a successful two year contract and went on to another CEO role via Scottish Enterprise.
We enjoy designing bespoke solutions for clients. A key aspect is structuring a process to ensure the best possible appointment - adding value.