Confidential General Manager Search | High-Tech Manufacturing, Ireland
Retained, confidential search · Longlist: 3 weeks · Appointed: 10 weeks · No leaks
The brief
A high-tech manufacturer needed a new General Manager for a site at the heart of its global strategy. The current GM was still in the role, so the search had to be completely confidential. There could be no advertising, no market noise and no room for a leak.
The challenge
A confidential search takes away the usual tools. Every approach had to be discreet. Candidates had to buy into the opportunity before they knew the company’s name. The role also needed a rare mix: real operational credibility on site, and the presence to influence at global leadership level.
Our approach
We worked from our own network and a targeted map of the market, one conversation at a time. Before approaching anyone, we spent time with the leadership team. We wanted to understand what the site needed next, not simply what had worked before. The client’s name was shared only once a candidate was genuinely interested and the fit was clear.
The outcome
The longlist was with the client in three weeks. The General Manager was appointed at week 10, and confidentiality held from the first call to the announcement.
For the leaders we spoke to
Discretion worked both ways. No one’s interest was shared without their agreement. Every conversation was handled with the same care, whether it led to an appointment or not.