The client
Connect are the largest independent home appliance service and spare parts distribution organisation in the UK. Their core operation consists of more than 500 direct employees, a 42,000 sq ft head office complex and 225,000 sq ft National Distribution Centre.
The business started trading in 1969 and now boasts a pedigree of over 50 years' experience. They already provide some of the largest retailers, manufacturers and insurance companies in Europe with total service and distribution solutions. Over 4 million lines per year are carried from over 100 leading brands.
The relationship
Heathcote Recruitment Group (formerly ESA Group) have built an excellent relationship with Connect relatively quickly. Although Connect is very well-established, a recent management buyout and new company strategy has put new onus on boosting its eCommerce capabilities. With an established portfolio of candidates and lengthy experience in the tech industry, the team were well placed to support the business in recruiting for a new Director of eCommerce to join the leadership team and company board.
The challenge
Naturally, a high profile, board-level appointment will always be a critical decision and therefore it would be crucial to find a strong and strategic leader with quality experience. Not only would they require the right temperament, but the successful candidate would need to roll up their sleeves and analyse the growth potential of Connect’s digital business in a relatively quick timeframe.
To progress the search efficiently, our company director, Daniel Heathcote met with the existing board, including Connect’s MD, FD & HRD to understand priorities and the ethos of the business. Daniel would then go on to meet all the potential candidates to ensure they fit the bill before submitting them for interview.
The result
Heathcote Recruitment Group worked on an exclusive basis and were pleased to place a successful candidate to the directorship in a prompt timeframe. Working with a quality business, with an excellent reputation, meant that finding high calibre of talent was relatively smooth. We look forward to working with Connect on future recruitment projects.
The testimonial
“I found Dan to be professional, attentive and had a great understanding of the Online Digital and Technical industry. Dan provided me with a great range of candidates and if I’m honest it was a difficult choice to select for those who would attend a second stage interview. It has been a pleasure to work with Dan on this piece of Recruitment and I will certainly be using him going forward” – Leanne Haines, General Manager People Services, Connect Distribution