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Chemical Manufacturer - General Manager (Retained Search)
Having already worked with the client extensively, Optia Partners was well positioned to perform a replacement search for a chemical company’s General Manager of Performance Materials Division.
The client was a major European chemical manufacturer with offices in more than 45 countries around the world and 20,000 employees. The company specializes in manufacturing performance materials, life science products and industrial chemicals.
The client’s existing General Manager for their performance materials division was planning to retire and the company needed to find his replacement. Optia Partner’s consultant was requested to identify a qualified candidate and it was agreed that a retained search be conducted with the goal of hiring a new General Manager as expediently as possible.
Initial interviews were conducted with the Japan President and the HR Manager to understand the requirements of the position. Because the Optia consultant had worked extensively with the client before, he already had a clear understanding of the company’s organization and culture. It did not take long to get a clear picture of what was required.
As well as management duties, part of the role would involve investigating new business opportunities through application development, therefore it was determined that the best fit for the position would be an experienced GM with a technical background and degree in chemistry or related discipline. The requirements were demanding, however fortunately Optia’s consultant had a long history of recruiting in Japan’s chemical industry and knew many qualified GM candidates.
The consultant and researcher set about contacting and introducing the position to the potential candidates and re-meeting interested parties. 3 qualified candidates were introduced to the client within close proximity which allowed the client to choose carefully.
The favored candidate had recent experience as a Country Manager at a smaller chemical company and previous experience in sales management and business development at a leading multinational. He had a degree in Chemical Engineering and a post graduate degree in Economics. Interviews were conducted locally and he was flown to the US to meet the management team. Both parties were happy with discussions and were keen to begin working together. Agreeable terms and conditions were successfully negotiated through Optia as the mediator.
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