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Chemical Manufacturer - Country Manager (Retained Search)
A major European chemical manufacturer needed to find a replacement Country Manager urgently to allow enough time for a seamless transition. Because of Optia’s extensive knowledge of the executives in the chemical market, the Manufacturing recruiting team was able to identify several qualified candidates expediently.
The client was a European based chemical manufacturer and a world leader in functional and life science chemicals with over 20,000 employees and US$6,000 in sales.
The Japan office’s existing Country Manager gave unexpected resignation and his replacement needed to be found urgently. The client had 3 months to identify and bring on a new President so the position could be transferred by the existing Country Manager with as little disruption as possible. Optia Partners had a good working relationship with the client and because of the urgency of the assignment was asked to conduct a retained search.
Optia already knew the client’s organization very well and had a good understanding of its products, target markets and corporate culture. The Consultant worked closely with the existing HR team in Japan to draw up the requirements and set the search parameters. Initial interviews would be conducted with the HR Manager who had a sound knowledge of the chemical industry. Further interviews would be held with the APAC Regional Director, local managers and US management team.
Fortunately the Optia Consultant conducting the search had long experience recruiting in Japan’s chemical industry and had an extensive network of senior executives who could fit the Country Manager role. It did not take long for the Consultant to identify, pre-screen and introduce 4 qualified and interested candidates.
The successful candidate had Country Manager experience and was a chemist earlier in his career. He also held an MBA from a leading US business school and possessed strong communication skills and leadership presence. The candidate managed to start before the existing Country Manager left and the job transfer took place smoothly.
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