Division: Engineering, Science & Space
Client Overview
The client, a large scientific business, needed to fill a three-month temporary position with the potential to become permanent in 2025. This role focused on Health and Safety and required interaction with various teams, including research labs, logistics, manufacturing, facilities, and health & safety. Additionally, the role required someone who could drive and transport materials across multiple sites in Oxfordshire. Despite clearly defining the duties, the four senior leaders involved in the recruitment had differing opinions on the ideal candidate profile, which complicated the search.
Bond Williams' Strategic Approach
Given the temporary nature of the role, attracting candidates was challenging. We recommended recruiting someone with extensive life experience who could demonstrate a conscientious and trustworthy attitude, essential for solo working, driving a company vehicle, and potentially operating manual handling equipment. However, we also considered the client’s preference for someone at the beginning of their career with aspirations to develop into a Health & Safety Technician.
We conducted an extensive search and pre-screened candidates, presenting two strong options:
- A seasoned logistics professional with significant Health & Safety awareness and an impeccable work history.
- An up-and-coming individual with specific Health & Safety qualifications but less work/life experience.
Successful Outcome and Conclusion
The hiring team interviewed both candidates within a few days of CV submission. They appreciated both candidates’ merits, making the decision challenging. Ultimately, they chose the more experienced but less formally qualified candidate, aligning with our initial advice. This candidate has since integrated well into the team, contributing significantly to the company’s Health & Safety initiatives.
Additional Insights
- Client Collaboration: Our close collaboration with the client throughout the process ensured that we fully understood their evolving needs and preferences, allowing us to adapt our search criteria accordingly.
- Candidate Experience: Both candidates reported a positive experience with the recruitment process, highlighting our transparent communication and support.
