Division: Human Resources
Role/Assignment: Group Head of Compensation
The Challenge
An international brand needed to recruit an experienced Group Head of Compensation with specialist expertise in compensation, share plans and international legislation.
The business required someone with sufficient experience to operate effectively at a senior level and make an immediate contribution.
However, there was a significant challenge: the level of specialist experience required was difficult to align with the client’s original salary budget.
This created a particularly narrow candidate pool. The successful individual needed the right combination of senior-level Compensation expertise, relevant technical knowledge and international experience while also being prepared to consider the package available.
Our Approach
Rather than simply presenting candidates who fitted the salary but did not have the depth of experience required, we discussed the realities of the candidate market with the client.
We focused the search on professionals with the specialist Compensation, share-plan and international legislative experience required for the position.
A suitable candidate was identified, but it became clear that there was a difference between the client’s original salary expectations and the level required to secure them.
We continued to work closely with both parties, maintaining open communication and helping them navigate the salary discussions.
Our approach focused on the overall match between the candidate’s specialist expertise, the client’s requirements, the opportunity and the remuneration package rather than allowing the initial salary difference to end the process prematurely.
The Outcome
Through continued communication and negotiation, we successfully facilitated an interview between the client and candidate.
The client recognised the value of the candidate’s specialist experience and subsequently made an offer at a slightly higher salary than originally planned.
The offer was successfully secured, enabling the business to appoint the senior Compensation expertise it required.
Key Results
✔ Group Head of Compensation successfully secured
✔ Specialist Compensation and share-plan expertise identified
✔ International legislative knowledge secured
✔ Original salary expectations successfully navigated
✔ Client increased the salary slightly to secure the preferred candidate
✔ Successful appointment achieved despite initial salary misalignment
