Recruiting Assignment: Manager, Human Resources Planning & Development

Situation

This mid-sized Canadian company’s HR department had been well managed by the VP, HR for many years. As part of succession planning, she was seeking her eventual successor. Having recently gone public, the organization needed someone who could bring sophistication to the role, demonstrate growth potential over the next 6–7 years, and operate effectively in a state of flux.

Assessment

This newly created role required a disciplined approach to planning and strategy, coupled with the ability to influence and thrive in constant change. The individual needed to work with and influence a long-standing leadership team, many of whom were set in their ways. Key skills included expertise in Compensation & Benefits, Succession Planning, and ideally Organizational Design. An interest in managing union negotiations was required, with prior experience preferred.

Challenge

The assignment was challenging on several levels:

• Finding a progressive thinker willing to take on a not-so-progressive industry.
• Identifying a professional with the maturity to work comfortably with both senior leadership and union representatives.
• Balancing seniority with career growth potential, ensuring the candidate could wait 6–7 years for the VP role while demonstrating career longevity.

With a corporate culture built on respect and teamwork, cultural fit was essential.

Solution

Our Toronto office targeted organizations with progressive HR policies and a workforce mix of blue- and white-collar employees. We avoided direct competitors, as our client was already one of the most progressive in the industry. Networking through established contacts and candidate pools was key to finding the right blend of skills, career stage, and cultural alignment.

Candidate

The successful candidate had over 10 years with a single organization, advancing through roles in HR generalist functions, compensation & benefits, and succession planning for senior leadership. His personable and professional manner made him an excellent cultural fit for the organization.

Postmortem

Both client and candidate were extremely satisfied with the placement. The candidate integrated quickly, earning respect from peers and leadership. He brought fresh ideas, discipline, and enthusiasm, proving to be a strong and capable second-in-command.