Securing a Business-Critical Systems Leader Under Tight Timelines
Our client, a large UK-based co-operative organisation operating across multiple sectors. With more than 6,000 employees, over 400 trading sites and a membership base exceeding 700,000, the organisation relies heavily on robust business systems to support operations across multiple business units.
The Hiring Challenge
The client was looking to appoint a Business Applications Owner responsible for overseeing key Finance and HR systems. The role required someone capable of managing the organisation’s IFS landscape while supporting both operational delivery and future development.
The client was looking to appoint a Business Applications Owner responsible for overseeing key Finance and HR systems. The role required someone capable of managing the organisation’s IFS landscape while supporting both operational delivery and future development.
Several factors made the search particularly challenging:
- A rare combination of expertise across IFS HR/HCM modules alongside Finance systems knowledge
- Hybrid working requirements that limited the search to candidates within a defined Midlands radius
- Market salary expectations that had shifted since the previous hire
- A firm deadline, with only three months before the existing postholder left the role
Finding someone with the right balance of technical capability, leadership potential and cultural fit within that timeframe required a highly targeted search.
The Approach
A detailed role discovery process helped establish the key technical requirements, priorities for the business and the level of flexibility around experience. Alongside this, market insights were shared around candidate availability and salary expectations to help ensure the search was aligned with current conditions.
Using established networks within the IFS talent market, a focused sourcing strategy was launched across several channels. Initial profiles were presented within 48 hours, allowing the client to move quickly and maintain momentum in a competitive candidate market.
Each candidate was carefully qualified through in-depth conversations assessing technical knowledge, systems exposure and cultural fit. Candidates were also thoroughly prepared for interviews and kept engaged throughout the process, particularly during internal scheduling gaps.
Interview coordination and feedback loops were managed closely to keep the process efficient and transparent. Guidance was also provided around offer positioning to help secure the preferred candidate.
The Outcome
• 4 candidates shortlisted
• 3 progressed to second-stage interviews
• Successful placement achieved in approximately 9 weeks
The successful candidate joined with strong expertise in IFS HCM and the potential to further develop within the Finance modules. Since joining, they have become fully embedded within the organisation and have taken on increased responsibility following a business merger, now leading finance-related activities while continuing to support the IFS HCM environment.
- IFS
- Successful Placement
Client Feedback
"The process was proactive, well-managed and focused on quality. Despite the challenges of the market and the timeframe, we were presented with strong candidates and ultimately secured someone who has made a real impact in the role."
Key Takeaways
• Access to niche IFS talent within a limited geographical search area
• A focused and proactive sourcing strategy
• Structured recruitment process that kept candidates engaged
• A near-fit hire who has grown into a broader leadership role, delivering long-term value to the organisation