Why trust the recruitment of executives to a firm specialized exclusively in Supply Chain functions rather than a generalist headhunter?
Direct impact on costs, service levels and margins
Decisions made by a Chief Supply Chain Officer or VP Operations immediately affect:
Operating costs (purchasing, logistics, inventory)
Service levels (OTIF, lead-time)
EBIT margin
Gartner reports show that excellent supply chain leadership can improve company EBIT by up to 15%. In other words: hiring the right leader has a significant financial impact.
Volatile markets, disruptive technologies
Supply chains are under pressure from:
Demand and supply volatility
Digital transformation (AI, IoT, advanced analytics)
Sustainability and resilience demands
You need leaders who can integrate AI, orchestrate resilient logistics networks and manage ESG criteria. A vertical search partner understands and screens for these specific capabilities.
Talent “Scarcity”
According to CSCMP, fewer than 2% of Operations leaders possess:
Strong digital/data skills
Experience in transformational change management
This scarcity makes the market “candidate-driven.” A specialized Search Partner leverages networks, talent intelligence and engagement techniques to find truly qualified profile
1. Kick-off & Role Design
Workshop with CEO/HR to define KPIs, culture, and the “Success Profile” (skills, mindset, leadership DNA)
Shared brief and clear success criteria
2. Market Mapping & Talent Intelligence
Proprietary datasets + AI scouting on 20,000 SCM leaders (EMEA/AM), pay and digital-readiness benchmarks
Targeted shortlist within 15 days
3. Approach & Engagement
Multi-touch discreet contact (warm intro, video pitch, referrals) applying DE&I principles
Access to high-level “passive” candidates
4. Three-level Assessment
Deep technical dive
Hogan / Predictive Index + AI cultural-fit
Realistic scenario-based case study
Objective evaluation of future performance and cultural alignment
5. Final Slate & Decision Support
Comparative dossier, risk matrix, offer package advisory, stakeholder buy-in
Fast, data-driven selection
(Onboarding and follow-up available as optional services)
| PHASE | WHAT WE DO | BENEFIT FOR YOU |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Kick-off & Role Design | Workshop with CEO/HR to define KPIs, culture, and “Success Profile” (skills, mindset, leadership DNA) | Shared brief and clear success criteria |
| 2. Market Mapping & Talent Intelligence | Proprietary dataset + AI scouting on 20,000 SCM leaders (EMEA / AM), compensation and digital-readiness analysis | Targeted shortlist within 15 days |
| 3. Approach & Engagement | Discreet multi-touch outreach (warm intro, video pitch, referrals) applying DE&I principles | Access to high-level “passive” candidates |
| 4. Three-Level Assessment | ► Deep technical dive ► Hogan / Predictive Index + AI cultural-fit ► Real-case scenario assessment | Objective evaluation of future performance and cultural alignment |
| 5. Final Slate & Decision Support | Comparative dossier, risk matrix, offer package advisory; stakeholder buy-in | Fast, data-driven decision-making |
Our Distinctive Advantages
Supply Chain Expertise: former operations leaders on the search team → truly technical questions and evaluations
AI-driven sourcing: proprietary algorithms across social networks & patents; predictive fit score > 0.82 (internally validated)
DE&I embedded: shortlists with 40%+ diversity; blind CV screening + structured interview guides
Top-tier confidentiality: multilayer NDAs, encrypted channels, zero job board posting
Challenge: replace the VP of European Logistics within 10 weeks, target: e-com same-day delivery
Solution: 320 profiles mapped in 6 countries, shortlist of 4 candidates, assessment on digital fulfilment & ESG
Outcome: new VP on-boarded in 63 days; delivery lead-time –18%, €4.2M OPEX savings annually
Average time-to-shortlist: 14 days
Acceptance rate: 92%
24-month retention: 95%
KPI improvement (client average): –8% cost-to-serve | +12% OTIF | –20% carbon footprint (scope 3)
Typical Executive Roles in the Supply Chain