Our client, a global industrial technology leader, brings world-leading expertise in electrification, automation, and digitization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. With an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries, the company aims to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency. Known for their comprehensive solutions and services for large public buildings, they prioritize innovation and sustainability through continuous improvement efforts.
Recently, the company identified the need to transform an underperforming manufacturing site in Germany. The current Plant Manager, with 15 years of tenure and previously stellar performance, faced challenges in his role. Consequently, the company initiated a confidential search for a successor to fill the Plant General Manager position. With over a decade of partnership and a deep understanding of the client's culture, Pacific was the ideal choice to find a transformative leader for the plant, aligned with the company’s ambitious sustainability goals.
By fulfilling this mandate, Pacific aimed to ensure the client's manufacturing plant could innovate and excel, aligning with global objectives and sustainable growth.
The mandate involved hiring a Plant Manager for a crucial facility near Cologne, overseeing 350 employees across production, R&D, sales, and HR. This flagship plant pioneers new processes for roll-out across other locations, highlighting its strategic importance. The ideal candidate, reporting to the Cluster Director, needed strong leadership and change management skills. Effective communication across all levels, from C-level executives to plant floor staff, was essential. Proficiency in German and English, along with deep expertise in production processes, KPI analysis, and supply chain management, was required. Navigating the company’s intricate matrix structure demanded exceptional networking skills and collaboration with other plants. Given the client’s commitment to diversity, Pacific aimed to present a balanced shortlist of candidates, including those from underrepresented groups.
In our search for a new Plant Manager, we leveraged our internal network and conducted a focused radius search around the area. Recognizing the need for high-caliber candidates, we expanded the search and meticulously mapped target companies. Drawing from our engaged talent network, we identified top candidates in the market.
Our search yielded several highly qualified candidates, including a female leader with a strong technical background and a highly experienced male candidate who emerged as the preferred choice after a thorough evaluation for the Plant Manager role.
The client sought candidates with significant experience and a readiness to grow within the company. Recognizing leadership potential, the client appointed a female candidate for production management alongside the general manager role, aligning with their succession planning and leadership development goals.
The search posed challenges, including limited stakeholder availability for interviews and an expanded process involving multiple rounds of interviews and reference checks, spanning approximately five months. However, Pacific’s team experience in client and candidate management helped guide both parties toward a successful outcome.
Despite the extended process, the successful candidate began his role on March 1st and seamlessly integrated into the plant, bringing fresh perspectives. He embraced the challenges of his position, driving operational analysis and transformation. His enthusiasm underscores the Pacific team’s satisfaction with this successful search.
The former GM transitioned to a role better suited to his strengths and interests, reinforcing the company’s innovative and employee-centric reputation.
The client’s satisfaction was evident as they entrusted Pacific with another General Manager role in southern Germany and currently exploring opportunities for collaboration on an Eastern European position.
