When companies face tough times, they often rely on their top leaders to guide them out of the crisis. The CEO and C-Suite leadership team members are expected to step up and take charge. The best executives should also identify potential problems before they become crises.
When searching for candidates, you want someone with vertical market knowledge, the right leadership experience, and the ability to address complex challenges. These skills are essential for success at the executive level.
C-Suite Level Employees Have Big Shoes to Fill
A C-Level Executive title refers to senior executives holding positions at the highest levels of an organization. Examples include:
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
- Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)
- Chief Information Officer (CIO)
The C-Suite is vital during any company transformation or crisis. Attracting great management or executives is typically led by a recruitment partner, search practice, or industry-specific talent acquisition consultancy. Experts handling executive recruitment are also known as “headhunters.” Historically, headhunting was reserved for senior-level/C-suite roles, but it has expanded to middle to senior-level or critical hires.
Headhunters are responsible for scouring passive candidates within your locality and market vertical. Good talent acquisition consultancies have embedded market knowledge and a proven executive search process. It’s not luck—it’s where you look.
Understanding C-Suite Leadership
Let’s define some C-Suite positions:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Typically the highest-ranking executives, CEOs serve as the faces of companies and often seek advice from others in the C-Suite. They come from related sectors or different career backgrounds, as long as they’ve developed strong leadership abilities and strategic decision-making skills.
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
COOs ensure the company runs smoothly by recruiting new employees, providing proper instruction, handling legal issues, and more. They’re typically second in command to the CEO.
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
CTOs oversee an organization’s technological requirements and R&D to keep the company ahead. They examine short and long-range goals and invest in technologies to achieve objectives. CTOs typically report directly to the CEO.
There are more C-Suite positions, but the common thread is leadership and often board membership.
Hiring C-Suite Level Positions Takes Time
Filling a senior role urgently is critical, but onboarding the wrong person can be disastrous. Headhunters will recruit as long as it takes to find the perfect match in terms of experience and cultural fit. Resilient Management has a 60-stage bespoke recruitment process to ensure candidates align with your business needs and objectives.
Ways to Hire Top Executives:
1. Develop a Recruitment Plan
Define your goals and decide whether to use in-house HR or outsource to an industry-specific talent acquisition consultant. Create and source the ideal candidate profile with the help of recruiters or a market-centric headhunter.
2. Attract Top Talent Within Your Industry
Increase visibility to passive candidates, who are often employed by competitors. Great talent acquisition consultants can track down the right candidates and uncover their aspirations.
3. Competitive Compensation and Benefit Packages
According to a recent survey by the Society of Human Resources Management, 63% of workers say pay and benefits are crucial for job satisfaction. Talent acquisition consultants can create competitive packages to attract top talent.
4. Assess Candidates
Interviews are essential for evaluating candidates’ skills and abilities. Resilient Management conducts competency-driven interviews and situational assessments to gain insights into candidates’ communication styles, leadership potential, and adaptability.
5. Reference Check
Reference checks at the executive level are rigorous. They ensure candidates are who they say they are and provide insights into their management styles.
Last Words…
Filling any C-Suite assignment is challenging, but acquiring key talent is essential for transformation and growth. A business is only as good as its people. Save time and resources by making the right hire the first time.
For unique, hard to fill or niche roles in Fintech, reach out to Resilient Management Solutions. Leverage our twenty plus years of expertise in Asset / Automotive & Equipment Finance / Fintech recruitment solutions. If you’re in the UK and looking to enjoy the benefits of an executive search organisation, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.
