Since its formation in 2003, Welcome Gate has built an excellent reputation for its vendor-independent solutions and security systems integration services. In 2019, the Board identified the need to expand and develop the company’s engineering function to support the next phase of rapid growth.
Zitko has worked with Welcome Gate on a variety of resourcing assignments and was appointed on a retained basis to resource a new key senior management role: Head of Operations.
Profiling the ideal candidate
This was by no means straightforward and we spent considerable Zoom time exploring the role with the Chief Executive, who was located in Sydney at the time. Crucial to the role were the abilities to build and manage engineering teams; lead on infrastructure, efficiency, and quality; support complex bids; to champion world-class service delivery, all at a time of considerable business growth.
It was agreed that the ideal candidate could potentially come from outside Fire & Security, albeit from an industry that shares the same exacting approach to sophisticated engineering. With this analysis, Zitko was able to initiate the search.
Zitko's approach
The advertising approach is to create meaningful ads rather than simply regurgitating job specs
Zitko blended candidate (re)search with an advertising campaign that included LinkedIn videos and carefully written ads placed on selected professional job boards.
The advertising approach is to create meaningful ads which rather than simply regurgitating job specs, give solid reasons for ideal candidates to apply.
This paid particular dividends on this assignment, as the successful applicant responded to one of the ads. Before going to market Zitko also researched and advised on appropriate salary levels for the position, as well as supplementals such as benefits and conditions.
Casting the net wider
Given the complex blend of personal skills required, Zitkoadvised the client to interview a longer list of candidates than would normally recommend. It carried out initial evaluations and screening by phone. The client then interviewed 15 professionals just as the Covid pandemic hit its stride.
Interviews were held online, using a Covid secure process Zitko developed. It kept in close touch with candidates to allay any concerns about the move due to the effects of the pandemic. The assignment culminated in the appointment of an engineering manager from the aviation industry. He is now in post.
