Project overview

A large investment fund, focused on growing technology companies, acquired the majority stake in our client’s company.
IndustryE-commerce
Duration2 months
ClientOne of the three largest online retailers in the home decor segment.

Client profile: A company with over a decade of experience in online sales, operating in Poland and across several European markets. The company uses its own e-commerce store, marketplace platforms, and dropshipping models to drive sales.

Challenge

After conducting an audit of the organizational structure, the investment fund identified three areas that required the creation of new teams, with experienced managers to lead them. These areas included SEO, Marketing Automation, and Web Analytics.

  • Candidates might be hesitant to join a company that has been acquired by an investment fund due to concerns about job stability after funding ends or in preparation for the company’s potential sale.
  • Home decor is not as appealing to candidates as sectors like fashion, which regularly attracts experienced professionals.
  • While the implementation of necessary tools could be seen as an exciting challenge, their absence might deter some candidates from engaging in discussions.
  • Although located in a major urban area, the local market had a limited number of experienced candidates in the relevant fields.

Process

1. Preparation:

We worked with the client to understand the realistic plans the investment fund had for the company. This conversation helped us build a stable employment outlook based on the fund’s strategy.

2. Search:

Typically, clients prefer candidates from in-house roles over marketing agencies, where candidates are often only responsible for specific tasks. However, due to the local market’s limitations, we expanded the search to include candidates from both e-commerce companies and agencies.

3. Search results:

Within four weeks of starting the search for all three roles, we presented complete shortlists of experienced candidates.

4. Interview Finalization:

Within eight weeks, we secured candidates for all three key positions and initiated searches for specialists for the newly formed departments.

5. Outcome:

After approximately four weeks of search and another month of interviews, we successfully made an offer to a candidate who met the required skills and experience. After extensive conversations to persuade the candidate and negotiate contract terms, the candidate accepted the offer and began working after a three-month notice period.

Results

In a short period, our client secured key hires that would drive further growth and solidify their position in the home decor segment. The trust placed in us to assess the market potential based on the client’s location and to lead the search in the right direction played a significant role in our mutual success.