Industrial and manufacturing
Case Study: Recruiting a Scheduling Director for a Large-Scale Maritime Program
Context
In a rapidly evolving maritime production sector, a client of Fauve decided to create a new role: Scheduling Director. This position was designed to support the development of the planning and scheduling function of a multi-billion dollar program, with a roadmap spanning over 20 years. The organization, with over 100 years of history, had undergone numerous transformations, resulting in complex internal challenges. The search for a candidate with a highly niche profile and rare naval expertise was identified as a major challenge. Indeed, very few professionals in the world possessed the skills required for this position.
Challenges
The primary challenge of this mandate lay in the rarity of the profile sought. The need for a candidate with solid experience in the naval sector, combined with strong planning skills, significantly limited the talent pool. Fauve initially launched a candidate search in Canada but quickly realized the scope needed to be global. The complexity of the recruitment process was heightened by the need for an immigration process for the selected candidate—an expatriate living in the Middle East with his family. Furthermore, the time required to finalize the recruitment was substantial, spanning nearly a year from mandate definition to the candidate’s integration.
our approach
To overcome these challenges, Fauve adopted a collaborative and methodical approach. By working directly with the hiring manager, we were able to identify the essential skills and desired qualities for the role. While planning expertise was important, strong naval experience was non-negotiable. This in-depth understanding of the needs enabled us to tailor our messaging to highlight the unique nature of the role—often described as a "blank canvas." We also conducted a detailed mapping of key markets within the maritime sector, identifying the major shipyards around the world. This thorough research helped build traction with industry leaders, facilitating the identification of potential candidates. Transparency and patience were key factors throughout the process, helping manage expectations and maintain open communication with the client.
The impact
Although the recruitment process was lengthy, the result exceeded expectations. The selected candidate had an immediate impact on the organization upon arrival. In addition to coaching his team, he modernized work practices and added significant value beyond the original scope of the role. His integration not only strengthened the scheduling function but also contributed to the organization’s ongoing transformation. This case study demonstrates how a thoughtful and collaborative approach can lead to tangible results, even in complex recruitment contexts. The success of this mandate is a testament to Fauve’s expertise in recruitment and its ability to respond to the specific needs of its clients, while navigating the inherent challenges of each situation.