The Brief
The client needed an experienced leader to head a growing regional office: 10+ years in automation, existing people-management experience, and a lean towards business development. A hard seat to fill, and one the client needed right first time.
17
Candidates Pre-screened
6
Days, Brief to Initial Shortlist
Pre-screened17
Submitted to client11
First interviews8
Second interviews4
Third interview1
Offer accepted1
Recruitment Activity — Supporting Detail
Reference checks completed
7
7 references across the 3 candidates at second-interview stage, all positive.
Offer aligned to salary expectations
Yes
Within the agreed range.
Offer accepted
<24 hrs
Accepted within 24 hours of being presented.
261K
Ad Exposure
7.1x market avg
14K
Impressions
2.2x market avg
1.2K
Ad Clicks
2.1x market avg
62
Applications
2.3x market avg
Campaign performance vs comparable Engineering Manager ads in New Zealand. Also promoted via LinkedIn (3,145 impressions).
4 of the 8 candidates the client interviewed came directly from this campaign; the other 4 through direct approach and network — the mix that lifted shortlist quality and quantity.
Interview Feedback & Due Diligence
Called candidates after each interview and provided written interview feedback summaries, captured and shared with the client throughout the process.
Ministry of Justice (MOJ) criminal record check completed.
Structured verbal reference checks documented (former direct manager and project lead).
AI Score vs Job Brief
Skills Match17/20
Experience Relevance18/20
Industry Knowledge12/15
Custom Criteria12/15
Qualifications10/10
Cultural Fit9/10
Leadership & Soft Skills9/10
Key strengths: 14+ years control & automation on the major PLC/SCADA platforms, aligned to the brands the client uses. Proven people leader, ranked top 2 of 7 regional managers at a global automation firm, 13–17 reports. NZ-based citizen, no relocation required. Exceptional stakeholder & relationship skills for the client / BD component.
The placed candidate scored 87/100 against the job brief, reflecting strong alignment on leadership, automation background and cultural fit. Their platform depth matched the automation brands the client uses, and both referees rated them a top performer they would rehire without hesitation.
