Executive Search for a Managing Director for the UK Division of a Global Shipping Group

Executive Search for a Managing Director for the UK Division of a Global Shipping Group

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Business Type: UK division of a global group specialising in the shipment of cars, trucks, trailers, and other rolling cargo.

Location: UK

Executive Search Team: Jonathan Pearse, Head of Executive Search - Shipping - EMEA & The Americas and Kelsey Purse, Director of Shipping - EMEA & The Americas

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The client required a Managing Director to lead UK operations, overseeing over 60 personnel across multiple offices and subsidiaries. The Executive Search for their new Managing Director (MD) was led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Our client reached out directly based on our established online presence in shipping and maritime recruitment.

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The Challenge

The successful Managing Director (MD) needed to modernise the business and drive growth, aligning with newly defined strategic, operational, and commercial objectives. They sought a dynamic leader able to inspire teams and spearhead initiatives in IT, digitisation, processes, and compliance.

The new Managing Director had to unify a multi-office, multi-brand operation and drive significant commercial and operational growth. Historically, each brand operated independently, so the chosen candidate would need to foster unity while leading transformation.

​Key challenges included:

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• Limited Candidate Pool: Due to the niche nature of the sector, there was a small pool of candidates with relevant experience. The scale of the company meant there were few direct competitors, further limiting candidate availability.

• Transferable Skills: The market was divided between smaller, owner-managed companies and large corporates. Leaders from smaller companies often lacked experience managing large teams, while those from larger corporations were highly specialised or beyond the client’s budget.

• Location Requirements: The head office’s location outside London made relocation a necessity for many candidates. Initially, the client favoured a local search, but after consultation, we broadened the search across the UK and included overseas candidates willing to relocate.

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Our Approach

To address the challenges, we developed a strategic, tailored search process:

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1. ​Client Needs Assessment:

We conducted two in-depth meetings with the client to fully understand their requirements, focusing on leadership, change management, and growth objectives.

2. Employer Value Proposition:

The client was transparent about the scale of the challenge and offered the successful candidate full autonomy to drive transformation. We crafted this into a compelling narrative to attract candidates seeking P&L responsibility and leadership opportunities.

3. Compensation Advice:

We provided clear compensation guidelines upfront to align expectations and maximise interest within the client's budget.

4. Market Mapping & Candidate Sourcing:

We conducted extensive market research to understand the UK RORO and logistics sectors while leveraging our experience in shipping and maritime recruitment to identify overlapping talent.

5. Proactive Candidate Engagement:

Using Faststream and client branding, we actively engaged with target candidates, highlighting the opportunity to lead and transform a business.

6. Comprehensive Interviews:

We conducted detailed interviews, presenting the client’s value proposition and evaluating candidates’ fit for the role.

7. Refined Shortlist:

After multiple interview rounds, we presented a strong shortlist of highly qualified candidates, including those from various regions and international markets.

8. Final Selection & Offer Management:

We supported the client through the final interview and offer stages, ensuring a smooth transition during the candidate's notice period and up to their start date.

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The Outcome

​The client successfully hired a Managing Director who brought the leadership and vision necessary to guide the organisation through its next phase of growth. The candidate was a strong cultural fit, able to unify the team and drive transformation across the business.

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​Contact the Executive Search Team

Call one of our Executive Search teams or complete your details in the form below:

Americas +1 281 3464005

Asia-Pacific +65 65327201

EMEA +44 23 8020 8708

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