Permanent Recruitment Case Study: Growth Manager, Asia Pacific
Job title of Permanent Recruitment: Growth Manager, Asia-Pacific
Recruitment Type: Retained and Exclusive to Faststream Recruitment
Business Type: Maritime Software focused on Navigation and Decarbonisation
Location: Singapore with Asia-Pacific Remit
Key Stakeholders: Head of Growth and Human Resources Director
Faststream Recruitment Representative: Robert Warner, Associate Director - Asia-Pacific, Faststream Recruitment
A global maritime software company, specialising in navigation and decarbonisation solutions, approached Faststream Recruitment for support in hiring a Growth Manager to lead their entry into the Asia Pacific market. While already well-established in other regions, the business had yet to open operations in APAC.
The role, based in Singapore, required an individual who could step into a broad commercial role – leading and growing a small cluster of existing accounts while developing new relationships with ship owners across the region. The candidate needed to be a versatile solution seller, skilled in lead generation and account management, and culturally aware to effectively operate across a diverse set of countries. The role also demanded a high level of autonomy, as the successful hire would report to a manager based in Denmark and navigate multiple time zones independently.
The Challenge
The client had a clear growth target in the region and had budgeted the role into their new year plans. They needed someone in place by January, with the hiring brief launched in November – creating a tight timeline, especially considering the upcoming holiday season and notice periods.
There were several key challenges:
The client was not a known employer brand in Singapore, and they lacked insight into the local candidate market.
Their previous experience with a contingent agency resulted in poor-quality CVs and minimal service.
They required salary benchmarking advice, needing validation on what talent they could secure within their budget.
The role was demanding, requiring self-motivation, cultural adaptability, and end-to-end sales skills.
The Solution
Faststream offered a retained and exclusive search, ensuring dedication to the assignment. Robert Warner led the search process, working closely with the client’s Head of Growth and HR Director to define a clear brief and build a tailored strategy for success.
Our Recruitment Process:
A detailed consultation to understand the expectations, skill requirements, cultural fit, and reporting structure.
A targeted search strategy using market mapping, proactive outreach, and insight-led sourcing across the APAC region.
Screening and behavioural assessment using PPA (Personal Profile Analysis) to evaluate drive, motivation, and working style.
Delivery of a high-quality shortlist within the agreed timeline.
Structured interview coordination, offer management, and preboarding support.
Clear, consistent communication and updates throughout – critical due to the compressed timeframe over the Christmas period.
Our collaborative partnership with the client enabled quick feedback loops and decision-making, helping to overcome the challenges of limited brand awareness and a competitive candidate market.
The Results
Faststream delivered a successful hire within a tight timeframe, despite the added complexities of recruiting over the Christmas period and into a new regional market. From the initial brief in November, the process was carefully managed to ensure the candidate was identified, assessed, and onboarded by January, meeting the client’s critical timeline for their Asia Pacific growth plans.
The appointed Growth Manager brought the ideal mix of skills – a strong background in solution selling, the ability to engage effectively with ship owners, and the self-driven attitude required to operate independently across time zones with minimal oversight. Their versatility and cultural awareness allowed them to connect quickly with customers across a diverse region, building trust and delivering commercial results.
The candidate met all performance targets set for the role. They not only maintained and grew the existing cluster of companies under their remit but also helped the business gain new traction in the APAC market. Their success in the role meant the client had no need to layer additional management above them, validating the quality and fit of the hire.
This placement has already had a wide impact on the business. Off the back of the hire’s performance and early wins, the company has begun to explore further expansion plans in the region, a significant step forward for a business previously without a presence in Asia Pacific.
Beyond the hire itself, the client benefited from:
Speed and precision in delivery, ensuring the role was filled ahead of critical business targets
Improved operational capability in a new market, delivered by a single, high-impact individual
Insight into local salary expectations and guidance on achievable candidate profiles within budget
Enhanced employer brand positioning, with Faststream acting as a professional ambassador in a region where the brand was not well known
A collaborative recruitment partnership built on regular updates, shared goals, and mutual trust
This project showcased the value of a specialist, retained approach – combining regional knowledge, technical understanding, and a commitment to delivering not just a candidate, but the right person to drive business growth.
What next?
Find out more about our permanent recruitment services in maritime and shipping.
Contact us
Please complete your details in the form below:
Latest Insights
View All InsightsWhy Hiring Senior Maritime Talent is So Hard in 2025
In 2025, the maritime industry faces one of its toughest leadership challenges: who will take the next seat at the top table? Succession gaps are widening, the skills required of leaders are evolvi...
How to Use AI to Improve Your CV
AI is transforming the way we work, and that includes how we apply for jobs. Whether you are in shoreside shipping, cruise, crewing, or marine engineering, AI tools can help you enhance your CV, pr...
Global Leaders in Maritime Breakfast Conference 2025
On Tuesday, the 16th of September, Faststream Recruitment will be hosting our Global Leaders in Maritime Breakfast Conference, part of London International Shipping Week. This is an exclusive event...
Why strategic compensation is a priority in 2025 and beyond
Compensation is a central focus for maritime employers, influenced by evolving workforce expectations, market complexity, and increasing scrutiny from employees and stakeholders.The maritime pay p...
How to Be Head-Huntable For Maritime Jobs
If you’re aiming for senior roles in the maritime industry, chances are you won’t find your next opportunity on a job board. The most influential, high-impact roles, especially in leadership, are o...
How to Attract Maritime Talent with a Limited Employer Brand
You don’t need to be a household name to attract top maritime talent. Some of the most compelling employers in the sector are the ones you’ve never heard of, yet. If you are a smaller operator, a n...
Career Drift: How to Spot It and Correct Course
In a demanding industry like maritime, it’s easy to keep your head down, get the job done, and assume that means you’re on track. But what if you’ve been so focused on delivering that you haven’t l...
Retention Starts with Recruitment: How to Hire with Staying Power in Mind
Attracting top maritime talent is one thing, but keeping them is another. But here is the often-overlooked truth: long-term retention starts from the very first conversation. Too many employers tre...
25 Career Moves You Can Make in 10 Minutes or Less
Small actions. Big momentum. You don’t need to overhaul your life to move your career forward. You just need 10 minutes. Whether you're at sea, ashore, or in the middle of a busy day, these simple...
From Reactive to Proactive Maritime Hiring: The Case for RPO
Waiting to hire until you need someone is already too late… In maritime, uncertainty has become a given. One minute you are scaling up for a new vessel launch or project; the next, you are facing a...
Just Released: Naval Architecture Employment Report 2025
Naval Architecture has always been a technically demanding and highly specialised field. But in 2025, it’s not just the vessels evolving, it is the workforce too.Our latest Naval Architecture Emplo...
The Role of Purpose in Maritime Careers: How to Stand Out as an Employer
In today’s world of work, job seekers are no longer just looking for a competitive salary, a decent benefits package, or the next rung on the career ladder. They are looking for purpose. The mariti...