When a client tells us, “We’re not sure anyone like this exists,” we know we are in the right place to make a difference.

A leading UK precision engineering manufacturer, with a turnover exceeding £150m, approached Wyman Bain with a particularly demanding brief: appoint a Manufacturing Director combining:

• 💻 Proven expertise in digital transformation
• ⚙️ Operational excellence in complex manufacturing environments
• 🎯 Deep sector knowledge with strong cultural alignment

The leadership team believed that locating even one candidate meeting all criteria would be extremely challenging.

Our Approach: Mapping the Entire Market, Not Just Searching Databases 📊

Rather than relying on standard recruitment channels, we executed a comprehensive market mapping exercise to ensure complete visibility of all relevant talent.

Our process included:

1️⃣ Weeks 1–2: In-depth consultation with the client to define every essential skill, leadership attribute, and cultural

requirement.

2️⃣ Week 3: Full market mapping analysing organisational structures across circa 100 precision engineering and advanced manufacturing businesses, identifying all potential candidates, and engaging directly with both visible and passive talent.

3️⃣ Weeks 4–6: Targeted outreach to every relevant prospect, including those not actively seeking new opportunities.

4️⃣ Weeks 6–7: Rigorous, confidential interviews and benchmarking against both objective and subjective measures.

The Result ✅

We presented a shortlist of six outstanding leaders, each fulfilling the brief entirely.

The appointed Manufacturing Director has now been in post for 18 months, successfully leading a digital transformation and delivering significant operational efficiencies. Retention remains strong, and the client has since partnered with Wyman Bain for further senior appointments.

Why Our Method Worked 💡

• True Market Mapping: Providing access to both visible and hidden talent by assessing the entire market.
• Transparency: Complete client visibility at every stage, with auditable processes and full disclosure of target companies.
• Expert Evaluation: Combining objective data with nuanced, experience-led insight to ensure no compromises on quality or cultural fit.

If finding exceptional leadership feels impossible, ask yourself:

❄️ Are you seeing the whole market or just the tip of the iceberg?

📩 To discuss how Wyman Bain can deliver the talent your business needs, contact us today.