Technology: Capital Markets: Head of Application Support
A leading investment bank was undertaking a strategic review of their global applications support model. Astbury Marsden initially conducted a competitor analysis of how similar functions were structured and operated at three agreed competitor organisations. The analysis was conducted across five key indicators and the report was used by our client to help shape their thoughts on their own departmental structure and service provision techniques.
Following our client's review, Astbury Marsden was mandated to conduct the search to identify candidates to lead this function. The agreed target list of sourcing companies included direct competitors and other large complex technology centric organisations, leading systems integrators and consulting companies.
An Astbury Marsden project delivery team were dedicated to the assignment. Our research-driven methodology was utilised to source, identify and reach out to those individuals within the target organisations who were potentially suitable. This research was supplemented by thorough interrogation of our candidate database and leverage of our extensive network of trusted contacts within industry.
We approached the targeted candidates with a compelling yet confidential proposition on the role type and the challenges and rewards on offer. Those suitable were progressed to a formal meeting with Astbury Marsden, where a comprehensive competency-based interview was conducted. Successful candidates were then fully briefed on our client organisation and the role specification. This enabled a full assessment of the candidates' suitability and their motivation plus their commitment to leave their current employer. The shortlist presented consisted of two candidates from competitor investment banks, one from a large retail financial services organisation and one from a global consulting company. Astbury Marsden worked closely with all parties throughout the interview process ensuring that when it was time to offer the chosen candidate, there were no last minute surprises or disappointments. In this instance, we knew there would be a protracted offer negotiation process with a strong risk of the candidate being counter offered. Through clear, timely communication with HR, the client's hiring manager and the candidate, the offer was accepted and the role successfully filled.
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