MVP was approached by AAH Pharmaceuticals, a leading distributor of pharmaceutical and healthcare products, to carry out a highly confidential executive search for a Senior General Manager to lead one of their UK distribution centres.

Client Background

Following a period of investment and development across its UK distribution network, AAH identified the need for a Senior General Manager who could join their business relatively quickly, bringing senior leadership expertise in logistics operations to steer the team through the next phase of growth at the site. For a number of reasons, the search needed to be carried out confidentially. Following an approach by a member of AAH’s executive team, MVP was appointed to lead the search.

The Challenges

• A key challenge was the timeframe. Candidates at this level typically have a notice period of a minimum of three months, meaning that the search process itself needed to be conducted quickly. This required a highly efficient process to identify, screen, and secure the ideal candidate without compromising the quality of the search.
• Maintaining confidentiality was critical. As a result, openly advertising the role wasn’t a possibility, requiring us to leverage our network and targeted logistics executive search capabilities.
• We needed to identify and engage senior logistics leaders with experience of large-scale distribution centre management and transformation.
• To protect sensitive business information, full details of the role and the company could only be shared with candidates after a non-disclosure agreement was signed and in place.

Our Approach

MVP met with AAH’s Chief Operating Officer and key stakeholders (Head of Operations, HR and talent team) to understand the ideal candidate profile, the required skills and experience and the nuances of the role. We discussed company culture and the compensation framework and, critically, we also explored the confidential nature of the search, establishing a clear framework for delivery and communication protocols.

Delivery

• Targeted Talent Mapping: We utilised our extensive network, in-house database, specialist online platforms and LinkedIn to identify potential candidates with the required skill set who met the brief. Working at pace, we created a long list of about 50 individuals for the initial approach.    
• Candidate Screening & Assessment: To maintain confidentiality, our initial outreach strategy focused on establishing potential interest in the role, without revealing any identifying information about the business. After initial interest was confirmed, we conducted in-depth screening sessions and secured non-disclosure agreements with suitable candidates before submitting a small number of qualified profiles for review.   
• Interview Facilitation & Support: AAH chose to interview four candidates over a three-day period, ultimately moving two to a final stage interview ten days later. MVP worked closely with key stakeholders at AAH to facilitate the interview process, making arrangements and gaining, sharing and discussing feedback.
• Candidate Management & Support: MVP supported candidates throughout the interview process, assisting those invited to participate and informing the small number not selected of the decision. We ensured interviewees were well-prepared and had all necessary information beforehand. Post-interview, we gathered and shared feedback with candidates and communicated decisions regarding their progression. 
• Offer Management: MVP managed the offer process, ensuring a successful outcome with AAH’s chosen candidate. Once verbal acceptance had been gained, we managed the communication process, ensuring all offer details were received, reviewed and accepted, and supported the successful individual through their resignation process and confirmed start date.
• Onboarding: The successful candidate had a three-month notice period to serve; MVP liaised with them regularly, checking in and ensuring the process was on track.

The Results

• Within 6 weeks of them briefing us, AAH’s chosen candidate had accepted their offer, meaning that they were able to focus on delivering the plan for their distribution centre.
• We received excellent feedback from AAH stakeholders, a highlight being that we operated as a trusted partner for critical hires throughout the whole process.
• We also received very positive feedback from our candidates, who felt well-informed, prepared and supported throughout the process. 

Client Feedback

“I approached Lisa and MVP to support us in finding and appointing a Senior GM into our business to lead one of our operations at the heart of a network restructure. Given the criticality and time-sensitive nature of the appointment, I wanted to work with individuals and an organisation that really understood logistics operations and had in-depth knowledge of what it takes to be a strong General Manager.

Lisa’s approach is always to really spend the time up front understanding exactly what is needed and who is needed. Tight alignment and a strong understanding of the brief were critical to truly partnering with us in delivering this appointment. The process was thorough, pacey, supportive, and effective. MVP worked with all elements of my team to ensure all stakeholder needs were met and delivered on time.

I value MVP’s partnership approach, their candour and support in being pragmatic and delivering what was required with little fuss and a lot of focus, really refreshing and hugely valuable! MVP deliver on their commitments!”

- John Clark | Chief Operating Officer

Candidate Experience

“The process from start to finish with MVP was flawless. Lisa was excellent and kept me up to date throughout the whole process, answered any questions I had, and kept in touch after my appointment.

I would highly recommend Lisa and MVP."

- Mark Smith Park | Senior General Manager

Confidential Searches Require Confident Delivery

Looking to make a senior appointment discreetly and at pace?

Discover how MVP partners with leading organisations to deliver high-impact senior leadership hires through our executive search solution, or reach out to our consultants for more information at info@mvp-search.com