Supply Chain Executive Search needs Client-side Expertise

Supply Chain Executive Search is our main focus in Mentys. 

I believe to be a good head hunter, you have to have expertise in the role you’re trying to fill. Executive search depends on being very clear on what it is you’re aiming for.  You can’t deliver what you can’t understand and define. 

We’re Head Hunters and I started the firm, but I don’t claim to be a professional head hunter!  I’m a professional Executive, turned to headhunting.

The way to really understand a role is by having done it or by having worked closely with it. Ideally, to have been the person that you’re hunting. Also, for good insight into the client’s needs, it’s best to have been in the shoes of the client.  Then, your Supply Chain executive search becomes more focussed, quicker and less disruptive for candidates and the client.

Client-side knowledge

Understanding the client’s company, needs, environment and culture are essential to get to the real essence of a supply chain executive search. Sure, the client will present a Job Specification and maybe a ManSpec, but they’re never enough.   They rarely get to the real essence of the role. They rarely define clearly the person who will fit in and take it to the next level.

Also, job specs usually reflect the role as it is now or as it has been performed in the past. But things are changing. The way we measure, the way we lead, the way we integrate, the way we operate, the role of technology and the way we achieve success have all advanced rapidly over the last few years.

This is particularly true in my specialist field of Supply Chain. Supply Chain has gone way beyond a series of semi-independent functions, with each trying to satisfy the next in line. Nowadays, all the functions are increasingly integrated, operating as a synchronised, harmonious and interactive whole. The aim of the modern supply chain is excellence in customer service. Dedication to this focus results in significant efficiency and quality improvement, cost reduction and reliability enhancement.

Effective and Focussed Supply Chain Executive Search

How can you know about all that if you’re not a supply chain professional? How can you conduct focussed and effective Supply Chain Executive search if you don’t understand how Supply Chain is evolving? More importantly, how can you know what experiences and skills are needed? Also, how can you hope to represent the client in finding the person who will bring advanced learnings and practices?

Sure, I had to learn the techniques of head hunting and get help where needed. But knowing the role intimately and having extensive and relevant networks are the key ingredients in locating, engaging and assessing potential candidates.

Our Supply Chain executive search must yield candidates whom I would consider employing myself, were I in the client’s shoes.  But it’s hard to say that if you don’t fully understand the role, where it’s going and what it needs. It’s hard to do that if you’ve never been in the client’s shoes!

Mike Short

CEO, Mentys Ltd