Sourcing Quantity Surveyors Through a Retained Search Approach
UK
Permanent
0
Assistant to Mid-level hires
2-6
Week brief to completion
The company
Successfully navigating the industry for the past eight years, this boutique cost consultancy firm based in Central London specialises in catering to a diverse clientele, including hedge funds, investors, and developers across commercial, residential, student accommodation, and data centres.
After experiencing significant growth thanks to its market-leading reputation for delivering excellent results, this organisation garners continuous positive feedback and a steady stream of referrals.
The challenge
Amid an impressive growth trajectory, the company found itself in the enviable position of having a surge in clients seeking their specialised cost consultancy services. However, this success quickly became a double-edged sword as the demand outpaced their current team capacity.
To manage this increased workload, the organisation tried to recruit supplementary quantity surveying professionals internally. However, these efforts proved challenging, exacerbated by the competitive market where larger companies were also actively seeking Quantity Surveyors.
Having previously collaborated with Capstone on ad hoc assignments, this client established a reliable connection with Senior Consultant Annabel to act as an extension of the brand and assist on a retained basis to identify and recruit qualified Quantity Surveyors that reflected the brand's distinctive company culture.
The role
Capstone's initial task was recruiting a Quantity Surveyor to help the team manage the organisation's expanding client base. Following the successful placement of this candidate, Capstone was entrusted with sourcing an Assistant Quantity Surveyor.
The service
Recognising the organisation's urgent staffing needs, Capstone proposed a strategic partnership involving a comprehensive retained search option. This dynamic allowed the team at Capstone to immerse themselves fully into this search, allowing for a collaborative and hands-on approach.
This process began with detailed discussions with the client to define the job requirements precisely and involved outlining the technical skills and qualifications necessary as well as delving into the nuances of the company's unique culture.
Capstone adopted a targeted and relentless approach, taking on the responsibilities of an internal recruiter. A key element was the creation of marketing resources, including a dual-branded pitch document. This served two purposes - to provide potential candidates with insights into the job role and to be shared internally with the Capstone team. This ensured active promotion of the organisation, maximising the recruitment campaign's reach and impact.
The success of the service hinged on communication and accountability. Regular touchpoints with the client on a weekly basis allowed for real-time adjustments to the recruitment strategy, ensuring that Capstone remained aligned with any evolving requirements and changes.
The result
Thanks to this harmonious relationship and proactive approach, Capstone yielded remarkable results, resolving the client’s immediate recruitment challenge quickly and setting the stage for confident, sustained growth.
The first role, a Quantity Surveyor, was placed within two weeks. This candidate met the technical requirements of the role but also aligned seamlessly with the brand's unique internal culture. Their swift integration into the team and continued success have solidified them as a valuable asset to the organisation, emphasising the importance of cultural alignment in addition to technical competence.
The second placement, an Assistant Quantity Surveyor sourced within six weeks, presented a unique case. While not the initially envisioned fit, the candidate displayed a promising personality match during the initial conversation. The client, trusting Capstone's judgment, embraced the unconventional choice and found the candidate to be an excellent addition.
This success underscores the importance of a recruiter-client partnership built on trust and highlights the need to evaluate candidates beyond immediate job requirements. It also reflects the adaptability required in a talent-scarce market, emphasising that the perfect fit may not always conform to initial expectations.
With the new team members in place, our client now operates seamlessly, confidently pursuing additional work with the necessary resources. This success is a testament to the effectiveness of a well-executed retained search strategy, showcasing Capstone's role as an extension of the client's internal team in a collaborative and results-driven recruitment partnership.
Client testimonial
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