Our Work
Global Chief Operating Officer
The Expert
A client recently instructed Phoenix Search to help them appoint an International COO.
The Challenge
The mandate was to find a strong COO skillset: who can operate at Board level, manage an extremely broad range of stakeholders across 16 countries, review existing processes and deliver a transformation agenda to up-skill technology and operational infrastructure for their International business.
Our Approach
After being retained by the client, Phoenix Search conducted a thorough review of the UK and EMEA landscape, mapping COOs and Business Managers working in the Investment Banking and Professional Services sectors.
We approached over 100 candidates, initially interviewing 27, before reducing this number significantly, delivering a streamlined and relevant shortlist. The shortlist gave our client a map of competitors, and insights into their operating models, as well as real-time compensation analysis. The client interviewed every candidate from the shortlist, before settling on 2 outstanding individuals to take to final round stages.
Alongside the interviewing process, which involved sending the candidates to international offices to meet senior leadership, we advised the client also to utilize Phoenix Search’s in-house psychometric assessment team to conduct executive-level testing.
We ran a series of tests to stress-test their behaviours and problem-solving skills in a range of business- and people-centric scenarios and situations.
Results
The results, when measured against the psychometric evaluation criteria, managed to identify one clear candidate for the role. We offered and successfully secured a highly qualified COO candidate with the right leadership traits, soft skills, and technical experiences to drive the long-term goals of the firm.
Phoenix Search also maintained contact with all parties during the onboarding process to provide support and advice to ensure the smooth integration. Several months into the role, the client had benefited significantly from the seamless transition of the COO, witnessing first hand some hugely valuable operational and strategic deliverables greatly benefiting the Chairman and wider organization.
