Emma Young, Head of Telecommunications, LOCOG (London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games

Rob Palluotto, Senior Analyst/Designer, Truphone

Simon Mitchell, Fixed Network Manager, o2

We designed a strategy to sell on the role opportunity and to target WiFi orientated competitors. Through the individual networks of the three Partners we identified three strong candidates. Approaches were made and meetings booked to then sell to and engage them. An important part of this influencing without a real mandate was our strong relationship generated and the candidates being able to reference us with candidates/clients in common. Their business motivators were based on challenge and the opportunity to be central to a new venture. All three candidates were selected for interview, with two progressing to the second stage with the Acting CTO and the CEO. At this juncture confidentiality was key and it was only when a permanent offer of employment was made to the strongest candidate that details were revealed again through the use of a signed NDA. The candidate joined the new venture in September 2010 and is now very near the launch of the new business proposition.

Connected Consulting were given a very thorough brief on the experience required of the individual on a range of levels – technical, commercial, the ability to influence decision makers and the ability to lead by example on the transformational programme of work that was required.

Connected committed to a thorough market search, initially creating a longlist through detailed telephone screening. Through communication with our Client we then selected a shortlist to interview on a face to face basis spending a detailed two hour period with the applicants. Three candidates were then presented and selected for interview which was a two stage process. One applicant performed particularly strongly and was made an offer of employment. The offer process became complex as they were a recipient of an aggressive counter-offer. Connected Consulting provided counselling to both candidate and client and an improved yet creative offer was presented by our Client and was accepted.

The brief requested that the individual must be a strong cultural fit to the new team and be able to build and enhance their reputation in the Managed Services space in addition to the functional role experience required. Connected agreed a targeted list of companies to headhunt from and began the process of identifying and telephone screening suitable individuals.

Through constant communication with our client, Connected then conducted face to face interviews to determine the cultural and functional role fit. Successful candidates were then presented to the client to interview. In the following four month period six senior candidates were selected and placed into the Managed Services team who have formed an integral arm to the the performance and success of the business.