Our client, a well-known luxury clothing company, was looking to replace the incumbent Retail Manager due to performance issues, so required a search that would be quiet and sensitive.

The right-fit candidate needed to have a strong luxury retail background, and experience in 360-degree regional retail management, including people and culture, and P&L. The retailer had already approached a few candidates discreetly, but to no avail. They mandated Argyll Scott to help, due to our strong partnership since having previously made a senior placement with them.

Our solution:

We conducted a thorough mapping exercise of the relevant talent in the luxury retail market. Our regional teams came together to also identify those candidates keen to relocate to Singapore or returning Singaporeans from abroad who fit the brief. We used our platform to deploy discreet digital adverts on LinkedIn and relevant job boards to attract more candidates.

Understanding that personality and cultural fit was vital, we arranged comprehensive screenings and interview sessions prior to presenting candidates’ profiles. The hiring manager was provided with a weekly update on the search status throughout the project.

The outcome:

• Of the initial 43 candidates shortlisted, four were presented and interviewed.

• There was a long waiting time between interview stages, because of the retailer’s internal recruitment processes. As such, keeping the candidates warm and engaged was especially important, while we kept close to the hiring manager for updates.

• When the offered candidate unexpectedly fell through at the finishing line, we backfilled this position within just four weeks.

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