The Challenge
Primark's sustainability initiative, "Primark Cares," places a strong emphasis on ethical trading. In a critical recruitment drive for their Ethical Trade & Environmental Sustainability team, they needed an experienced sustainability professional to lead as Head of Central Support.
This role reports to the Director of Ethical Trade & Environmental Sustainability, it was pivotal in ensuring the integrity of the global Ethical Trade program, managing compliance information related to supplier social, environmental, and structural practices, and overseeing the social audit program's quality control and validation. The position could be based in London, Reading, or Dublin.
The Recruitment Approach
Facing an urgent and confidential need after their previous Head of Central Support notified their leave of absence, we swiftly initiated a discreet search, conducted on a retained basis due to the role's criticality in leading a team of 8. The project involved a comprehensive international search across the UK and Ireland. We maintained utmost confidentiality until given the green light to disclose more information.
Leveraging our extensive network across retail, FMCGs, and companies with complex supply chains, we identified candidates with the requisite skills, motivation, and cultural fit. Detailed subject matter interviews assessed their expertise in social and ethical auditing, people management, and self-direction, with an emphasis on alignment with Primark's mission.
The Outcome
Presenting a shortlist of 8 top-tier candidates, we narrowed it down to 3 for initial interviews, ultimately leading to 2 finalists. The preferred candidate accepted the offer without negotiation, while the other was offered a role elsewhere in the company.
Primark swiftly secured a Head of Global Ethical Trade and Environmental Sustainability Audit Assurance (it's a big title for a big job), aligning closely with the candidate's career aspirations.
This project was executed within budget and agreed-upon timelines, contrasting sharply with the 8-month timeframe of a previous recruitment effort by another agency. Through this endeavor, we not only delivered a key hire but also expanded our network of senior Ethical Trade and ESG professionals, establishing enduring relationships with these industry leaders.
