In Namibia, a major banking institution was facing a significant hiring challenge: the need to appoint a Group Head of Financial Risk & Analytics. The role required a candidate with local commercial experience, as well as expertise in financial risk and analytics. Despite the company's best efforts, the position had remained vacant for over nine months. Recognising the urgency and strategic importance of this hire, the bank approached Antal International to resolve the issue.
Challenges Faced
The recruitment process was challenging in many ways and at different stages:
-Prolonged Open Vacancy: The position had been sitting open for an exhausting nine months, before deciding to reach out to Antal for recruitment services. This was putting pressure on operations and delaying critical decision-making. Eventually, it was about to start affecting the bank’s strategic momentum.
-Top candidates reluctant to Change: Many of the most qualified candidates were hesitant to leave the comfort and security of their current roles. It wasn’t that the talent wasn’t out there—it was a matter of convincing them to take the leap.
-Compensation Complexities: Building the right mix of fixed and variable compensation was a tricky puzzle. Striking the balance between appealing to top-tier candidates and staying within the organization’s budget made the process more challenging.
Strategic Solutions
Antal International implemented its proven four-way methodology to address these challenges and streamline the recruitment process.This methodology included the following key steps:
-Research & Candidate Identification from specific mapped companies: A targeted search was conducted to identify professionals with local commercial expertise and specialization in financial risk and analytics. This ensured a focus on candidates who met the nuanced requirements of the role.
-Candidate Assessment & Engagement: High-potential candidates were thoroughly evaluated for cultural fit, technical competence, and leadership capability. Direct engagement helped build trust and address any hesitations about changing roles.
-Interview Management: To expedite decision-making, Antal facilitated a structured and streamlined interview process. This ensured minimal delays and a seamless candidate experience.
-Selection & Offer Management: Terms were negotiated carefully to create a balanced and competitive compensation package, addressing both fixed and variable components to meet the expectations of the ideal candidate.
Outcome
Using its systematic approach, Antal International successfully filled the position of Group Head, Financial Risk & Analytics within two weeks of receiving the assignment. This remarkable turnaround, after nine months of unsuccessful recruitment efforts, highlighted the effectiveness of Antal's methodology and strategic solutions.
The successful placement not only addressed the immediate operational needs of the banking institution, but also ensured that the newly placed candidates would quickly settle into the organisation and make an incredible impact on the company's objectives in the long term.
Client's feedback:
"As the Group Executive of Human Capital and Citizenship, I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Antal International on several high-profile recruitment projects.
Antal International's approach to executive search is professional, combining deep industry knowledge with a keen understanding of our company's unique culture and needs. Their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to excellence have impressed me greatly."