Hiring Product Managers for a hyper-growth tech unicorn

Client Profile

A Swiss-based quadruple unicorn specializing in DevOps, code cleaning, and security software.

Context & Challenge

Following a $500M+ funding round and a valuation of $4.8 billion, the client sought to accelerate growth through:

• Increased R&D investment.
• Expansion of the product management team to drive new and existing product roadmaps, aligning with developer needs.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Background as a Software Developer with deep knowledge of programming ecosystems (e.g., Java, Python, C++)
• Minimum 5 years of Product Management experience in DevOps or B2B SaaS
• Fluent in English
• Located in Europe or open to relocation to Switzerland, France, or Germany
• Strong communication skills and alignment with the company’s psychometric requirements

A key challenge was the client’s rigorous 5-stage recruitment process, which included a live psychometric interview to assess shared values and adaptability to a fast-scaling environment. This high bar led to significant candidate drop-off during the process.

Search & Selection Process

To identify top-tier candidates, we implemented a targeted executive search strategy, including:

• Advertising roles on Antal.com, AntalTech Jobs platform, and LinkedIn
• Leveraging Antal Geneva’s international networks, databases, and AI-assisted search tools
• Conducting a rigorous selection process:
  • In-depth candidate interviews
  • Technical skill assessments and achievement analysis
  • Maintaining candidate engagement throughout the 2+ month recruitment cycle

Results

✅ First hire: A Product Manager for the Python product line, identified within three weeks.

• The candidate relocated from the UK to Switzerland and has since become a top performer within the company.

✅ Second hire: Two months later, the client rehired Antal to recruit a Product Manager for Domain Products—this time, an in-market hire based in Switzerland.

By successfully placing two key Product Managers, we helped our client scale their product team efficiently, despite the highly selective hiring process.