Scaling Tech Leadership Across Time Zones
A Case Study on Hypothesis and Oliver Bernard
Background
Hypothesis is a mission-driven organisation, bringing content and conversation together with open-source technology for educators, students, and researchers worldwide. Hypothesis approached Oliver Bernard when a gap opened in their tech leadership team and needed executive search support. It was a period of rapid growth with the onboarding of a series of large new clients, and required an individual that can mentor and develop the existing team.
Challenge
The existing engineering team work fully remote, across multiple time-zones, so it was imperative to find an individual that not only has the right technical skill set, but the soft skills to manage the technical team and collaborate effectively with the rest of the business.
Previously this role was based in the US, with the engineering team predominantly being in Europe it was becoming a challenge navigating time zones and working styles. Therefore, the UK was identified as a key location of interest, where they had no existing network to recruit and little to no employer brand to work from.
Process
Our OB Search team worked closely Hypothesis from the start of the hiring process, delivering market insights and sample job specifications to help shape the scope of the role.
During this process of defining the role profile, we already had an idea of a candidate within our network that would be a good fit. We were then able to reach out to them the same day and present the role to them, selling the opportunity with Hypothesis.
We then supplemented this with extensive industry research to create a long list of 123 profiles, which we were able to hand-pick a well-rounded shortlist of candidates with the relevant experience and expertise suitable for the role.
Live reporting on activity was available 24/7 for the Hypothesis team to see what activity had been completed, and the 20 minute weekly catch-up allowed us to share shortlist updates and refine our search.
Results
We presented a shortlist of 7 profiles, 5 of which were interviewed, 2 were taken to final stage and the preferred candidate was offered and accepted.
Due to the success of this hire, we have since been engaged on another senior search for Hypothesis.