Filling the strategically important role of Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Science was a fantastic challenge for TMP’s research capabilities. The university has a unique vision which needed to be communicated clearly to create a strong shortlist of candidates and a successful hire.
SOLUTION HIGHLIGHTS
• FULL EXECUTIVE SEARCH ASSIGNMENT
• CRITICAL BRAND UNDERSTANDING
• STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION OF THE
ORGANISATION’S AIMS
Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (PVC) is a member of the executive team and plays a vital role in the university’s strategic achievement. All PVCs at UEA also hold cross-institutional duties and are expected to undertake external representative roles and serve on local, regional, and national bodies as appropriate.
The incumbent in post was reaching the end of his appointment. To replace him, the university was seeking a seasoned academic with proven management experience at scale, a strong research background and a record of achieving successful outcomes. In addition to external candidates found through search activities, internal candidates went through the same process of interviews prior to submission for the role.
RESEARCH AND DISCOVERY
A briefing with the Vice-Chancellor gave us an insightful view of the responsibilities and challenges inherent to the role as well as the context for strategic development and the specifc experience sought. This collaborative approach would be key to communicating the opportunity in a way that fitted the university’s brand.
FOUNDATION AND FRAMEWORK
We produced a project plan with timelines and targets, to manage expectations. Our search encompassed telephone, LinkedIn, deep web searching and TMP networks.
OUTCOME
By harnessing TMP’s expertise and resources, we were able to carry out an extensive broad-based research that identified over 100 potential candidates and led to a successful hire.
• 108 targets identified
• 26 applicants shortlisted
• 12 candidates interviewed
• 1 hire
