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Location: Staveley, The Lake District
Our Client
inov-8 is an award winning footwear brand who are really starting to make their mark in the industry. They seek to become a global brand leader in the functional fi tness and off-road running categories, with a range of footwear and running lifestyle products. They cater for the likes of trail runners, triathletes and obstacle racers, with lightweight and minimal products. Today they are a truly international business trading in over 60 countries. inov-8 is an exciting challenger brand: they were founded just over ten years ago by the inspirational Wayne Edy. Since then they have seen unbelievable growth achieving an average of 60% growth year on year in the last fi ve years - so a huge success story in a highly competitive market. They are aggressive, fearless and innovative as a brand: they are looking to grow from a 30 million dollar business to an 80 million dollar business over the next three years. They have a unique culture and the team there live and breathe the outdoor lifestyle.
The Challenge
As any retail business is aware, having an agile IT system is absolutely crucial, especially to grow on the e-commerce side. The IT team at inov-8 was lacking an expert strategist who could head up their existing team and look at the IT systems in place and the changes needed to drive the business forward at this decisive stage in their journey. The role is part of the executive team and requires both technical expertise including experience of procuring and implementing mid-tier ERP systems and also a more strategic outlook, including being able to deliver the IT strategy and systems for a high-growth e-commerce business. One key challenge for example is the implementation of a B2C e-commerce platform. inov-8 were looking for an inspiring leader who thrives in the fast-paced retail world and who would be invested in inov-8, the brand and their vision moving forward.
Consumer Practice
The Search
After initially turning to a specialist IT recruitment agency who did not deliver the culture fi t that inov-8 were looking for, they decided to entrust us with the assignment as we had partnered with inov-8 in the past and had the depth of knowledge they were looking for. There were a number of key elements which we considered for the search. Firstly, the person should be able to live and work in the Lake District. Secondly they should come from a retail background, thirdly they should have a strategic and leadership role and fi nally they should feel a connection with the open and fast-paced culture at inov-8 and also with the brand and outdoor lifestyle. We therefore targeted a number of retail businesses, both large brands and smaller heritage brands and especially those with a strong online presence. The candidates we spoke to were excited by the potential at inov-8 as a growing business and recognised that there was a lot to be achieved from an IT perspective.
Outcome
Our shortlist of fi ve contained a variety of carefully screened individuals with top notch leadership skills and technical expertise, some with a footwear brand background and others with apparel or home wear brands. Two candidates emerged as frontrunners after the fi rst round and were invited to carry out a project, based on a real-life situation involving selecting a new ERP system and analysing the advantages and disadvantages of each. Deborah Hugill won over the interviewing panel with her polished, organised and highly expert pitch and she was delighted to accept the position, which is her dream job.
www.veredus.co.uk
Case Study for inov-8 - Head of IT
Consumer Practice
www.veredus.co.uk
Testimonial - The Candidate Working with Sarah-Jayne and Emma at Veredus was an absolute pleasure. From the initial conversation I had with Emma and through the diligently organised interview process, the communication was exemplarily.
From the fi rst time we liaised, I found Sarah-Jayne a very professional, warm and strong character who had intimate knowledge of the kind of candidate her client was looking for. Sarah-Jayne took the time to genuinely get to know me, my skills and personality; she really cared about getting the right candidate that would fi t the unique culture at inov-8. I have never before been so well matched not only to the role I was looking for but also a great company with a fantastic culture. I am now in my dream job at inov-8 and looking forward to a very exciting future.
I am only too pleased to give my unreserved endorsement to Sarah-Jayne and Emma at Veredus for providing me with such a personal, professional and positive recruitment experience. Thank you.
Deborah Hugill, proud to be the new Head of IT at inov-8
Testimonial - The Client
After identifying a need for a Head of IT within the inov-8 business, due to the continuing high levels of growth, we initially went to a speciality IT recruitment agency. What was apparent after a month was that the agency just didn’t understand the culture at inov-8 which was as important to inov-8 as the technical and strategic skills of the candidates. After that disappointment we approached Sarah-Jayne (Veredus) who had assisted the business on a previous sales role, who assured us that she had the depth of knowledge and contacts to be able to make the recruitment a success.
What Veredus did differently to the previous agency was to understand the business, understand what we needed from the role and most importantly to then put forward pre-screened candidates that would fi t our expectations and needs.
We now have that candidate and look forward to the individual starting.
Rob Maynard, Finance Director at inov-8
To discuss your recruitment requirements, please contact
Sarah-Jayne Bennell, Director and Head of Global Consumer Practice today:
0207 932 4315 / +44 7718 423 830
From left: Rob Maynard (Finance Director), Deborah Hugill (Head of IT) and Nicola Smallman (HR and Legal Manager).
