Team Perspectives Archives - Bluewater Hayes

Overcoming Complex Recruitment Challenges in the Capital Equipment Sector: A Case Study

Posted on September 11, 2024September 11, 2024 by Ryan

Client Profile

Industry: Capital Equipment Manufacturing

Challenge: Leadership Transition and Operational Constraints

Background

Convincing folks to relocate to hip markets like Charlotte, Nashville, Atlanta, Austin, and Charleston can be easy for agency recruiters, location is a huge draw to many! So what happens when you’re seeking talent in a city that doesn’t have a magnetic draw like those previously mentioned? Or if you’re not in a city at all?

Sure, we have opportunities we search for in hip spots, but we also have clients in locations that are off the beaten path. These companies, founded by Small Town, USA entrepreneurs and grown locally, offer great opportunities for their communities. Unfortunately, as they seek to expand beyond what the local talent pool can support, they run into headwinds.

Take our client in North Carolina, for example. They are a well-established, family-owned manufacturer of capital equipment such as (CNCs, Lathes, Machining Centers). During a leadership transition where Gen1 (Dad, the CEO) was handing off to Gen2 (Son and Chief Caretaker of the Family Business), the company faced significant recruitment challenges.

The new CEO’s diligence in overseeing all aspects of the transition and getting more familiar with the company in the CEO capacity, along with his hands-on management style added a level of complication to the recruitment process due to his busy schedule, limited availability, and desire to oversee the recruitment of a critical member of their team.

The Challenge

Recruitment for this client was particularly demanding due to several factors:

Limited Availability: The new CEO’s involvement in every stage of the hiring process, coupled with his limited availability, created scheduling conflicts, and delays in the interview process.

Compensation Structure: The offered compensation package, characterized by a lower base salary and a slow-building commission plan, was less attractive to potential candidates, especially in a competitive field.

High Specificity in Candidate Requirements: The client insisted on hiring only candidates with prior experience in capital equipment sales, significantly narrowing the candidate pool.

Candidate Impatience: Sales professionals are typically driven by swift outcomes and progress, making them less tolerant of delays and prolonged processes.

The Bluewater Hayes Approach

Understanding the unique challenges and the client’s specific needs, Bluewater Hayes employed a multi-faceted approach:

Expectation Management: We actively managed candidate expectations throughout the recruitment process, ensuring they were aware of potential delays and the reasons behind them.

Client Coaching: Our team provided coaching to the client, and new CEO, to help streamline the recruitment process and improve delegation.

Strategic Sourcing: We leveraged our deep industry knowledge and extensive network to identify and attract candidates who not only had the necessary experience but were also a good cultural fit for a family-owned business environment.

Persistent Follow-up: Our recruiters maintained regular communication with both the client and candidates to keep the process moving forward despite obstacles.

Results

Despite the daunting challenges, our persistence and tailored approach led to successful outcomes:

Placements: Successfully completed the second placement within the year, with 2-3 more candidates in the pipeline.

Client Satisfaction: The client expressed high satisfaction with our ability to find suitable candidates under challenging conditions.

On Budget: All placements were achieved within the agreed budget constraints, demonstrating our firm’s efficiency and commitment to client goals.

Conclusion

Bluewater Hayes ended up filling four sales roles for this client. As our knowledge of what their ideal candidate looked like became clearer, we were able to expand our search nationally to support ongoing hiring needs with the same target in mind.

This case exemplifies Bluewater Hayes’ resilience and tenacity in handling recruitment for niche and challenging roles. Most agencies might shy away from such demanding conditions, but our dedication to meeting clients’ needs and our strategic approach to recruitment ensured that we not only met but exceeded expectations.

We take pride in our ability to tackle tough assignments and deliver positive results for organizations looking to build great teams! If you are looking to fill a challenging role reach out to us today!!

The Power of Employee Engagement

Posted on March 20, 2024March 20, 2024 by Ryan

Creating an engaging environment that employees look forward to coming to work for each day is easier said than done. A recent survey found that “in 2023, employee engagement declined for the first time in almost 10 years”! Considering the environment, we live in today as we are emerging from a global pandemic, encountering consistent supply chain disruptions, and dealing with natural disasters, it’s not a huge surprise this is happening. Although, there are ways to keep your organizations people happy, working and engaged and when this happens productivity abounds! Bluewater Hayes firmly believes that engaged employees are not just an asset but a driving force behind enhanced productivity and quality outcomes within organizations. Let’s delve into why this is the case.

Create a Culture of Engagement

A sense of purpose ignites a passion in people, whether it be for personal interests or professional pursuits. When it comes to professional pursuits this sense of purpose can be the driving force that encourages employees to go above and beyond to achieve the company’s objectives. Fostering a culture where employees feel valued, respected, and connected to the organization’s goals not only help to keep talent at your organization but word will spread and create a talent pipeline for filling future roles. When employees believe in the company’s mission and understand how their role contributes to that mission, they are more likely to be engaged in their work.

Empower Employees

Empowerment is another critical aspect of fostering engagement in work environments. When employees are given the autonomy to make decisions and contribute their ideas, they feel a greater sense of ownership over their work. This ownership translates into increased motivation to excel and innovate, leading to improved productivity and quality outcomes. Ensuring that every part of an organizations team understands the importance of empowering one another is critical to the success of this endeavor.

Investing in Training and Development

A well-trained workforce is a productive workforce. When an employee decides to leave an organization one of the most common reasons besides lack of pay, is lack of growth potential. By investing in training and development programs, companies can equip employees with the skills and knowledge they need to perform their jobs effectively. As technology changes and evolves, encouraging continuing education within your teams keeps them on the forefront of new skills that will be needed in the future. Not only does this enhance productivity by reducing errors and inefficiencies, but it also boosts employee morale and engagement by demonstrating a commitment to their growth and development.

Recognition and Rewards

Recognizing and rewarding employees for their contributions is essential for maintaining high levels of engagement. A recent study conducted by Quantum Workplace stated, “Employees – especially managers – want more recognition for their work. 51% of all employees surveyed said they want more recognition, while 58% of managers said they’d like more.” Whether it’s through verbal praise, bonuses, or other incentives, acknowledging employees’ efforts reinforces positive behaviors and encourages them to continue striving for excellence. Doing this regularly such as monthly or quarterly also encourages more engagement. Moreover, a culture of recognition fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, further enhancing productivity and quality outcomes.

Communication and Feedback

Open and transparent communication channels are vital for fostering engagement in the workplace. Employees should feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and feedback with management, knowing that their voices will be heard and valued. Often employees feel that although surveys are taken and feedback is solicited, leadership does not act on it or make changes being suggested. It’s important that when soliciting input from employees, that organizations are acting on that feedback, which in turn fosters a sense of ownership and commitment among their workforce, leading to improved productivity and quality outcomes.

In conclusion, employee engagement plays a crucial role in boosting productivity and quality outcomes in the workplace. By creating a culture of engagement, empowering employees, investing in training and development, recognizing, and rewarding their contributions, and fostering open communication and feedback, companies can unleash the full potential of their workforce.

At Bluewater Hayes, we recognize the importance of employee engagement and are committed to cultivating a work environment where every employee feels valued, motivated, and empowered to succeed. If you are looking for a talent partner who can help your organization succeed in filling your talent pipeline reach out today and let’s get started!

Connect with Bluewater Hayes today and let us help you build an engaged team!

Did we miss something? Drop us a comment or shoot us an email and let us know how we can improve!

Six Adaptive Skill Sets for Building a Resilient Supply Chain Team

Posted on February 7, 2024February 7, 2024 by Ryan

When enhancing your supply chain team’s capabilities to navigate today’s challenges, it’s crucial to consider the teams adaptive skill sets. These skill sets can propel your organization forward, even in the midst of the uncertain times that seem to be occurring a lot lately! Recognizing that not every exceptional team member possesses a comprehensive skill set, recruiting individuals with complementary abilities fosters an environment where each team member can excel uniquely.

Adaptive skill sets become essential in fortifying your organization’s resilience during challenging times. The integration of such skills is pivotal, enhancing your team’s capacity to navigate and overcome adversity. Strategically assembled teams, equipped with diverse and adaptive skill sets, can have a hugely transformative impact on an organization’s ability to thrive amidst dynamic and unpredictable circumstances.

Adaptive skill sets are the cornerstone of a resilient and agile supply chain team. In a landscape where disruptions can arise from diverse sources such as natural disasters, geopolitical events, or unexpected economic shifts, the ability of supply chain professionals to swiftly navigate and adapt becomes paramount.

What expertise are you looking for when searching for talent with adaptive skills sets? Here we take a deeper dive into some of the most important components of adaptive skill sets to seek out and how they contribute to building a robust supply chain team:

Problem-Solving Skills:

Not everyone you meet has the ability to effectively problem solve, especially when it comes to solving supply chain issues caused by disruptions that present unique and complex challenges. Professionals with strong problem-solving skills can analyze situations, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions promptly. Often a professional’s problem-solving abilities are not always apparent in a general interview situation. Yet, these individuals contribute to a culture of resilience by approaching disruptions not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities to innovate and improve.

Continuous Learning Orientation:

The dynamic nature of the supply chain industry requires professionals to stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices. Individuals with a commitment to continuous learning are better equipped to navigate evolving landscapes and implement innovative solutions. Bluewater Hayes is a talent partner that can help organizations find candidates who demonstrate a proactive approach to staying informed and adapting their skill sets to meet emerging challenges.

Cross-Functional Experience:

Supply chain operations involve multiple interconnected functions, from procurement to logistics and distribution. Hiring individuals with cross-functional experience ensures a holistic understanding of the entire supply chain process. Such professionals can bridge gaps between different departments, facilitating smoother communication and collaboration, and fostering a more integrated and adaptable supply chain ecosystem.

Data Analysis:

In the era of big data, supply chains generate and process vast amounts of information. Professionals’ adept at data analysis can leverage this wealth of data to identify patterns, predict potential disruptions, and optimize supply chain processes. By hiring individuals with strong data analysis skills, organizations can enhance their ability to make informed decisions, identify areas for improvement, and proactively address potential challenges.

Forecasting Expertise:

The ability to forecast trends and anticipate changes in demand is crucial for supply chain resilience. Professionals with expertise in demand forecasting can help organizations avoid excess inventory or shortages, enabling a more efficient response to market fluctuations. By incorporating forecasting skills into the hiring criteria, companies can better position themselves to handle demand variability and other unforeseen challenges.

Flexibility in Strategy Implementation:

Supply chain strategies that may have worked in the past might not be effective in the face of new challenges. Professionals with adaptive skill sets are not only capable of formulating effective strategies but can also pivot quickly when circumstances demand. This flexibility allows organizations to adjust their approaches in real-time, minimizing the impact of disruptions and ensuring a more agile supply chain.

How to Find the Right Talent and Skill Sets for your Organization

Bluewater Hayes can assist organizations in prioritizing adaptive skill sets in their hiring processes. By carefully seeking out and vetting talented individuals; we can identify which the adaptive skills your organization is looking for, to help lay the foundation for a supply chain team that can thrive in the face of uncertainty.

The ability to analyze data, forecast trends, implement flexible strategies, and navigate cross-functional responsibilities empowers professionals to proactively address disruptions, making them invaluable assets in the quest for a resilient and agile supply chain. As the landscape of global business continues to evolve, the significance of these adaptive skills will only grow, making them essential criteria for building a supply chain team prepared for the challenges of the future.

Connect with Bluewater Hayes today and let us help you build a resilient supply chain team!

Did we miss something? Drop us a comment or shoot us an email and let us know how we can improve!

Looking Forward to 2024 with 2023 in Rearview

Posted on January 9, 2024January 9, 2024 by Ryan

From the Founder’s Desk

One week into the New Year has given time to reflect on the past year and get excited about what 2024 holds. As the saying goes, 2023 was full of long days but the year flew by. Is it just me or did 2022 just keep going? So much has happened for me, for Bluewater Hayes, for our team, in the world, it is no wonder 2022 and 2023 blurred together.

Artificial Intelligence begins its Take Over

In the world of technology, artificial intelligence came to our collective consciousness this year and now consumes all our attention. I, like many, marvel at its potential for good and fret about the perils it brings with it. Our team uses AI in our day-to-day activities to support our marketing efforts, write job postings, draft messages, and more. By the way, I am writing this (as in Ryan Burke, the human) unassisted by an AI bot. The fact that I feel the need to clarify that a human is writing this demonstrates the awesome power apps like ChatGPT, Bard, and many others already possess. Let us not forget artificial intelligence technology is in its infancy. I hope our robot lords are nice to us after the singularity!

Maybe the machines will do us better than we do ourselves. Ukraine and Russia continue to duke it out while the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, already a humanitarian catastrophe, threatens to metastasize into a more regional proxy war. On the climate change front the COP 28 conference, held in UAE, was a success? Maybe. There was some progress, despite it being hosted by one of the world’s top fossil fuel-producing countries.

The Economy Holds Up

Moving on to the economy, Jerome Powell has my vote for Person of the Year. In 2022, naysayers said an economic “soft landing” was unlikely, even impossible. 2023 was the year we were going to dip into recession, they said. Well, pin some pilot wings on our Fed Chief because I think he has almost done it! Wisely, he explicitly states there is still work to be done and we are not on the ground yet, but I tip my hat to the man most responsible for at least delaying the downturn.

As a staffing guy, I am grateful for the resilience shown by the U.S. economy. Unemployment remains historically low, and companies are still hiring. I, bullishly, believe companies will continue hiring in 2024. They must continue to invest in talent, particularly in IT, engineering, supply chain, and finance fields if they want to thrive. Remnants of “talent hoarding” from the pandemic experience, shifts in demographics, the ramping up of automation, and the rising importance of having teams capable of unlocking the power of AI will all contribute to making talent demand high. With our expertise in finding talent in those high-demand functions, I expect our clients will continue to rely on us to support their needs.

Bluewater Hayes Dives into 2024

We certainly stayed busy throughout 2023. Our backlog was filled with long-time and new clients alike. But the search and staffing business is tough, and we had some challenges getting certain deals across the finish line this year. As a team, we learned that even with strong client demand, execution at the end of the search process is what wins the day. Ten years of increasing job availability has created very savvy and demanding candidates. Those lessons have forged us into a skilled and resilient team. I am proud of the seasoned recruiting professionals who wear the Bluewater Hayes jersey, and I could not be more excited about our prospects for 2024. This month begins a new year and this time, it feels new!

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Ryan Burke – CEO | Managing Partner

Ryan founded Bluewater Hayes in 2015 following a life that initially took him to the U.S. Marine Corps after high school. After the Marines, Ryan attended Michigan State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management. He spent four years in manufacturing and then five years with global staffing firms before establishing Bluewater Hayes as a premier executive search and staffing firm. Today, the company he founded serves clients ranging from up-and-coming to the most venerable Fortune 100 firms with talent acquisition search and support activities. The singular mission is Precision Placement with a culture of continuous improvement and professional development. Ryan resides in West Michigan with his wife Karley. Both are competitive Olympic weightlifters and enjoy their CrossFit community.

Did we miss something? Drop us a comment or shoot us an email and let us know how we can improve!