Client Overview

A leading national kitchen manufacturer supplying major retail brands, this Central Coast–based organisation produces ~100 kitchens per week through a highly automated facility with a workforce of 65–70 employees. With growing demand and a complex production environment, they needed senior leadership who could navigate automation, people management and large-scale operational delivery - all within a regional location where talent is scarce.

The Challenge

When their Head of Manufacturing resigned, the business was faced with an urgent need to secure a senior leader capable of:

• Managing high-volume, automated manufacturing
• Leading large teams across technical and operational functions
• Maintaining output, safety and quality during a critical period
• Commuting or relocating to the Central Coast

The location alone significantly narrowed the talent pool. Add the need for deep manufacturing expertise — ideally kitchen, cabinetry or similar production — and the challenge intensified. If left unfilled, the role risked operational delays, reduced output, leadership gaps and increased pressure on the factory team.

Our Approach

We took a highly consultative and targeted approach from day one.

• We spent dedicated time onsite: with the HR Manager, mapping: Organisational structure, leadership style, cultural expectations, requirements based on previous successful incumbents and transferable industries and target competitor lists.
• Dual Sourcing Strategy: to maximise reach, we executed two parallel campaigns including local and regional advertising for candidates already living near the Central Coast. The second campaign was a national search targeting relocation-ready leaders with high-volume manufacturing expertise
• Targeted Headhunting: using our network and LinkedIn Recruiter, we approached talent from specific organisations known for automated production, cabinet making/joinery manufacturing and high-throughput operational environments.
• Rigorous Shortlisting: every candidate underwent detailed screening for experience, leadership capability, cultural alignment and location viability.
  

The Impact

Our structured, two-track search produced fast and high-quality outcomes:

• 150+ applications reviewed
• 50+ candidates interviewed
• 8 candidates shortlisted in person
• Top 4 presented within two weeks
• 3 interviewed by the client
• 1 exceptional hire secured and appointed within days

The successful candidate is thriving and has already made a positive impact on production leadership.

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