Industry: Retail
Region: South Africa (with Global Operations)
Service Focus: Executive Search | Senior Leadership Recruitment | Market Mapping & Headhunting

The Challenge

A leading retail group in South Africa faced a 12-month talent gap in filling two critical leadership positions – Group Head of Internal Audit and Business Architect.

The company struggled due to:

 Limited local executive talent in audit and business transformation roles

 High market competition for senior audit professionals

 Geographic salary disparities (R2.5M – R3.3M) between Johannesburg and Cape Town

 This prolonged vacancy created operational pressure, delayed strategic transformation, and impacted governance and compliance initiatives.

Our Solution: Speed, Precision & Expertise in Executive Recruitment

To solve the client’s talent gap, we deployed a data-driven executive search and market mapping strategy:

1. Market Mapping & Talent Insights

o Identified top executive talent across South Africa

o Produced a remuneration insights report with salary benchmarks and location trends

2. Precision Headhunting & Shortlisting

o Targeted high-fit candidates with proven leadership and cultural alignment

o Managed confidential outreach and engagement to secure interest quickly

3. Accelerated Recruitment Process

o Reduced time-to-hire to 1 month (compared to the 12-month vacancy)

o Facilitated complex salary and relocation negotiations to close offers swiftly

Results & Business Impact

 75% faster time-to-hire than market average

 Two senior executives onboarded seamlessly, driving:

o Enhanced governance and compliance

o Improved operational efficiency and risk management

o Acceleration of strategic business transformation initiatives

 Direct business value: Strengthened leadership bench and enabled long-term growth initiatives.