Creative Director | RFA 

By aligning our strategies with RFA’s needs, we not only delivered a successful Creative Director hire but also reinforced our position as trusted advisors in the recruitment landscape. 

Requirements of the Hire 

RFA Advertising, a well-established player in the healthcare advertising industry, faced a multifaceted recruitment challenge where they needed support from a recruitment partner. Previously, RFA had engaged Carrot Recruitment on a contingent basis, but this time, their need was more intricate—securing a new Creative Director (CD) in a sensitive scenario where discretion was needed.  

Our Approach 

Carrot Recruitment adopted a consultative approach to address the challenges efficiently. Here’s how we facilitated a successful recruitment process for RFA Advertising: 

1. Strategic Exclusivity and Role Definition: Carrot Recruitment secured a four-week exclusive agreement to refine the candidate profiles. This exclusivity allowed us to focus on understanding RFA’s core needs and aligning them with potential candidates. We worked closely with the Director to redefine the role, ensuring alignment between the company’s vision and the candidates’ strategic and creative competencies. 

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   Refined Interview Process: We recommended restructuring the interview process to mitigate internal politics. Directors were advised to screen and interact with candidates initially, removing the influence of the existing CD and junior team members. This adjustment ensured that the candidates were evaluated based on strategic fit and leadership potential rather than personal biases or current role parallels. 

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   Comprehensive Candidate Pool and Management: Carrot Recruitment curated a diverse range of candidates varying in seniority and strategic capabilities. We encouraged RFA to interview all potential hires to understand the breadth of leadership styles and strategic insights available within their budget. Despite the candidate’s salary expectations being £10K over budget, we managed the negotiation process effectively and secured acceptance. Further, we maintained engagement with the selected candidate during the extended six-month lead time before their start date. 

The Outcome 

The strategic and consultative approach employed by Carrot Recruitment led to a successful outcome for RFA Advertising. The offer was accepted despite being slightly over budget, and the candidate was secured with a delayed start date as per RFA’s requirements. The client expressed satisfaction with the process and appreciated Carrot Recruitment’s tailored and discreet approach. 

This case underscores Carrot Recruitment’s capability to handle complex recruitment scenarios, emphasising the importance of strategic planning, process restructuring, and proactive candidate management.  

Lucy Eyre

Senior Consultant