Director of Sales | Bentec Medical | US

Carrot Life Sciences secured two sales hires for Bentec Medical on a contingent basis, with the first offer made within a month of the search starting.

Requirements of the Hire 

Bentec Medical had recently received new private equity investment to accelerate its growth, making a strong sales team essential to supporting that next phase. With budget approved for a new sales hire and another member of the sales team leaving for a new opportunity, the plan became to hire two sales professionals.

Although the business had a couple of candidates on its radar, it did not have the capacity to run a search itself. The longer the roles stayed open, the greater the risk to both new business won and existing business, and in the short term the responsibilities would fall to the CEO and other team members.

Given the size of the team, experience was critical. Bentec needed candidates with a proven record of driving new business development and providing contract manufacturing solutions to medical OEMs, who were comfortable with frequent travel and, ideally, had experience with silicone components.

The challenge was finding experienced sales professionals who matched a niche brief, quickly, in a market where demand for talent was high.

Our Approach 

Bentec Medical was a new client for Carrot Life Sciences. The relationship began a year earlier, when our consultant introduced a candidate who met with Bentec’s CEO. With the business planning for a sale at the time, it was not the right moment to hire, but contact was maintained. Several months later, the CEO returned with budget and a live requirement.

Bentec was clear that it also had another local recruitment partner, so the assignment would be contingent. That made speed, clarity and a smooth process the priority from day one.

Targeted Search and Referrals

The roles were advertised across Carrot’s LinkedIn pages and website, but given the experience required, a targeted search and referrals from our consultant’s own network were expected to deliver the best results. That proved to be the case, with mutual connections in place with both candidates who were ultimately hired.

Specialist Sector Knowledge

Carrot’s knowledge of the sector was a key differentiator. It meant we knew where to look, which saved time and got us to the right people faster. It also meant we could speak credibly to Bentec’s offering and its position in the market.

Moving Quickly in a Competitive Market

With demand for talent high and most candidates considering a handful of opportunities, there was little room for delay. We gave candidates a clear understanding of the role and expectations from the outset and ensured the process ran smoothly at every stage to avoid potential dropouts.

The Outcome 

The search began on June 22. Within two weeks, Carrot had shortlisted eight candidates with the relevant experience. Bentec spoke with the four it felt were most closely matched to the brief, and two progressed to the final stage, a site visit.

The first offer was made on July 24, a month after the search started, and the second on August 18. Both candidates accepted first time and started within a couple of weeks.

Bentec was very happy with the results and has since asked Carrot to support further hires in other functions.

Project highlights

• Search started: June 22
• 8 candidates shortlisted within 2 weeks
• 4 candidates interviewed
• 2 candidates reached the final stage, a site visit
• First offer made July 24, one month after the search started
• Second offer made August 18
• Both offers accepted first time, with starts within a couple of weeks
• Repeat business across other functions

Lloyd Hines

Principal Consultant