Case Studies

Background

Client: A leading manufacturer in the automotive industry.

Challenge: The client was facing a significant loss of market share, increased costs in product manufacturing, and inefficiencies in their supply chain. The previous leadership lacked engagement with their team, resulting in unclear company vision and strategic direction. Additionally, the client needed to establish a new facility in Monterey, Mexico for their battery production.

Objectives

1. Strategic Talent Acquisition: Develop and implement a robust strategy to attract high-caliber candidates for a VP of Supply Chain with a strong focus on employee engagement and leadership development, as well as other key strategic roles within the supply chain.
2. Cost Reduction and Efficiency: Identify and onboard talent that can drive cost reduction initiatives in product manufacturing and supply chain operations.
3. Market Share Recovery: Strengthen leadership and supply chain capabilities to regain market share and enhance competitive positioning.
4. Greenfield Project Expertise: Secure leadership experienced in establishing new facilities, specifically for the new battery production plant in Monterey, Mexico.

Approach

1. Strategic Talent Needs Assessment:

• Conducted a comprehensive analysis of the client’s talent acquisition process and organizational needs.
• Identified gaps in leadership and supply chain roles critical for achieving cost reduction, employee engagement, and market share recovery.
• Assessed the company’s culture, values, and specific requirements for the VP of Supply Chain role and other strategic positions.

2. Customized Talent Acquisition Strategy:

• Developed a targeted talent acquisition strategy focusing on a VP of Supply Chain with expertise in employee engagement, leadership development, and greenfield projects, along with 15 strategic roles within the supply chain.
• Implemented advanced sourcing techniques to identify and attract top talent globally, focusing on individuals experienced in cost reduction, continuous improvement, and operational efficiency.
• Leveraged BWC Executive Group’s extensive network and industry connections to source high-impact candidates.

3. Rigorous Candidate Evaluation:

• Designed a stringent evaluation process to assess candidates’ skills, experience, and cultural fit.
• Utilized psychometric testing and in-depth behavioral interviews to ensure alignment with the client’s strategic objectives.
• Collaborated closely with the client’s leadership team to validate candidate profiles and selection criteria.

4. Strengthening Employer Brand:

• Partnered with the client to enhance their employer brand and value proposition, emphasizing their commitment to innovation, employee engagement, and market leadership.
• Developed targeted marketing campaigns to highlight the company’s strengths and attract top-tier talent.
• Positioned the company as an employer of choice for strategic and executive talent.

5. Effective Onboarding and Retention:

• Developed a comprehensive onboarding program to ensure smooth integration of new hires.
• Provided ongoing support and coaching to new executives and strategic hires during their transition period.
• Established feedback mechanisms to continuously refine and improve the onboarding process.

Results

1. Strategic Talent Acquisition Success:

• Successfully placed a VP of Supply Chain with a strong focus on employee engagement, leadership development, and greenfield projects, along with 15 strategic supply chain roles within 12 months.
• Enhanced the quality of hires, with new executives and supply chain professionals demonstrating strong leadership, cost reduction expertise, and industry knowledge.

2. Significant Cost Reduction and Efficiency:

• New hires implemented strategic initiatives that led to a substantial reduction in product manufacturing costs.
• Optimized supply chain operations, resulting in improved efficiency and cost savings.

3. Market Share Recovery:

• Strengthened leadership and supply chain capabilities, contributing to the recovery of market share.
• Positioned the company for sustainable growth and enhanced competitive positioning.

4. Enhanced Cultural Alignment and Engagement:

• Strengthened alignment between new hires and the company’s culture, fostering a cohesive and motivated leadership team.
• Created a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

5. Successful Greenfield Project Implementation:

• Successfully led the establishment of the new battery production facility in Monterey, Mexico.
• Ensured the facility met all operational and strategic goals, contributing to overall company growth.

Impact of the VP of Supply Chain

1. Strategic Planning:

• Aligned manufacturing and distribution strategies based on sales input, capacity constraints, and outsourcing.
• Implemented a strategic sourcing manager to identify cost-saving opportunities in raw materials.

2. Facility Consolidation:

• Successfully planned and executed the consolidation of two production facilities into one, completing the project on time and within budget during the COVID pandemic.

3. Process Optimization:

• Enhanced ERP system functionality, implemented a cycle counting process, and eliminated the need for yearly physical inventories through daily accountability and discipline.

4. SIOP Expertise:

• Built and managed a robust Sales and Operations Planning (SIOP) process to monitor and improve production processes, ensuring alignment with both short-term and long-term business objectives.

5. Continuous Improvement:

• Mitigated skilled trade deficits by partnering with local trade schools, outsourcing, and optimizing production processes with engineering teams.

Conclusion

Through a strategic partnership with BWC Executive Group, the leading manufacturer transformed their talent acquisition strategy, resulting in the successful placement of a key VP of Supply Chain and 15 strategic supply chain roles. This case study demonstrates the value of a tailored, strategic approach to talent management, showcasing how BWC Executive Group’s expertise can drive significant improvements in cost reduction, market share recovery, and operational efficiency for industry leaders.