As the business process outsourcing (BPO) and shared service market continues to develop across Europe, many organisations have decided that this represents a substantial opportunity. They have identified also, the need to staff the firm with executives who have credible experience in BPO and in service delivery in an international and multi-country context. However, companies also recognise that the number of people who are able to operate effectively within this space within Europe is limited.
Traditional executive search firms operate on a country-by-country basis, but by operating trans-nationally in a single process, an effective firm provides clarity over who actually does the work and how it gets done. This approach also eliminates any internal conflicts inherent to networked organisations.
The people the client meets and briefs should personally carry out the search assignments from start to completion, without intermediaries such as researchers and interviewers. The best search firms provide one transparent, seamless process with consultants who understand the culture and geographies in which they operate and have an intimate understanding of what BPO is about.
It is vital to find an executive search firm that is commended by clients and candidates for its effectiveness, human touch and understanding of the sectors in which it operates. This should be coupled to a flexible approach to fees and an exceptional degree of transparency in processes. This includes secure access to all information related to the assignment in real-time in order to enable the client to maintain strong control on quality and timeliness.
Probably most important for a fast and effective service is for the firm to have an extensive contact list of people who currently operate in the shared services and BPO markets. Find a firm that has successfully placed heads of European SSCs and other executives in the BPO space within the last two years.
Finally, remember that the old adage is still true: an executive search firm is only as good as its last assignment. It is important for a company looking for executives to check with its own employees, friends and stable-mates (in the case of several companies being backed by the same VC), to see who is recommended the most, then invite them in for a no-strings chat.
Email Address : guy@antiphon.co.uk
Telephone : 0700 397 7000
What outsourcing firms look for in an executive search supplier
Opinion article<br>Guy Kirkwood - Antiphon