Achieving Success in Hiring Industry Pacesetters in Electric Motors and Agricultural Pumps

One of the leading companies in the industry for electric motors and agricultural pumps was looking to fill the position of Plant Head for the manufacturing plant based in Coimbatore. The company had been struggling to hire the perfect candidate for more than 8 months when PERSOLKELLY took up the challenge and offered unparalleled expertise along with tailored solutions.

Putting the Best Practices into Practice

The fuel that powers the talent acquisition engine in today’s digital era is going beyond traditional hiring practices and equipping yourself with relevant data. At PERSOLKELLY, we understand that we need to have a wealth of information at our fingertips to make economical yet befitting hires. Decisions are no longer based on gut feelings but on comprehensive analysis. So, we decided to move beyond the conventional ways and instead implemented revolutionary practices in the hiring workflow.

We started by deciding on tools and techniques that deliver real-time market insights, salary benchmarks, and competitor analysis to enable us to make strategic decisions and stay one step ahead. Once we had the layout for our recruitment plan, we headed to the next phase, market mapping.

Understanding the Employment Setup in the Sector

During our market mapping stage, we conducted analysis and comprehensive mapping of the talent pool within the industry and market segment. We identified and evaluated potential candidates by gauging their skills, qualifications, and experience. Simultaneously, we assessed their cultural fit and relevance to the specific position.

After establishing the top candidate screening criteria, we embarked on research and analysis to pinpoint potential candidates who meet these requirements. Our research process entailed the following channels:

• Online research, scanning job portals and platforms such as LinkedIn

• Leveraging professional networks

• Reviewing industry databases

• Consulting industry experts

Rigorous Candidate Assessment

To strike the right balance between optimizing the workforce and managing clients' budgets, we conduct due diligence while shortlisting potential candidates. Hiring the wrong candidate can have financial repercussions, including turnover, retraining costs, and low morale among existing staff.

At PERSOLKELLY, we make sure our clients do not have to bear any of these costs. We conduct a rigorous candidate assessment and employ techniques such as interviews, reference checks, and skills testing to ensure a perfect job and culture fit. This precision in candidate selection minimizes the risk of costly hiring mistakes, helping clients maintain their budgetary balance.

Finding the Right Fit: Benchmarking Skill Sets for the Plant Head

A Plant Head plays a pivotal role in boosting team productivity and streamlining manufacturing processes while ensuring that all operations adhere to regulations. Hence, we identified the following skills for a candidate to get on our talent radar:

• Leadership and Decision-Making Skills: A great Plant Head should be able to lead and work well with people from different departments, from top management to forefront employees. Additionally, the manager may sometimes be tasked with facing new clients, providing a tour of the facility, and closing deals. Hence, the ability to represent the company well and act in its best interests is paramount.

• Strong Adherence to Quality Standards: An effective Plant Head should be well-versed in the company’s operating guidelines and standards by heart. Individuals holding the post should keep up with the latest industry trends and regulatory changes.

• Adaptability: A manufacturing facility is always brimming with uncertainty. One massive order–and suddenly, the entire operational schedule is disrupted. A proactive manager should be able to handle such uncertainties and contingencies and immediately look for ways for the team to work on a realistic revival plan.

• Time Management: To be adept in handling a manufacturing plant, a Plant Head must be able to allocate time and resources judiciously. Time management skills are pivotal in maximizing worker efficiency and optimizing business profits.

• Conflict Management: Disagreements may arise at a manufacturing facility. The Plant Head should be able to manage a challenging situation head-on and find a resolution before it snowballs.

After matching these skills–and technical ones–in resumes and interviews, we were close to turning in our list of highly qualified candidates who would fit the client’s culture. So, how did it turn out? Let’s find out!