CFO Recruitment
Blackwaters recently helped us to recruit our first CFO. We have an internal recruitment team, but this was a new and unique position; we turned to Suzanne at Blackwaters for the specialist knowledge, sensitivity and discretion she was able to bring. The process was highly collaborative from the first conversation to the appointment, with regular detailed catch-ups and briefing notes through what was ultimately a fairly quick process. We’ve had several follow-up after-care calls since, which have been very appreciated too. I would highly recommend Blackwaters as a best-in class recruitment partner.
PE Finance Director Recruitment
Oikos is a private equity backed SME. As the MD I was looking to identify our first full-time FD and used Blackwaters. Following a thorough brief on what I was looking for from the role, Blackwaters managed the whole end to end process in terms of screening desired candidates and providing regular feedback on each stage of the recruitment process. The after care has been good, demonstrating commitment to optimal staff placement as well as giving any onboarding period the best chance of succeeding for the placed candidate. Making correct recruitment decisions is vital in businesses’ with smaller headcounts and with Blackwaters I felt I had great support in our businesses’ decision making process. I would recommend their services.
Finance Recruitment
Blackwaters and I have been working together for over 6 years finding and placing great talent within the organization. Finding the right skills and personality traits is key to ensure a great outcome for both the candidate and company. Blackwaters and the individuals within really take the time to find out the true requirements, asking the right questions to ensure all avenues and scenarios are carefully considered. This tailored approach is a key differentiator.
Interim CFO Recruitment
Blackwaters is a key partner for Connection Capital in filling senior finance roles and has recruited numerous interim and permanent CFOs for our portfolio companies. Blackwaters fulfils all of the key criteria we look for in an exec search partner, really understanding our approach and what fits each portfolio business and taking the time to deliver a comprehensive review of the market to find quality candidates, rather than rehashing an existing network as some can be prone to. We have universally received high quality candidate shortlists that meet the brief and clear, concise advice on the characteristics of each candidate and how they might fit the respective role. I would recommend Suzanne and the team wholeheartedly.
SAP Implementation
We initially approached Blackwaters because I’ve known Suzanne for many years and she has always given me helpful advice on the market generally. We needed someone to help us with our SAP implementation after having someone who didn’t work out from another firm. Suzanne was able to provide someone with the right level of SAP experience who could hit the project running. I would recommend using Blackwaters without hesitation.
Senior Finance Recruitment
Blackwaters has been my ‘go to’ recruitment partner for senior and specialist finance hires for a decade and in a number of roles. When I joined IFS, I brought them in to recruit some key roles within my team, they did a great job. Subsequently, my colleagues and I have worked with them to hire dozens of finance roles. Identifying high-calibre candidates has been a critical part of IFS’s growth plan and Blackwaters a critical part of executing on that plan.
What I appreciate most about working with Blackwaters is (i) that they really understand the requirements of the roles I have asked then to support (often very technical); and (ii) that they have taken the time and energy to know me as and individual and the culture here at IFS. Because of this they consistently pitch people with the right skills and personality to fit the role, IFS and me. I am very lucky to have a great team; they say that you create your own luck; I say it’s best if you stack the deck with some Blackwater cards!
