Head of Strategic Development & Senior Business Developer
The Role:
Gilcrest Manufacturing
The Client:
Based in Bristol, Gilcrest Manufacturing specialise in producing high-quality composite panels tailored to a range of industries, with a key focus on cleanrooms and other controlled environments. Their flagship product, Puracore, has become a trusted standard in this critical sector. The company has built a reputation for exceptional customer focus and industry-leading composite panel manufacturing. Operating from two highly developed sites in Avonmouth and Newport, Gilcrest manufacturing delivers innovative, bespoke solutions to the multiple global sectors including Pharmaceutical, Semiconductors & Microelectronics, Aerospace, Automotive / EV, Life Sciences, High-end Food Production and other specialist areas.
Gilcrest was seeking a Head of Strategic Development and a Senior Business Developer. Both vacancies were time-sensitive, as they are essential to the business’ sales function. We’ve collaborated with Gilcrest on multiple occasions since 2015, helping them with key leadership appointments. They sought the assistance of our Management, Engineering and Technical (MET) Practice, which specialises in mid to senior-level roles. Finding the right candidates within a short time frame would be no mean feat – but we were ready for the challenge.
Both roles are pivotal to driving business growth and expansion. They involve boosting sales performance by cultivating business opportunities and forging strategic partnerships. The Senior Business Developer represents Gilcrest externally, producing action plans aligned with each client’s strategic direction. This requires a self-motivated candidate, who thrives in a target-based sales environment. Furthermore, the successful individual required experience of managing commercial delivery on a global scale.
The Head of Strategic Development takes responsibility for strategic mapping, driving research and overseeing how Gilcrest further enhances the company’s market position by achieving financial growth and meeting specific KPIs. This role is integral to shaping the company’s future through innovation, market insight and execution of key strategic initiatives. This candidate required strong leadership skills alongside a deep understanding of lead generation and sales processes. They needed to be skilled at strategic decision-making based on research and data analysis and able to balance short-term needs with long-term business objectives.
The search was led by Simon Quinn, Moon’s Director of Search, with Gemma Wilks, Head of Moon’s MET Practice, providing support and insights behind the scenes. Simon travelled to the client site to meet with senior leaders at Gilcrest and fully understand the nuances, specific requirements and aspirations for each role. Using our knowledge of the company’s vision and long-term objectives, we built bespoke search campaigns for each position. We combined modern headhunting practices with targeted advertising to uncover suitably qualified candidates refined using our thorough selection process.
David Crawford was placed as Head of Strategic Development. Mr Crawford is an experienced business leader with a track record of driving growth and enhancing the market position of complex, global organisations. Our selection panel were impressed by David’s collaborative leadership style and his approach to building impactful frameworks and high-performing teams.
Lee Thomas was appointed as Senior Business Developer. Mr Thomas’ background building custom sales approaches for manufacturing clients positions him to succeed in this role. His experience working with global clients in a target-based commercial environment, alongside a respectful and passionate demeanour, will help cultivate business opportunities and boost sales performance.
The successful candidate for the Head of Strategic Development was introduced to Sarah Fowke, Managing Director of Gilcrest Manufacturing at a Moon Executive Search event, whilst multi-stage interviews helped us determine which candidates capable of driving significant business growth in the Senior Business Developer role. Kevin Gillham, Group CEO, and Sarah Fowke, sat on the panel of the second interview. Following the interviews, we are delighted they decided to appoint two of our recommended candidates.
Sarah Fowke, MD at Gilcrest commented:
“Simon, Gemma and the team at Moon put in the time and effort to understand every small detail of our requirements. They delivered excellent candidates for our business in a very short time frame, and we are excited to how David and Lee will take our business forward”.
Simon Quinn commented:
“It was fantastic working with Gilcrest again. Both searches were subject to strict time pressures and an extensive brief. Despite this, we placed two exceptional individuals with the skills and experience to help Gilcrest grow and expand”.
Seeking talented mid-to-senior management? Contact our MET Practice to learn how we can help.
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