Financial Institution

A financial client sought to establish a robust data function to enhance their data management and analytics capabilities. Starting with no existing data infrastructure, they aimed to build a team capable of developing a cloud data warehouse from scratch. As their recruitment partner, we were tasked with securing both permanent and contract resources to achieve this ambitious goal.

The Requirement

The primary objectives of the recruitment drive were to establish a comprehensive data function by sourcing and placing key roles, including Data Engineers, Data Analysts, Data Architects, and Project Managers. It was crucial to ensure the team had the expertise to develop and implement a cloud data warehouse. Additionally, the hiring process needed to be streamlined to minimise disruption and improve efficiency for hiring managers.

How We Helped

We collaborated closely with the financial client’s leadership to define the structure, roles, and competencies required for the new data function. Utilising our extensive network and industry expertise, we identified and attracted top-tier talent with the necessary technical skills and cultural fit. We implemented a comprehensive recruitment process, including detailed role-specific assessments and interviews, to ensure high-quality hires. To address immediate skill gaps and provide expertise not readily available through permanent hires, we supplemented permanent hiring with specialist contract resources.

During the recruitment process, we encountered several challenges: finding candidates with the specialised skills required in a competitive job market, building a new data function from scratch required careful planning and coordination to ensure all roles were filled with highly qualified individuals, and ensuring the hiring process was efficient to prevent disruption and minimise the time burden on hiring managers. To overcome these challenges, we developed a proactive talent pipeline, continuously sourcing and engaging potential candidates to ensure a steady flow of high-quality applicants. We enhanced the financial client’s employer brand to attract top talent by highlighting the innovative projects and growth opportunities available within the data function. Partnering with the client, we created robust onboarding and training programs, ensuring new hires were equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their roles. Additionally, we provided specialist contract resources to address immediate project needs and fill critical skill gaps that were challenging to meet with permanent hires alone.

Results

Our strategic and proactive approach led to outstanding results. We successfully built a data team from scratch, securing both permanent and contract resources to establish a robust data function. The use of specialist contract resources supplemented permanent hires, bringing in critical skills and expertise that were not readily available, ensuring the successful development and implementation of the cloud data warehouse. The team developed and implemented a new cloud data warehouse, significantly transforming the client’s data management and analytics capabilities. We reduced the time spent by hiring managers in the hiring process by streamlining interviews and assessments, resulting in a 25% reduction in time-to-hire. This efficiency allowed managers to focus more on their core responsibilities. The new data function and cloud data warehouse led to significant cost savings and efficiency improvements. The client experienced a 20% increase in data processing efficiency and a 15% reduction in operational costs, demonstrating a strong return on investment.

Through our dedicated efforts and strategic approach, we not only met but exceeded the financial client’s recruitment objectives, playing a crucial role in their digital transformation and delivering substantial return on investment.