Since its formation in 2003, Welcome Gate has built an excellent reputation for its vendor-independent solutions and security systems integration services.
In 2020 the Board identified the need to expand and develop the company’s engineering function in order to support the next phase of rapid growth.
Zitko has worked with Welcome Gate on a variety of resourcing assignments and we were appointed on a retained basis to resource a new key senior management role: Head of Operations.
This was by no means straightforward and we spent considerable Zoom time exploring the role with the Chief Executive, who was located in Sydney at the time.
Crucial to the role were the abilities to build and manage engineering teams; lead on infrastructure, efficiency and quality; support complex bids; to champion world-class service delivery – all at a time of considerable business growth.
It was agreed that the ideal candidate could potentially come from outside Fire & Security, albeit from an industry that shares the same exacting approach to sophisticated engineering.
With this analysis, we were able to initiate the search.
We blended candidate (re)search with an advertising campaign that included LinkedIn videos and carefully written ads placed on selected professional job boards.
Our approach to advertising is to create meaningful ads which rather than simply regurgitating job specs, give solid reasons for ideal candidates to apply.
This paid particular dividends on this assignment, as the successful applicant responded to one of our ads.
Before going to market we also researched and advised on appropriate salary levels for the position, as well as supplementals such as benefits and conditions.
Given the complex blend of personal skills required we advised the client to interview a longer list of candidates than we would normally recommend.
We carried out initial evaluations and screening by phone. The client then interviewed 15 professionals just as the Covid pandemic hit its stride.
Interviews were held online, using a Covid secure process we developed. We kept in close touch with candidates to allay any concerns about the move due to the effects of the pandemic.
The assignment culminated in the appointment of an engineering manager from the aviation industry. He is now in post.
“Head of Operations was a key appointment for us. We were looking for somebody with a very specific blend of leadership, organisation and technical experience to transform our engineering operations, ready for our next phase of growth.
“We retained Zitko exclusively and were immediately impressed by what they brought to the table. Following a detailed discovery process, they made a number of recommendations we hadn’t considered, including casting the new wide, beyond the Security industry.
“They distilled the key attractions of the role into well-written advertising and this, combined with search, drew a high-quality response. To help refine our ‘ideal candidate’ spec, it was suggested we interview a long list of candidates and we ended up seeing 15.
“All this took place as Covid-19 hit. I was in Australia and we ended up doing most of the selection via Zoom. Zitko supported this really well, ensuring both parties communicated effectively and that any issues or questions were quickly addressed.
“Following second, shortlist interviews we appointed an excellent Head of Operations, who, as Zitko had suggested, came from outside the security industry; from the exacting world of airline maintenance.
“By dealing with one consultancy exclusively we were able to devote proper time to the process and develop a deep understanding of our options. It was an excellent collaboration that allowed us to use Zitko’s resourcing expertise to the full.
“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome and given the opportunity cost of not hiring an exceptional candidate, we regard the retainer fee as an excellent investment.
“My thanks to Emily, Phil and all of the team.”
Jason Choy
Chief Executive – Welcome Gate
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