A Positive Transformation

Transformation of their security program was the goal for our client, a large, well-known medical and academic enterprise with locations in the US Midwest. However, they had run into a dead end.

Their human resources group had spent several months trying to identify candidates for a position they had titled Chief of Protection Services. It was not a new role and was historically policing-centric.

The organization was expanding both in the US and internationally. They recognized they needed a collaborative senior leader to shape a security program better suited to upcoming challenges. However, despite their best efforts, they were unable to attract candidates at the level they had hoped for.

They still had a need for someone who understood management of a sworn police force. But at the same time, wanted someone with solid footing in the corporate security world. Someone who would have credibility with internal stakeholders, public-facing functions, and public sector law enforcement agencies both domestically and internationally.

The SMR recruiter who worked with our client had a similar background to the hiring manager’s: former military and intelligence plus private sector management experience. It was a great partnership as they worked together to transform the position description.

While our client had a sense of what they wanted, we helped them put it into words. We clarified relevant background and identified skill sets and capabilities that matched their expectations. The reporting structure was raised to be a member of the executive team, and the search was relaunched for a Director of Protective Services. It was now clearly framed as a business partner for senior-level management within the organization.

They quickly hired someone who was perfectly suited for the role. As a former military officer, he immediately connected with the hiring manager. His additional experience in a public sector agency together with international corporate security experience gave him a broad view he was able to leverage as requirements evolved.

His collaborative nature has also served him well. He has built a global security team and been influential in reshaping policy. He has an expanded portfolio of responsibilities that has grown on pace with our client’s continued evolution as one of the world’s leading medical authorities.

Positive transformation for both our client and our candidate’s security career.

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