The Challenge

The client was in a stage of significant growth, aiming to expand their workforce from double-digit numbers to triple-digits across various countries in the EMEA region. They needed an HR Director with extensive experience in navigating pan-EMEA complexities—from compliance to cultural alignment—while ensuring HR protocols were scalable and sustainable. It was crucial to find a candidate who could bring regulatory expertise, local market insights, and the strategic ability to help the company effectively manage the growth phase without compromising on cultural fit or compliance.

The Solution

Leveraging CQ Global's Precision Placement methodology, we embarked on an in-depth exploration of the client's needs. We examined the company's current HR challenges, regulatory considerations, and growth ambitions to map out the ideal candidate profile.

Our Tailored Search Strategy focused on identifying experienced HR leaders with a strong background in multi-country HR management, compliance, and the intricacies of pan-EMEA HR operations. Using our Cultural DNA Matching methodology, we engaged candidates who could handle the operational requirements of the role and align with the fast-paced startup environment to build an employee experience that supports hyper-growth.

Key Steps

• Discovery & Strategy Development: We worked hand-in-hand with the client to fully understand their strategic objectives and regional challenges, tailoring our search strategy accordingly. 

• Research & Candidate Sourcing: Our bespoke search strategy enabled us to uncover passive talent with deep knowledge of EMEA labor laws, compliance, and experience in scaling HR processes.

• Candidate Engagement & Assessment: By conducting multiple interviews and assessments, we ensured that the final candidate had both the regulatory expertise and cultural versatility required to thrive in the startup’s dynamic setting.

The Results

• The HR Director acted as a strategic HR Business Partner, overseeing HR functions across EMEA and supporting 120+ employees in Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Research & Development, EIS, and Legal, located across Europe.

• The HR Director led a team of senior HR managers while also managing framework agreements with the three German Work Councils and representing HR in the German Management Committee.

• The HR Director executed a major business transformation project across EMEA, encompassing organizational design, restructuring, change management, and process optimization, which supported the company’s ambitious growth targets.

Conclusion

CQ Global placed an HR Director who had the critical regulatory expertise needed and who aligned with the company's vision and culture. This case study demonstrates our ability to provide strategic, high-impact talent solutions tailored to support the growth ambitions of our clients while managing complex regulatory landscapes.