Case Study: Providing Skilled Assembly Operatives for a Retail and Brand Marketing Agency
Discover how Adecco quickly sourced skilled temps for a UK design agency’s expansion by focusing on transferable skills and offering flexible, adaptable recruitment solutions.
About The Client
Our client is a UK design agency specialising in creative retail and brand marketing campaigns. Their capable and experienced teams have helped the company grow for over a decade, building strong relationships with key brands.
The Challenge
Our client was expanding and needed temporary staff to help support the increased workload and upcoming projects.
Initially, they required skilled operatives to assist with building shelving units for campaign displays. As each unit is built by hand to meet specific specifications, the client needed workers who could carry out work at a high level.
The client had not worked with a recruitment agency before but recognised the expert guidance Adecco could provide, based on our experience working with similarly sized clients.
The client challenged us to successfully supply seven temporary Assembly Operatives within a three-week timeframe.
Our Solution
Our team discussed our branch and wider capabilities with the client in detail, including the specific expertise our teams could provide. We clarified the client’s unique needs and showed how we could meet them, emphasising our flexible and adaptable approach.
As the client had not worked with a recruitment agency before, we knew it was important to communicate each aspect of our offering and highlight the benefits of a partnership that could expand in future.
Following initial conversations, our account team visited the client to tour their production area and meet key stakeholders. This allowed us to gain an insight into their working environment and sense what type of candidate would best suit the position with the right behavioural qualities and competencies.
Skills-based Hiring
Initially, we focused on finding candidates with specific skill sets, such as expertise in assembly, carpentry, DIY, and a familiarity with hand and power tools, recognising that these transferable skills would benefit the role. We were able to utilise Adecco’s large internal database to quickly find potential candidates who met these criteria.
Through discussions with the client, we also discovered they had historically taken on candidates without direct experience, recognising the value of soft skills such as a positive attitude and willingness to learn, combined with proper training.
This insight prompted us to broaden our search criteria, including referrals from candidates we had previously placed into work in the local area.
Our Delivery
The client did not request to carry out interviews, as they trusted our team to find suitable candidates. Following selection, they took responsibility for onsite inductions.
Our team initially called each potential candidate to understand their experience and skills. On average, our team managed five calls per vacancy. Successful candidates then visited our branch for an interview. We would also use Teams to remotely assess candidates outside the local area.
All seven vacancies were successfully filled within three weeks. During this timeframe, the client’s requirements changed to include an additional Assembly Operative, and we adapted quickly to deliver within 48 hours.
Over time, we built a productive and honest relationship with the client, with strong foundations for the future. Regular feedback has helped us understand which candidates have proved to be most successful in their roles, and we continue to remain available to answer queries and provide guidance when needed.
Key Results
- Successfully provided all seven Assembly Operatives within three weeks.
- Provided an additional Assembly Operative within 48 hours.
- Utilised the Adecco database and specialist sourcing to quickly find skilled candidates.
- Expert, ongoing recruitment support provided to client.
Manage Your Flexible Recruitment Needs with Adecco
At Adecco, we have over 20 years of experience helping clients manage their flexible recruitment needs across multiple industries and sectors, including recruiting for senior and niche candidates.
We are ready for any challenge, with the proven ability to scale up and down and change course as needed.