The Client
Since 1947 Chelsom has successfully designed and created quality decorative lighting for the international hotel, cruise ship and commercial contract markets. Chelsom are experts at manufacturing decorative contract lighting for both high volume production runs and one-off bespoke commissions. Having been at the forefront of lighting production for almost 70 years, Chelsom are able to blend lean and practical manufacturing techniques with creative flair and aesthetic design know-how to come up with eye catching, high quality products at suitable prices for the global contract market. Today, joint CEO’s Robert and Will Chelsom work closely together on designing the company’s highly respected lighting collections. Chelsom is truly a global family business.
The Challenge
TS Grale was retained by Chelsom to source an Operations Director (part of the Chelsom Board) and Head of Technical based in Blackpool. Unusually, these roles were both the result of impending retirements with the individuals having been instrumental in Chelsom’s success and exceptional growth over the past 20 years. In addition to the impact of losing two respected leaders, the business was continuing to expand and diversify through exceptional customer service and market leading products/designs. This therefore enhanced the requirement for specific expertise in lighting design for the technical role and excellent international manufacturing and supply chain leadership for the Board position.
The Solution
After a series of meetings with Robert and Will Chelsom, and meeting the departing Operations Director and Head of Technical, two processes were drawn up to deliver differing solutions. The Head of Technical required a very specific search of specialists within the UK Lighting industry, and the Operations Director required a broader networking exercise through TS Grale’s Manufacturing & Supply Chain contact footprint. In support of the attraction exercise a candidate briefing pack was created to ensure maximum interest and a competency and leadership questionnaire to aid overall cultural assessment.
The Result
In both exercises a shortlist of 4 candidates was provided in the defined timeframe of 6-8 weeks, and both positions have been offered and accepted to ensure continuity of support to the Chelsom business.
“TS Grale fully understand their clients’ organisations and their requirements from the start. Most recruitment companies do not listen whereas the TS Grale team were very methodical in gathering background information. Very impressed by all stages of the process. In particular, I found the individuals we worked with very thorough and professional.”
Will Chelsom
Managing Director