Case Study: Finding a Safety Manager for a Helicopter Fleet Operator

Business Type: Aviation business operating a mixed fleet of helicopter transport for the UK's energy industry
Location: Scotland, UK
Recruitment Type: Permanent Aviation Recruitment
Key Stakeholder: Managing Director
Consultants: Samantha Wilson, Associate Director of Executive Search & Aviation Recruitment and Charlotte Charman, Lead Recruitment Consultant, GOOSE Recruitment
Our client, an aviation business operating a fleet of helicopter transport for the UK's energy industry, had a unique challenge in sourcing a highly specialised talent for a Safety Manager position. The market for candidates with the required expertise in the aviation sector, particularly those with a background in safety and compliance, was limited. The role required the candidate to fully relocate to Scotland, adding a layer of complexity to the search.
The client knew of GOOSE through our parent company Faststream recognising our expertise in permanent aviation recruitment.

The Challenge

​Our client faced a unique challenge in sourcing highly specialised talent for a Safety Manager position. The market for candidates with the required expertise in the aviation sector, particularly those with a background in safety and compliance, was limited. Furthermore, the role required the candidate to fully relocate to Scotland, adding an additional layer of complexity to the search. The urgency of the role, combined with the need for a specific skill set and cultural fit, made this an even more challenging search.

Due to the specialised nature of the role, our client chose us as their exclusive recruitment partner for this search.

The Solution

To address one of the key challenges, the client offered relocation support, making the position more attractive to potential candidates. This additional benefit helped widen the pool of candidates and made the relocation process smoother for the successful applicant.

Our Approach

​We adopted a tailored recruitment process to address the client's challenges and find the ideal candidate within the timeframe:

Detailed Understanding of Client Requirements

We took the time to fully comprehend the client’s needs, not only in terms of skills but also the cultural and operational fit within their business.

Targeted Search Strategy

We implemented a targeted search strategy that included comprehensive market mapping and direct outreach to candidates in our extensive networks.

Screening and Assessment Methods

Rigorous screening and assessment were carried out to ensure that candidates met the technical, safety, and compliance requirements while also fitting the cultural and strategic needs of the business.

Shortlisting and Interviews

We presented a shortlist of highly qualified candidates for client interviews. Throughout the process, we maintained open communication, ensuring quick feedback and the ability to move swiftly.

Offer Management and Onboarding

Once the ideal candidate was identified, we managed the offer process, and our client was able to successfully complete the hiring process before the year-end.

Collaboration

We maintained constant and transparent communication with the client throughout the recruitment process, providing regular updates and ensuring that the search strategy was aligned with their urgent requirements. The speed of the process was essential, as the role was critical to the company’s operations and needed to be filled before the Christmas break.

The Results

The recruitment process was completed in record time, with the entire timeline from job intake to accepted offer taking place before the year-end, successfully meeting the client’s urgent hiring needs.

The selected candidate demonstrated exceptional qualifications, meeting the technical and compliance requirements while also fitting well with the company’s culture and operational needs. Their experience as a postholder in safety management further confirmed their suitability for the role.

​The additional benefits gained by the client of working with GOOSE Recruitment exclusively:
  • Cost Efficiency: The recruitment process was streamlined, reducing the time and cost typically associated with sourcing niche talent for relocation roles.

  • Speed: The time-to-hire was significantly reduced, meeting the client's urgent needs for the role.

  • Enhanced Employer Brand Reputation: Our ability to attract a high-quality candidate boosted the client’s reputation as an employer of choice within the aviation industry.

  • Increased Operational Capability: By filling this critical role swiftly, the client was able to maintain high operational standards, further enhancing their service to the UK’s energy industry.

  • Our Networks: Access to an extensive, global network of aviation professionals allowed us to source candidates quickly, ensuring the client had access to top-tier talent.

Conclusion​

This case study highlights how our approach to permanent recruitment helped a client overcome a challenging hiring process, ultimately securing a highly skilled candidate who fit both their technical needs and cultural requirements.

What next?

Find out more about our Permanent Aviation Recruitment Solution:

Permanent Aviation Recruitment

Contact us

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+44 23 8235 4300

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