From Search to Secure Hire: Head of Fire and Airside Operations
Job title: Head of Fire and Airside Operations
Recruitment Type: Retained and Exclusive to GOOSE Recruitment
Business Type:Airport
Location: UK
Key Stakeholders:Head of Airport Operations and HR Business Partner
GOOSE Recruitment Representative: Aimee Simpson, Team Leader of Aviation Recruitment
GOOSE Recruitment partnered with a UK-based airport to support the appointment of a Head of Fire and Airside Operations. Working closely with the Head of Airport Operations and HR Business Partner, the client was seeking a highly specialised professional to provide strategic leadership across all aspects of airport fire and airside operations, while ensuring the highest standards of safety, operational resilience and regulatory compliance.
This was an exclusive retained search led by Aimee Simpson, following previous successful recruitment partnerships with the client.
The Challenge
The search required a highly niche combination of operational fire and airside expertise alongside the ability to operate strategically at a senior leadership level.
The available talent pool was further limited by the requirement for relocation to an island-based location, making passive candidate attraction and targeted headhunting essential to the success of the campaign.
Following an in-depth briefing process to fully understand the technical requirements, leadership expectations and cultural fit, GOOSE Recruitment carried out a targeted market mapping and headhunting campaign focused on highly relevant operational professionals.
Our Approach
To ensure a consistent and robust hiring process, all applications submitted directly through the client’s website were redirected through GOOSE Recruitment for screening and assessment. Every candidate completed a two-stage evaluation process before being presented to the hiring team and shortlisted for an interview.
A collaborative partnership approach was maintained throughout the assignment, with regular progress meetings, agreed timelines and clear communication between all stakeholders.
The Outcome
The search resulted in three exceptionally strong finalists progressing to the final interview stage.
The successful candidate met all technical and leadership requirements and accepted the offer immediately following selection. The overall time to hire was completed within two months.
Additional Value Delivered
Alongside securing the successful hire, the retained and exclusive partnership approach also delivered:
Enhanced employer brand representation throughout the recruitment process
A consistent and thorough candidate assessment experience
Access to passive talent not actively applying to roles
Strong commitment and delivery through an exclusive retained search model
Improved recruitment process efficiency through centralised candidate management
What next?
Find out more about our Permanent Aviation Recruitment Solution:
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