Strategic Recruitment Supporting Retail Expansion in the Philippines
Case Study
Our client is one of Southeast Asia’s leading value-driven retail brands, employing more than 33,000 professionals across 24 countries. Established in Malaysia, the organisation has built a strong reputation for providing accessible, quality products across home improvement, household, and lifestyle categories at competitive prices. Through continued regional expansion, the company has strengthened its position as a market leader within the retail sector.
- Service: Recruitment
- Industry: Retail
- Size: 33,000+ globally | 10,000+ locally
- Locations: 24 countries
Full Recruitment Success Story
-
551
operating stores across the Philippines
-
5
months duration for sourcing and placement
-
4
CVs of qualified candidates sent
-
1
successful placement for the role
The Challenge
As part of an ambitious growth strategy, our client aimed to significantly expand its retail footprint across the Philippines, with a long-term objective of establishing 2,000 stores nationwide. To support this expansion, the organisation required a highly specialised Head of Trade and Product Compliance to oversee the end-to-end movement of goods from production and shipment through customs clearance and distribution to retail locations.
Given the niche nature of the role and the critical impact it would have on business continuity and expansion, identifying a candidate with the right combination of technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and leadership capabilities proved challenging. The client reached out to Robert Walters to lead the search and secure a high-calibre professional capable of driving compliance excellence and supporting the organisation’s growth objectives.
Setting up the Partnership
Our team had already developed a strong relationship with the client through several successful placements prior to this engagement. Leveraging our understanding of the organisation’s culture, business priorities, and talent requirements, we were well positioned to support this strategic hire.
Following an in-depth consultation with the client’s HR team, our consultants worked closely with key stakeholders to define the role requirements, technical competencies, and leadership expectations. A targeted search strategy was then implemented to identify and engage professionals with the specialised experience required for the position.
Over a five-month period, our team conducted extensive market mapping, candidate sourcing, and stakeholder management to build a robust talent pipeline aligned with the client’s expectations.
The Solution
Throughout the search process, our consultants identified a standout candidate whose experience and capabilities exceeded the requirements of the role. While the client initially progressed with an alternative candidate through their internal hiring process, Robert Walters maintained a strong relationship with the shortlisted professional and continued to engage them regarding future opportunities.
Several months later, the client approached Robert Walters to support the hiring of a Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Manager. Recognising the alignment between the opportunity and our previously identified candidate, we facilitated discussions and arranged interviews.
During these conversations, the client confirmed that their original appointment for the Head of Trade and Product Compliance position had not proceeded. As a result, our candidate was considered for the role and quickly emerged as the preferred choice.
The process presented several complexities, including internal stakeholder concerns and delays that threatened to impact the hiring timeline. To ensure momentum was maintained, our consultants provided extensive stakeholder management, facilitating discussions, addressing concerns, and remaining available outside standard business hours to support both parties throughout the process.
Through consistent communication, expert guidance, and a consultative approach, Robert Walters successfully navigated these challenges and secured the appointment of the Head of Trade and Product Compliance.
Key Results
- The appointed candidate has successfully completed their probationary period and is now a permanent member of the leadership team as Head of Trade and Product Compliance.
- The placement has delivered significant value to the organisation, strengthening compliance processes, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting the client’s continued expansion across the Philippines. The candidate has also contributed to improved team alignment and the establishment of clearer performance indicators, enabling stronger business outcomes.
- The success of the engagement further reinforced the partnership between Robert Walters and the client, with the placed candidate subsequently becoming a hiring stakeholder and engaging our team to support future talent acquisition initiatives.
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