FMCG Leader’s SAP Upgrade Success
Accelerating Recruitment: How Whitehall Delivered Critical SAP Talent for a Transformation Project
Key Achievements
- Critical Placement in 2 Weeks: Delivered a Senior SAP EWM/Supply Chain Consultant in record time, ensuring the SAP upgrade stayed on track.
- Strategic Partnership Built: Opened new opportunities to support the client’s SAP and IT recruitment needs.
- Comprehensive Talent Coverage: Placed three permanent and one contract professional, including roles critical to the SAP upgrade.
Overview
A leading FMCG company based in Lincolnshire, UK, embarked on a significant SAP upgrade to enhance their supply chain and in-house capabilities. To meet this challenge, the organisation required specialised SAP talent, including a Senior SAP EWM/Supply Chain Consultant. Despite their internal recruitment processes and Preferred Supplier List (PSL), they struggled to secure the right candidate.
Whitehall Resources stepped in to:
- Identify and deliver SAP professionals with the right technical and consultative skills.
- Address talent gaps quickly to avoid delays.
- Build a foundation for ongoing SAP and IT recruitment support.
Project Roadblocks
The client faced several challenges in meeting their recruitment needs:
- Prolonged Recruitment Efforts: The role had been open since February 2024, with no successful candidates progressing to final stages.
- Specialised Skill Requirements: The combination of technical SAP expertise and a consultative approach was critical and rare.
- Internal Limitations: Existing PSL agencies lacked the SAP specialisation needed to deliver high-quality candidates.
- Time Pressure: The delay in filling the role risked derailing the SAP upgrade timeline.
Without the right recruitment partner, the organisation risked ongoing delays and operational challenges.
Our Strategic Approach
Whitehall Resources engaged directly with the organisation’s Talent Acquisition and Hiring Manager to design a recruitment strategy tailored to their needs. Key steps included:
Face-to-Face Collaboration
- Conducted a virtual meeting via MS Teams to gain a deep understanding of the organisation’s culture, team dynamics, and challenges.
- Qualified the role extensively to ensure alignment with project goals.
Comprehensive Talent Sourcing
- Covered a pool of 59 candidates using Whitehall’s robust database, job boards, referrals, and recommendations.
- Prioritised technical expertise, cultural fit, and consultative experience.
Targeted Shortlisting
- Shortlisted three highly qualified candidates within three working days.
- Presented candidates with proven FMCG experience and the ability to integrate quickly into the team.
Efficient Placement
- Facilitated two rounds of interviews over seven working days.
- Delivered a successful placement within two weeks, ensuring minimal disruption to the SAP upgrade timeline.
Delivering Results
Whitehall’s rapid and targeted recruitment approach yielded tangible benefits for the organisation:
- Successful Placement: A Senior SAP EWM/Supply Chain Consultant was onboarded within two weeks, bringing technical expertise and a consultative mindset.
- Expanded Support: Additional placements included a SAP Data Migration Analyst and a SAP Service Delivery/CoE Manager, further strengthening the organisation’s in-house SAP capabilities.
- Streamlined Recruitment: Reliance on PSL agencies reduced as Whitehall demonstrated the value of SAP-specialised recruitment.
Client Feedback
The Hiring Manager shared feedback six weeks post-placement:
“[The consultant] has settled in well, made key contacts quickly, and is contributing significantly to team discussions. While there was an initial adjustment period, his efforts and expertise have earned respect from the team.”
A Strengthened Partnership
Following the success of this placement, Whitehall has been entrusted with additional SAP and IT roles. The partnership now includes both permanent and contract recruitment, reflecting the trust built through this engagement.
Final Thoughts
Whitehall’s expertise in SAP recruitment enabled the organisation to overcome long-standing recruitment challenges and move forward confidently with their SAP upgrade. By addressing critical gaps with speed and precision, we’ve set the stage for a strong, ongoing partnership.
If your organisation faces similar challenges in sourcing specialised SAP talent, we’re here to help.
Contact us to learn how Whitehall can deliver the expertise you need for your transformation projects.
