Critical hire for a German Automotive Tech company
The Challenge
A small but ambitious automotive software company in Germany had been actively trying — without success — to hire a Functional Safety / Software Manager, a highly specialised and in-demand role critical to their company growth and service offerings.
Marcus Webb Associates identified this hiring gap during proactive market engagement. One of our consultants recognised that the client had been struggling to fill the role for some time and approached them directly, offering support based on our proven track record in functional safety recruitment.
Our Unique Advantage
Functional safety is a core specialism for Marcus Webb Associates. Over time, we have developed and nurtured an extensive passive talent pool of safety-critical software and systems professionals across the UK and Europe — a resource that became a compelling reason for the client to partner with us.
The client was particularly drawn to the quality of our network and the strategic, consultative approach we offered. They engaged us to manage the recruitment process from start to finish.
Our Approach
The recruitment project followed a clear and focused process:
- Candidate Re-Engagement: We began by reactivating relevant candidates from our existing pipeline — experienced individuals already known to us and pre-qualified for both skillset and cultural fit.
- Extensive Market Research & Targeted Outreach: Alongside this, we conducted a detailed search across the UK, Europe and selected international markets to identify and approach professionals from competitors, suppliers, and adjacent sectors.
- Candidate Engagement: Notably, the individual who was eventually hired was not actively looking for work. It was our personalised approach, combined with a well-crafted and compelling pitch of the opportunity, that persuaded them to explore the move.
- Client Partnership: Throughout the process, we worked closely with the client to manage expectations, coordinate interviews, and support offer negotiation — especially important given the lengthy notice period involved.
The Outcome
The project concluded successfully, with the new Functional Safety / Software Manager in post within five months. This included:
- A fully international search
- Engagement with passive talent
- Navigation of a long notice period and relocation planning
The result was not only a great hire, but also a strong start to what has become a growing recruitment partnership.
The Lasting Impact
Following the success of this project, the client has returned to Marcus Webb Associates for further hiring needs, recognising the value of a strategic recruitment partner with deep technical specialisation and access to high-quality, hard-to-reach talent.
Conclusion
This case demonstrates how Marcus Webb Associates helped a growing automotive technology company overcome a complex and protracted hiring challenge. By leveraging our specialist network, deep sector knowledge, and targeted outreach, we delivered a top-tier candidate and a long-term recruitment solution — laying the groundwork for continued collaboration and business success.