Objective: Identify an HR Leader to Further Propel Growth & Support Positive Change

Rural Sourcing is a software leader producing applications, products, and experiences to accelerate their clients’ businesses digitally. The business itself had evolved due to organic and inorganic growth, as well as from changes brought about by the pandemic, and consequently they knew their people strategy needed to evolve to align and support their upward trajectory. They now required an HR leader who would bring in a fresh perspective on how to attract and retain top-level talent in a hyper-competitive field, enhance performance, and improve employee engagement.

The role Rural Sourcing initially sought to fill was VP of Human Resources, and they retained Bell Oaks to source the perfect fit.

Process: Unswayed by a Mid-Search Change to Produce Higher Level Talent

Partnering closely with Ingrid Curtis, President of Rural Sourcing, the Bell Oaks team began the search and initial interview process. As the search progressed, it became apparent that the scope of the position needed to be re-evaluated and the responsibilities modified to a more senior role with an increased budget. Bell Oaks made the shift and presented a new slate of candidates that met a level Ingrid, the CEO, and other executive leadership knew would dramatically improve the business. They valued Bell Oaks’ highly consultative and advisory approach, utilization of technology and resources (including a CRM portal where updates and candidate profiles could be accessed at any time), and transparency throughout the search process.

“Our search was nuanced because we originally launched the role as a VP of Human Resources,” Ingrid says, “and as we engaged in the process, it became clear that we needed to elevate the position to Chief People Officer. Bell Oaks agreed, pivoted the recruiting strategy mid-search, and advised us every step of the way. The experience was beyond what we expected.”

Results: Change for the Better with a Leader Who More Than Fits the Bill

The second slate of candidates yielded the Chief People Officer who was ultimately hired. Rural Sourcing was thrilled to find an incredibly strong talent leader with a background in growing large and small businesses, actionable measures in the DEI realm, and the ability to combine objectives for both the business and its people.

“We were initially referred to several firms, and Bell Oaks had the experience, credibility, and hands-on approach we were seeking in a search partner,” Ingrid says. “Ultimately, Bell Oaks’ process produced two strong finalist candidates, and they helped us land our Chief People Officer, who has made an enormously positive impact on our company’s culture and our people in a very short time.”