Scaling Regional Leadership for Lasting Growth

CHALLENGE

A nationally recognized engineering firm with more than 600 employees and deep expertise in mechanical, electrical, and sustainable design needed to expand its leadership presence in the Southeast. The company sought a Regional Director to lead its Charlotte office, a strategically important location tied to the firm’s growth ambitions.

The challenge was twofold: to attract a top-tier engineering leader in an intensely competitive market, and to align internal stakeholders on location flexibility, candidate expectations, and timing. The firm’s high standards for technical performance, leadership expertise, and professional image had historically narrowed the candidate pool in executive hiring, heightening the importance of finding the right cultural and business fit.

ACTION

TRANSEARCH conducted a comprehensive search process, beginning with alignment sessions involving the CEO, CFO, and Managing Principal. Leveraging the Orxestra® Method, we profiled the culture and defined the leadership competencies most critical to success in North Carolina.

Our team engaged with more than 200 prospective candidates and referral sources to gather real-time market intelligence and benchmark leadership expectations. The process surfaced several strong finalists while also providing the client with comparative insights into candidate flexibility and relocation concerns.

The team advised the client through each decision point, balancing urgency with long-term strategic fit. When relocation challenges emerged with the first finalist, TRANSEARCH developed a workable plan to open the Raleigh market as an acceptable option, offering the proper incentives and commitments to leadership in Charlotte. Ultimately, the expanded candidate pool accelerated the selection process and led to the successful appointment of an outstanding leader.

IMPACT

The search concluded with the placement of a seasoned leader with extensive client development and operational experience in the engineering sector. He joined as Regional Director and is positioned for future advancement within the firm, strengthening its presence in the Southeast and supporting growth in key client markets.

The assignment underscored the importance of decisiveness in today’s market for engineering leadership talent. By aligning stakeholders and quickly adapting to evolving needs, the firm secured a high-caliber leader who met both cultural expectations and strategic business goals.

CLIENT PERSPECTIVE

“The market for engineering leadership talent is highly competitive. Acting decisively and aligning location flexibility proved critical to success. Ultimately, this process gave us the confidence we needed to reach consensus on the right leader to grow our regional business.”