Case Study Snapshot
- Role: Business Development Manager
- Sector: Fresh Produce and Trade Services
- Market: Netherlands
- Search Type: Exclusive Retained Executive Search
- Outcome: Successful appointment completed within six weeks
Supporting European Market Expansion
Our client supports high-growth African exporters and importers by providing access to global markets through proprietary trade data, flexible financing, and treasury solutions. As part of its expansion into the European fresh fruit sector, the business required a commercially focused Business Development Manager to open new markets and build long-term customer relationships.
The Co-Founder recognised that this appointment would be critical to establishing credibility and commercial momentum in Europe. Given the company’s limited experience in the fresh produce sector, specialist search support was required.
After seeking references from existing clients, the business engaged LCR International on an exclusive retained basis.
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A Specialist and Entrepreneurial Brief
The successful candidate needed strong experience in marketing fresh produce and developing new commercial opportunities. Beyond sector knowledge, the role required an entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to build market entry strategies, develop business plans, and onboard new customers.
The available talent pool was limited. Suitable candidates needed both technical understanding of the fresh produce market and the commercial capability to operate in a fast-growth environment.
This combination made the search highly targeted.
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Defining the Role and Activating Industry Networks
LCR began the assignment with a detailed briefing involving the client’s leadership team. This process clarified the required competencies, target geographies, and recruitment timeline.
Given the client’s need for speed, LCR recommended activating its established network of sector specialists alongside targeted market mapping. All candidate engagement was handled discreetly to protect confidentiality.
Initial interviews were conducted with relevant contacts, resulting in six candidates progressing to first-stage interviews. Two candidates advanced quickly to final-stage discussions.
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Delivering a Commercially Aligned Appointment
Following in-depth interviews and structured assessment, LCR presented a focused shortlist of candidates who met the technical and commercial requirements of the role and demonstrated strong motivation to join the business.
The process was completed within a few weeks, allowing the client to move quickly to offer stage. The successful candidate brought established industry relationships and strong market insight.
After joining, the new Business Development Manager began developing new European markets, expanding the product offering, and supporting sales growth.
