Case study
Newcastle University
Farms Director
Opportunity
Eden Search & Select were delighted to be selected by Newcastle University as their executive search partner when seeking to appoint an experienced Farms Director to manage the commercial operations of the two prestigious university research farms in the North East of England. These two key world leading institutions are internationally important research and training centres for agriculture, science and engineering and also present the opportunity to deliver an important financial contribution through sound large scale farming practices to Newcastle University.
Our approach
The Eden Search & Select research team spent a significant period gaining an in depth understanding of the farms activities and their interactions and relationship with the university. Eden Search & Select focussed particularly on the balance of the research activities as well as the scale of the commercial operations as this would have a direct bearing on the type of person that would be successful in this prestigious senior position. Once in full command of the brief the ESS research team identified and engaged with leading agribusiness professionals who could deliver the commercial focus needed whilst creating the environment that would nurture educational development and deliver for the students.
The results
As well as having delivered an excellent shortlist of potential candidates the most critical element for the University was the pace of the project. The approaching end of semester deadlines placed a high delivery requirement on Eden Search & Select to ensure candidates could attend interviews within very narrow time frames and decisions could be made swiftly. Following the appointment of the final candidate from a very strong field we are pleased to have found the right person for the role and have contributed to the future success of this important agricultural institution.