Case study
Integrated Service Solutions Ltd (ISS) – HR Director
Managing Director
Opportunity
Eden partnered with Integrated Service Solutions Ltd (ISS), a fast-growing, people-led service provider operating at the heart of the UK fresh produce sector, to appoint a HR Director during a period of continued expansion and organisational evolution.
With over 1,200 colleagues across four sites in Kent and revenues exceeding £100m, ISS required a senior HR leader capable of operating at both strategic and operational levels. The role was central to shaping the business’s people agenda – supporting cultural development, strengthening leadership capability, and embedding scalable, consistent HR processes across a complex, labour-intensive environment.
This was a critical appointment for the business, requiring a commercially astute, values-led leader who could partner closely with the Managing Director and senior team to drive performance while maintaining a strong people-first culture.
I genuinely enjoyed working with Eden on this appointment. From our first conversation, I felt they took the time to listen and really understand ISS—our culture, our people and why this role was so important to the next stage of our growth. They asked the right questions, challenged my thinking constructively and translated our conversations into a clear and accurate brief.
What stood out to me was the care Eden put into the pre-screening process. I could see that they had gone beyond simply reviewing experience on paper. They had explored each candidate’s leadership style, motivations, values and likely fit with our business. As a result, every person I met had a genuine reason for being in the process, understood the opportunity and was ready to have a meaningful conversation. That gave me confidence that my time was being used well and that Eden fully understood what good looked like for us.
I also really valued the way they kept me updated. The communication was detailed but concise, giving me exactly what I needed to understand progress, candidate feedback, any emerging considerations and the next steps. I never had to chase for information, and the honest, practical advice throughout helped me make informed decisions with confidence. It felt like we were working together as one team rather than going through a traditional recruitment exercise.
The calibre of candidates was exceptionally high—genuinely one of the strongest shortlists I have seen. Each individual brought relevant experience, strong leadership credentials and an understanding of what it takes to succeed in a fast-paced, multi-site operational environment. The quality of the shortlist made the final decision challenging for all the right reasons and reflected the depth and detail of Eden’s search.
Most importantly, the process delivered a high-calibre individual who I believe is an excellent fit for ISS, both professionally and personally. I am excited about the contribution they will make to our leadership team, our people agenda and the continued growth of the business. Eden did what they said they would do, with care, professionalism and a real personal touch. I would have no hesitation in working with them again or recommending them to anyone looking for a trusted partner on a senior appointment.
John Counsell, Managing Director
Our approach
Working closely with the Managing Director and senior leadership team, Eden developed a detailed leadership profile aligned to ISS’s growth ambitions and evolving organisational needs.
The search focused on senior HR leaders with experience in multi-site, operationally complex environments, particularly within food production, manufacturing and FMCG logistics. Emphasis was placed on identifying individuals capable of balancing strategic insight with hands-on delivery, alongside strong change management and stakeholder engagement capability.
Eden conducted a targeted and discreet search, resulting in a shortlist of four high-caliber candidates, all of whom progressed through to interview, with two advancing to final stage.
The results
Following a rigorous and collaborative selection process, ISS appointed a highly experienced HR Director, who will join the business in June.
Having held senior positions with Tesco and Amazon, the successful candidate brings a strong track record in leading people strategy within complex, fast-paced environments, alongside expertise in organisational change, leadership development, and workforce engagement.