Background
Founded in 1986, Synopsys is a leading software and semiconductor design company, with some of it's main specialisms in the areas of electronic design automation (EDA), semiconductor intellectual property, security solutions, and AI and Machine learning. The company has a considerable global presence, with offices, development centres, and support services located in various countries around the world.
Synopsys technology is at the heart of innovations that are changing the way people work and play. Self-driving cars. Machines that learn. Lightning-fast communication across billions of devices in the data sphere. These breakthroughs are ushering in the era of Smart Everything―where devices are getting smarter and connected, and security is an integral part of the design.
The Challenge
Following internal restructuring, Synopsys approached us exclusively to support their search for a Director of Workplace Resources - Europe, to join their senior team. Due to the extremely expansive remit of the role, candidates from across Europe (with a preferred location of either the UK, Portugal, France or Germany) were to be approached and considered for the role.
The role holder would be responsible for management of a geographically distributed real estate, facilities, and safety and security team, encompassing 17 countries and 60+ offices across the region. Responsibilities for the role include but were not limited to:
- Developing and coaching staff, contractors and vendors.
- Overall responsibility for planning, budgeting, implementing initiatives and cost efficiencies.
- Supporting key projects throughout Europe.
- Ensure the delivery of quality services and facilities, real estate transactions, project management, day to day facility operations, space planning, and safety and security functions.
The Solution
Due to the level of seniority, in addition to it's wide geographical remit, we needed to take a multinational headhunting approach with this recruitment project. This required a wide-reaching and comprehensive executive search process throughout France, Germany, Spain, Portugal and the UK to find the best possible person for the job. Our combined advertised and direct search efforts resulted in a longlist of over 100 applicable candidates that we approached to discuss the role. Of these we carried out pre-screening and interview discussions with over 50 candidates. From here we were able to provide a list of 16 highly suitable candidates for the role, resulting in successful appointment.