What was the initial assignment?
Rags & Berts, a fast-growing pet services business based in Reading, approached Electi Talent to hire a senior Operations Manager to support its next phase of growth. With two additional site openings planned, the business required more than operational oversight.
This was not a standard operations role. The individual needed to:
It required a rare hybrid: small business adaptability, professional leadership maturity, commercial sharpness, emotional intelligence, and hands-on execution.
1. No Natural Talent Pool
The pet services sector is highly fragmented between large FMCG corporates and independent owner-operators. There is very little mid-market, multi-site operational leadership within licensed pet services. There were no direct like-for-like candidates, meaning the search had to extend beyond the immediate industry.
2. Senior Responsibility Within an SME Environment
The role reported directly to the MD and carried strategic weight. However, this remains an SME setting requiring commercial thinking, structured leadership, governance, and hands-on operational involvement. Balancing these demands is uncommon.
3. The Unique Blend Required
This assignment was delivered using our structured Electi 126™ methodology, designed for commercially critical leadership hires.
Phase 1 – Role Deconstruction
We worked closely with the MD to define measurable commercial expectations, cultural alignment, and non-negotiables. The brief was reframed from pet industry operations to a multi-site licensed operator with commercial growth capability in a scaling SME.
Phase 2 – Structured Market Mapping
Search metrics:
110 Profiles screened
49 Engaged
7 Interested
2 Shortlisted
1 Successful hire
58 Days time to hire
Phase 3 – Commercial & Cultural Validation
Shortlisted candidates were evaluated on real commercial accountability, labour and budget control, performance improvement track record, team retention philosophy, adaptability to SME pace, and emotional intelligence. A key evaluation lens throughout the process was whether the individual demonstrated the credibility and capability to take on broader leadership responsibility over time.
