A Selection of Global Case Studies

Thomas Swan

Finding the best talent quickly in a highly competitive candidate market.

Thomas Swan & Co. Ltd. is an independent chemical manufacturing company. With offices and warehousing in the UK, USA and China and a global network of distributors, they service the domestic and international markets and export to over 80 countries worldwide.

Founded in 1926 in Consett, in the North East of England – still home to their manufacturing facilities – Thomas Swan today produces over 100 products, in kilogramme to multi-tonne quantities, and offers an experienced and flexible manufacturing service.

How Listgrove supported

Thomas Swan first contacted Listgrove following an industry recommendation. With the role being a New Product Development Manager within speciality chemicals, the hiring manager was aware that the very specific brief would mean operating in a highly niche area of the candidate market. The industry is fiercely competitive, driving higher salaries and limiting the number of available and interested candidates. With an urgent requirement to grow and innovate, this role is critical to Thomas Swan’s future plans so it was important for Listgrove to identify a relevant talent pool quickly. The Listgrove team was able to shortlist a quality selection of highly relevant candidates, with a variety of backgrounds and experience levels.

The recruitment process took less than 2 months in total from commencement to successful placement of a suitable candidate. By establishing a highly efficient and transparent communication plan with both the client and candidates, the Listgrove consultants were able to ensure the experience was highly positive for both parties, free from delays or confusion.

A number of candidates were successful in the interview process and although there were not suitable roles available at the time, knowing their profile and company fit creates a potential talent pipeline for future roles.

What Candidates Say

“My Listgrove consultant was very kind in explaining the position first and the company requirements, keeping me updated with the company's feedback and giving me useful tips for the preparation of the interviews.”

New Product Development Manager, Thomas Swan

What Clients Say

“We had a very specific profile of candidate we were looking for to fill a niche role. Listgrove helped by identifying which were the highest priority requirements for the role and provided candidates based on this. We received a high level of communication and engagement from Listgrove, who acted as a partner in the recruitment process rather than bombard us with irrelevant candidates.”

Head of New Product Development, Thomas Swan