The Background

AgResearch is going about moving their headquarters to Christchurch to a new collaborative environment. The new headquarters will be in the purpose-built facility being constructed on the Lincoln University site, which is jointly owned by AgResearch and the University. It will boast state-of-the art laboratories to enable staff from AgResearch and Lincoln University to collaborate in new and exciting ways, along with their wider agri-sector partners.

The Lincoln premises will house science and corporate staff as well as the AgResearch Executive Team. The challenge was source and select some key diversified, specialist roles within the executive team that could meet the needs of the new collaborative environment.

 

What We Did to Help

Sheffield partnered with AgResearch and were on hand to help develop the process of filling these positions.

“Searching for an executive team who are qualified and suitable for the roles as well as being innovative and driven, has been a challenge,” said Dr Tom Richardson, CEO of AgResearch. "[The] roles are very specialist and not the easiest to fill." As such, Sheffield conducted a national and an international search to find suitable candidates.

 

What Happened as a Result

Overall, Dr Richardson found both the process and working with Sheffield, effective and supportive.
"Sheffield developed the talent pool, as they know the national executive capability, and we were impressed. We've felt very supported by the wider Sheffield team, as have the candidates."

The new $206M facility at Lincoln is on track to be finished before the end of 2019 and staff will continue to use the current AgResearch facilities until then.

Posted in: Case Studies

sourcing, selecting and shaping leaders