Independent Renewable Energy Developer
Scope of Work:
An Independent Renewable Energy Developer engaged WRS to deliver a fully retained executive search campaign for 12 senior-level positions across the UK, Italy, and Spain. The project scope encompassed not only the identification and attraction of high-calibre talent but also an in-depth market research project covering salary/package benchmarking and competitor analysis to support their expansion strategy in the European renewable energy market.
Roles Delivered:
Positions spanned a range of strategic, technical, and commercial disciplines within the renewable energy sector, including:
- Country Managers (Italy & Spain)
- Head of Project Development
- Head of Engineering
- Grid Connection Manager
- Senior Commercial Manager
- Project Finance Lead
- HSE Director
- Senior Legal Counsel
- Stakeholder Engagement Lead
- Senior Project Managers (x2)
Geographies:
- London, UK
- Milan, Italy
- Madrid, Spain
Process:
Our retained search methodology included:
- Initial Client Consultation & Role Profiling: Worked closely with their leadership team to define each role’s responsibilities, success criteria, and cultural fit.
- Market Mapping & Talent Identification: Conducted a comprehensive market map across the renewable energy sector in the target geographies, identifying over 450 potential candidates through our proprietary database, industry networks, and targeted headhunting.
- Salary & Package Benchmarking: Produced a detailed remuneration analysis for each role, comparing salary bands, benefits, and incentive structures against market data to ensure competitive offers.
- Competitor Analysis: Researched and reported on 15+ key competitors in the renewable space, assessing organisational structures, headcount trends, and hiring strategies.
- Candidate Engagement & Screening: Delivered in-depth competency-based interviews, psychometric testing (where applicable), and shortlisted candidates with detailed profiles for client review.
- Offer Management & Onboarding Support: Facilitated negotiations and provided onboarding assistance to ensure smooth transitions.
Results:
- 100% of roles successfully filled within the agreed 16-week project timeline.
- Provided a comprehensive market intelligence report enabling them to refine their growth strategy and compensation structures.
- 92% candidate retention rate after 12 months.
- Significantly strengthened their leadership and operational capability in three key European markets.
Added Value:
- The integrated market research deliverable became a strategic reference point for their HR and talent acquisition teams for future hires.
- Competitor analysis identified untapped talent pools and informed long-term workforce planning.
- WRS acted as a strategic partner beyond recruitment, providing insights that directly supported business expansion decisions.
