Finding Transformative Technical Leadership in Regional Australia
Finding Solutions With ELR Executive Search
Location/s: Griffith, NSW, Australia. Global presence across North and South America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East
Industry: Food and beverage manufacturing
Company Turnover: Approximately $30+ million
Employees: 75+ employees
Role: Senior Technical Manager
The Challenge: Finding Great Talent in Regional Australia
Recruiting highly specialised leadership talent in regional locations presents a unique challenge. While the right candidates often have deep technical expertise, they are typically based in major cities—reluctant to relocate due to family, lifestyle, and financial commitments.

For this food manufacturer, securing a transformational Senior Technical Manager was business-critical. The ideal candidate needed expertise in engineering, automation, and process optimisation to enhance production efficiency and drive long-term growth.
However, traditional hiring methods weren’t delivering. Suitable candidates were either unwilling to move to regional NSW or lacked the senior-level experience required to make an immediate impact.
ELR Executive knew a different approach was needed.
Our Approach:
Beyond Traditional Search Methods
Rather than relying on passive candidate pools, we executed a strategic, data-driven search tailored to the unique demands of the role.
ELR Executive took a proactive, hands-on approach to ensure a seamless selection process. We managed expectations, coordinated interviews, and facilitated offer negotiations, ensuring alignment between the client and candidates at every stage. Recognising the relocation challenge, we provided tailored support on housing, schooling, and community integration—key factors influencing a candidate’s decision to move.
This level of support was critical to the success of the placement. By maintaining constant communication, we guided both the client and the appointed candidate through the transition, addressing family considerations and ensuring they felt fully supported before their official start. Our strategic and personal approach enabled a smooth integration into the company and local community, setting them up for long-term success.
How We Did It:
Deep Consultation & Industry Expansion – Limiting the search to food and beverage alone was restricting access to talent. ELR Executive guided the client beyond their initial criteria, helping them explore adjacent industries where transferable expertise existed.
Comprehensive Market Mapping – A thorough industry analysis extended beyond expected sectors, uncovering high-calibre candidates who otherwise wouldn’t have been considered.
Industry Mapping – Conducted an in-depth analysis of the food and beverage manufacturing sector to identify top engineering talent.
Cross-Sector Targeting – Expanded the search into pharmaceutical manufacturing, identifying candidates with transferable technical skills.
Proactive Engagement – Approached 132 professionals, assessing expertise, leadership potential, and willingness to relocate.
Precision Filtering – Narrowed the shortlist to high-impact candidates who aligned with both technical and cultural requirements.
By adapting the search, ELR Executive delivered a high-impact hire who met the clients needs and embraced the move.
AT ELR Executive we solve hiring challenges with a strategic, data-driven approach for lasting success.
The Result: A High-Impact Leadership Hire
Despite the challenges of relocation, ELR Executive successfully placed an outstanding Senior Technical Manager with expertise in process engineering, automation, and operational leadership.
Immediate Business Impact:
The appointed candidate brings proven expertise in leading large-scale projects, including:
50%
increase in production capacity
$32M
warehouse expansion successfully led
33%
boost in packaging efficiency
3–5 year
roadmap
in place to optimise operations across multiple sites
