Every Johnson Associates search begins with a thorough understanding of the client, the position and the business objectives behind the hire. Our food and beverage specialization means successful recruiting often requires much more than matching a title and resume. Product experience, markets and customers served, distribution channels, company culture, geography and industry relationships can be equally important in identifying the right executive.
Define the Search
We begin with an in-depth consultation with the appropriate client executives to define the position, understand the organization and establish what success will require.
Together, we establish the requirements of the search, including position responsibilities and objectives, reporting relationships, leadership and management style, company culture, functional expertise, industry and product experience, markets and customers served, geographic and relocation considerations, travel requirements, compensation, education and professional qualifications, timing and urgency.
From this consultation, Johnson Associates develops a comprehensive candidate profile that guides the search and provides a consistent basis for evaluating prospective candidates.
Identify & Recruit
Johnson Associates conducts direct, targeted recruiting throughout the food and beverage industry. We draw upon more than three decades of industry experience, relationships, market knowledge and proprietary candidate information to identify executives whose backgrounds correspond with the specific requirements of the assignment.
Our recruiting is not limited to executives actively seeking a new position. We directly identify and approach successful, proven food and beverage industry professionals, including individuals who may not otherwise be considering a career change.
Many of our assignments are private and confidential. Candidate identification and recruiting are conducted with the professionalism, discretion and confidentiality appropriate to every search.
Evaluate & Present
Prospective candidates are personally interviewed and evaluated against the requirements established with the client. We consider relevant industry and functional experience, demonstrated accomplishments, leadership capabilities, career progression and stability, motivation, geographic compatibility, compensation expectations and overall suitability for the organization and opportunity.
Johnson Associates believes in presenting quality rather than quantity. We present a focused group of candidates who meet the requirements of the search rather than overwhelming clients with resumes.
Candidates are never presented to a client without their knowledge and permission.
Client Interviews & Selection
Johnson Associates remains actively involved throughout the interview and selection process. We coordinate interviews and communication, obtain feedback from both the client and candidate, and address questions or concerns as the search progresses.
Our role is to maintain an open and productive dialogue between both parties while helping the client thoroughly evaluate each candidate and helping each candidate fully understand the organization, opportunity and expectations of the position.
References & Due Diligence
Professional references are conducted at the appropriate stage of the search and the results are reported to the client. Additional background verification or due diligence may be coordinated when appropriate to the position and the client's requirements.
Offer & Acceptance
Johnson Associates works closely with both the client and selected candidate throughout the offer process. Compensation, timing, expectations and other considerations are discussed in advance whenever possible so that potential issues can be identified and addressed before a formal offer is extended.
We also work with candidates to prepare for resignation, possible counteroffers and the transition from their current employer, helping reduce surprises at a critical point in the search.
Transition & Follow-Up
Our responsibility does not end when an offer is accepted. Johnson Associates maintains communication with the client and successful candidate through resignation, transition and the beginning of employment.
We remain available to both parties following the placement and maintain an ongoing interest in the successful integration and long-term success of the executive within the organization.
Every client manages executive search differently. Johnson Associates works at the direction of the client and adapts our involvement accordingly. We can manage the search process from initial definition through offer and follow-up, or work in a more focused recruiting and advisory role when the client prefers to manage interviews, candidate communications, travel, negotiations or other steps directly. Our role is tailored to each client’s needs, internal resources and preferred level of involvement.