Client Description: Emerging consumer brand in the food & beverage space preparing for U.S. market entry, with anticipated FDA approval for a new product launch.
Search Challenges & Market Constraints: With FDA approval on the horizon, the client needed to rapidly build a U.S.-based marketing and sales organization in the Boston market.
As a new-to-market brand, they faced aggressive hiring timelines and limited brand awareness, while competing in one of the most challenging hiring markets in recent years. The search required deep expertise in consumer marketing and sales talent, as well as strong knowledge of the local talent landscape.
Approach: Maintained weekly check-ins and bi-weekly status reports, sharing both pipeline progress and real-time market feedback to refine the search strategy. Defined must-have vs. flexible requirements across multiple roles. Advised on compensation and role structure, including shifting certain positions to fully remote to expand the candidate pool.
Results:
- 11 placements across brand marketing, eCommerce, content, partnerships, product, retail sales, and supply chain
- Built the U.S. team from the ground up ahead of product launch
Beyond placements, the partnership helped establish foundational hiring processes, improve interview and onboarding workflows, and strengthen the company’s employer brand in a competitive market — leading to a more efficient and scalable recruiting function.
Michelle Holahan is Managing Partner at HireMinds. She specializes in digital marketing, media and analytics recruiting for CPG, eCommerce and retailers. She serves as a consultant to employers in understanding the nuances of the market and how employer brand and processes impact talent attraction and retention.