Global Transformation of Decentralised FTSE 100 Company

Global Packaging Organisation - Over 30k Employees: 30k with a Turnover in excess of £7bn

Following consistent outperformance, 1st Executive progressed from one of three suppliers on a competitive PSL to becoming the exclusive partner for procurement, supply chain, commercial functions, and logistics talent across Europe, the UK, and the US.

Following rapid expansion and M&A activity, they recognised a growing decentralisation across business units, countries, and regions. To address this, a global transformation project was launched to centralise operations, creating an urgent need for skilled talent with stronger stakeholder management capabilities to ‘win hearts and minds’ and deliver change and transformation.

The market posed significant challenges:

• Demand for top talent was high, with candidates receiving multiple offers and substantial salary increases

• Existing employees often earned less than incoming hires, requiring a need to address internal pay disparities to both retain and attract best in class talent

• As a primarily B2B brand, they lacked the immediate brand recognition of consumer-facing companies, making it harder to attract talent

• HR had utilised all available internal resources, resulting in a desire to make change & develop a talent attraction partnership with 1st Executive

Our Approach

1st Executive became a trusted strategic partner, embedding deeply with HR and hiring teams to address those challenges.

Collectively, we:

• Conducted detailed salary benchmarking across specialisms and regions to inform their remuneration strategy

• Developed a compelling sales pack and employer value proposition (EVP) in partnership with HR to position them more competitively in the talent market

• Engaged directly with hiring managers to understand their individual needs each role’s nuances and the ideal candidate competencies

• Conducted comprehensive competency-based interviews, presenting only the most qualified candidates

• Ensured a smooth end-to-end hiring process for candidates and hiring managers alike, including ongoing communication and management (pre & post start), detailed interview preparation and feedback, and presented offers to ensure high acceptance rates

The Outcome

• Filled 74% of all roles assigned; the remaining 26% were filled through internal promotions or direct applicants

• Placed over 50 professionals across Eastern Europe, Western Europe, the US, and the UK, covering roles from junior to senior leadership positions

• Candidates placed by 1st Executive have shown rapid career progression and strong retention within DS Smith

• Established collaborative and enduring relationships with HR and hiring managers, contributing to the success of the centralised transformation