REASON FOR SEARCH

The new business development role will aid the portfolio company's EBITDA and revenue growth, based in the UK.

This search was urgent for IPS, with an immediate need to fill due to the quick expansion of the company. The hiring manager had so many other priorities that he knew he didn’t have the capacity to take 2-3 weeks out of his schedule to fill this role quickly enough.

THE PORTFOLIO COMPANY

Integrated Polymer Solutions develops and manufactures advanced materials with a focus on engineered elastomers, signature materials, and biomedical solutions. Their headquarters are in Long Beach, California, with manufacturing sites in Sheffield, San Diego, and Pennsylvania. They specialize in Rubbercraft, NES, Creavy Seal, Sanders Composites, and Fabritech. They have created sealing technology for aerospace, defense, and NATO and have worked with companies such as Leonardo, Airbus Spain, Airbus UK, Fokker Aerostructures, Kongsberg, Siemens, Aernnova, Terma, and Boeing Defense.

THE SEARCH REQUIREMENTS

• Sealing technology experience
• Highly engineered, manufactured products experience
• Sales and marketing experience
• Aerospace and defense experience
• Experience in selling to distributors and OEMs (minimum 5 years)
• Technical consultative sales experience
• Basic financial and sales analysis experience

WHY RAW SELECTION

IPS was looking for a new business development professional who not only met the technical search requirements but was also a strong cultural fit with the capacity to grow within the company. They turned to Raw Selection, known for completing challenging searches across Europe and North America.

To ensure a deep understanding of the role, Raw Selection’s managing partner, Alex, flew to California to meet with the hiring manager and key team members. This visit provided insights into the company culture and the ideal profile for the role. He also visited the UK manufacturing plant where the role would be based.

THE PROCESS

To secure the candidate, Raw Selection followed its extensive 15-step search process.

Raw Selection went above and beyond by searching through wider competitors and similar companies on LinkedIn and Google Maps. This strategic approach resulted in a successful search within 21 days.

IPS now has a business development professional to drive the company forward.

THE APPROACH

Every search begins with a deep discussion to understand the search requirements fully. Managing Partner Alex Rawlings led this search in collaboration with Leigh Munsell, the hiring manager at IPS. Together, they built a complete profile of the company, employees, and culture to identify the ideal candidate.

After conducting over 150 screening calls and 20+ interviews, Raw Selection identified Dean Falconer, who was ultimately hired for the role.

Following their detailed search process, Raw Selection identified over 600 potential candidates, narrowing the list down to a final shortlist of seven. Each of these candidates was thoroughly interviewed and assessed for cultural fit.

The successful candidate was the leading salesperson in Europe for a direct competitor of IPS, with a proven track record of securing millions in new business.

THE RESULTS

Dean Falconer’s background at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions made him an exceptional hire. He demonstrated a deep understanding of sales and had the hunger and drive necessary for the role. His industry contacts and knowledge of IPS’s target customers made him an invaluable addition.

From the moment he signed the contract, Dean was already researching IPS products and preparing for targeted customer outreach.

"Dean’s experience in the industry and his proactive approach make him a fantastic addition to the IPS team."

Alex Rawlings, Founder of Raw Selection

WHAT OUR CANDIDATES THINK

*"After several bad experiences with recruiters over the years, I was naturally skeptical when Alex initially approached me.

I quickly realized he was not your typical recruiter. Alex deeply understood his client's business and role, allowing him to select a candidate who was the right fit.

His feedback was thorough, and his coaching, preparation, and guidance made the entire process seamless and enjoyable."*

Dean Falconer, Regional Sales Manager, IPS

Dean has already set up meetings with target clients and is in late-stage discussions to win a major contract for IPS.

Due to the success of this search, IPS has since retained Raw Selection for two additional searches in different job titles and locations.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS THINK

*"Alex presented us with an excellent shortlist of candidates, with a real standout star who not only had extensive aerospace and defense experience but also worked for a competitor of IPS.

We subsequently hired this candidate, and we are excited about the impact they are already making in the business."*

Leigh Munsell, Vice President of Business Development, IPS

OUR THOUGHTS ON THE SEARCH

This was a smooth search for us, as I have worked in the sealing technology industry prior to founding Raw Selection. My extensive network and deep understanding of the industry landscape made it easier to identify the right talent.

Additionally, we supported IPS by identifying acquisition targets, which led to a successful acquisition for them.

Dean is expected to make a strong impact at IPS and fits well into their sales and commercial culture.

Alex Rawlings, Founder of Raw Selection

GET IN TOUCH

Raw Selection follows a meticulous approach to talent research. Our process ensures a 100% success rate for all our retained and engaged C-suite clients, with all placed candidates still in their roles after 12 months.

If you are looking for top talent, contact Alex today at alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.