Hiring a GIS Product Manager for a SaaS Solution in Leak Detection for Utilities and Oil & Gas
- Kimberly Wilson
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 27
Proven Results: Driving SaaS Product Growth in Utility and Energy Services
TL;DR – Strategic Product Hiring with High Impact
In this case study, a family-owned manufacturing and service company specializing in leak detection needed a GIS Product Manager to lead a pivotal SaaS initiative. TLR Search conducted a targeted, relationship-based executive search process, mapping talent, coaching to identify unconscious bias, and guiding the final candidate through a counteroffer-filled resignation. The result? A game-changing hire for a multi-million dollar product line.
Challenge: Key Product Manager Role Required for Growth
Challenge Summary: The company needed a GIS Product Manager to lead a high-impact SaaS product in leak detection and utilities, and delays in hiring were slowing growth.
The CEO and VP of R&D at a family-owned manufacturing and service company specializing in leak detection were preparing to launch a new SaaS product: a GIS-based application essential to future growth. They needed a Product Manager to lead development and align the product with the company’s broader vision.
But despite their efforts, they weren’t finding the right person. The position remained open longer than anticipated, creating costly delays and missed momentum.
The ideal candidate needed to check multiple boxes:
Strong experience managing SaaS software products
GIS expertise
Industry knowledge in leak detection (or closely related sectors)
The ability to work cross-functionally and shape a strategic product roadmap
The combination of technical depth, industry familiarity, and leadership capability made this a particularly challenging role to fill.
Solution: High-Touch Search + Candidate Branding
Solution Summary: TLR Search built and ran a high-touch search, positioned the role to passive candidates, and helped the hiring team remove bias and align expectations.
TLR Search partnered directly with leadership to define success for the role, not just the resume.
What we did:
Co-created the job description with CEO and VP input
Mapped the GIS talent landscape across relevant industries
Prioritized outreach to passive candidates in niche markets
Positioned the opportunity clearly, showcasing the product’s impact and the company’s mission
Branded the role effectively to attract under-the-radar talent who wouldn’t have applied on their own
When initial interviews didn’t reveal the complete picture of top candidates, we stepped in to:
Debrief with hiring managers and flag where hidden strengths were overlooked
Suggest reframing interview questions to uncover key attributes
Provide insights to align team expectations across decision-makers
Result: Strategic Hire Despite Counteroffers
Result Summary: The finalist accepted despite multiple counteroffers and is now leading a multi-million dollar SaaS initiative for the company.
The candidate we identified as the standout choice proved his fit in the second round of interviews, aligning on all key attributes. We extended an offer, which he accepted.
However, when the candidate gave notice, he received multiple counteroffers from his current employer.
TLR Search:
Helped the candidate navigate the resignation with confidence
Kept him engaged throughout his transition
Ensured alignment stayed strong until his successful start date
This is an example of why high-impact technical hiring isn’t just about sourcing talent — it’s about keeping the right candidate engaged through the entire decision and transition. This strategic hire is now leading a multi-million dollar SaaS initiative, driving growth and innovation for the company.
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Next Step:
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