VP of HR Executive Leadership Search: Strengthening a Growing Company’s Strategy Case Study
- Kimberly Wilson
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 27
Proven Results: Vice President Hired to Solve a Multi-Million Dollar Challenge
TL;DR – Executive HR Search with Strategic Business Impact
In this case study, a growing company serving the energy and utility sectors needed a Vice President of HR to reduce field turnover, align HR with company-wide goals, and bring a strategic human resources voice to the executive team. TLR Search led a high-touch executive search process, re-engaged a standout candidate after initial delays, and successfully placed an HR leader to drive team retention and performance.
Challenge: Executive HR Expertise Needed to Scale Sustainably
Challenge Summary: The company needed its first executive-level HR leader to reduce field turnover and align human resources with overall business strategy.
The company had experienced significant growth and already had many high-performing team members and solid HR operations. But they lacked an executive-level HR business partner who could:
Integrate with the leadership team
Drive retention strategy, particularly in field operations with high turnover
Navigate growing pains while respecting the company’s collaborative culture
Bring in an outside perspective while aligning with the tenured corporate team
The company had never had this level of HR leadership before. They needed someone with strategic vision, cross-functional respect, and a deep understanding of workforce dynamics, especially in field-heavy environments.
Solution: Relationship-Driven Executive Search With Stakeholder Alignment
Solution Summary: TLR Search partnered with the CEO and President to define success, refine culture-fit expectations, and re-engage a top candidate after initial delays.
TLR Search partnered closely with the President and CEO to define success, not just on paper but in the context of their unique culture.
What we did:
Held separate strategy sessions with the President and with the CEO
Calibrated what balance would look like between culture fit and outside innovation
Shared a strong initial slate, though none were ultimately selected
Identified a candidate with uncommon field HR experience and strategic acumen
After weeks of scheduling challenges and competing priorities, the finalist candidate had withdrawn.
But the story didn’t end there.
By maintaining communication and trust, TLR Search kept the opportunity alive — re-engaging the candidate when the company was ready to move forward and guiding both sides to a successful placement.
TLR Search stayed in close contact, and when the company reconsidered, we re-engaged the candidate, shared the company’s renewed interest, and reopened the conversation.
Result: Strategic VP of HR Hire with Measurable Impact
Result Summary: The placed VP of HR brought strategic HR leadership to the executive team, strengthened field retention initiatives, and supported greater alignment across the organization.
After thoughtful dialogue and strong alignment with the CEO and leadership team, the candidate accepted the offer. Her experience in both field operations and strategic VP-level HR leadership brought immediate value.
She has contributed meaningfully to team performance, supported field retention strategies for techs supporting the utilities and energy sectors, and helped shape HR initiatives aligned with the company’s long-term growth goals.
Looking to strengthen your leadership team with someone who brings a fresh perspective and understands your industry’s pace?
We can help you find an HR leader who aligns with your culture and supports your next growth phase.
Next Step:
→ Explore more executive search case studies
→ Learn how we help companies hire HR and leadership talent that drives growth
→ Contact TLR Search for a confidential search consultation