Client Overview
Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc.is a leader in healthcare and biotechnology. It is expanding the innovative Health and Nutrition Division which focuses on pioneering solutions in gene and cell therapy manufacturing.
Given our established success with hiring an Executive for the Ajinomoto Food Ingredients division, they recognized Naviga’s capability to access and select top-tier talent for another Ajinomoto business division across the country. The organization expanded into a new area of business in Cambridge, MA and they needed Naviga’s expertise to discern talent and fill a leadership position that will impact growth and strengthen the division’s strategic direction.
Challenge
The recruitment challenge involved recruiting, evaluating, and selecting a highly qualified candidate who had specialized qualifications. Imperative qualities include:
- Management consulting or advisory leadership within lifesciences or biotech industries
- Expertise in strategy development, market intelligence, and M&A principles
- A Master’s Degree at minimum (PhD preferred)
- Big 4 Consultancy
- Ivy League and/or prestigious education institution
- Scientific industry background
- Experience with multicultural businesses with an emphasis on Japanese culture
- Strong project leadership with cross functional teams
Additionally, the new Boston office in Cambridge, MA posed salary challenges due to its higher cost of living compared to other regions. The hiring landscape was competitive, making it essential to attract local talent while navigating hybrid work expectations.
Initial Recruitment Strategy
Before partnering with Naviga, Ajinomoto relied on internal recruiting methods and job postings within their career section on their website and additional platforms like Indeed. This grassroots approach yielded limited success and resulted in prolonged vacancies for the newly established department.
Naviga’s Solution
Recognizing the need for a more strategic approach, Ajinomoto engaged Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search, leveraging their expertise in executive-level recruitment. Naviga’s team had previously collaborated with Ajinomoto on other successful executive placements which established a foundation of trust and understanding of placement needs.
- In-Depth Consultation: Naviga initiated the partnership with open and honest conversations, focusing on the specific challenges Ajinomoto faced including salary benchmarks and cultural alignment.
- Thorough Candidate Screening: Naviga implemented a rigorous candidate submission process, ensuring each candidate met the essential qualifications. The lead recruiter provided detailed insights about each candidate’s background, including their fit for the associate director role which helped Ajinomoto make informed decisions.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Understanding the unique cultural dynamics at Ajinomoto, the team navigated language and cultural barriers with patience and clarity which enhanced communication throughout the recruitment process.
- Local Talent Focus: Recognizing the importance of local candidates, Naviga prioritized submissions from individuals already residing in the Boston area, alleviating relocation concerns for Ajinomoto.
Results
Naviga’s efforts led to the successful placement of a candidate who possessed both business strategy and scientific knowledge—an uncommon combination that met Ajinomoto’s requirements. The new hire is expected to drive the strategy for future growth, not only in North America but also globally.
Client Feedback
Takaira Milton, Sr. HR Generalist at Ajinomoto, expressed high satisfaction with the partnership, noting:
- Naviga’s commitment to timely feedback and candidate communication.
- The thoroughness of our candidate assessments which allowed for a streamlined selection process.
- The flexibility demonstrated in accommodating the hiring manager’s schedule while traveling globally.
Milton highlighted the value of Naviga’s experience recruiting in the industry and their ability to understand Ajinomoto’s unique needs.
She stated:
Recognizing the need for a more strategic approach, Ajinomoto engaged Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search, leveraging their expertise in executive-level recruitment.
The partnership between Ajinomoto and Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search exemplifies the strategic advantage of collaborating with experienced recruitment firms for executive-level hiring. By combining industry expertise with a tailored approach, Naviga successfully addressed Ajinomoto’s challenges, ensuring the placement of a qualified candidate who will contribute to the company’s long-term growth and success.