For employers
How a DJM search works.
A clear, structured process for hiring commercial talent in packaging, from Account Managers and Business Development Managers to VP Sales, across Europe and the United States.
Specialist knowledge
We only recruit commercial roles in packaging, so we already know the market, the competitors and the people.
An honest market view
Before we start you'll get a straight answer on salary levels, talent availability and what's realistic.
A shortlist worth meeting
Fewer CVs, better candidates. Everyone we present has been interviewed and assessed by us first.
The search process
Eight steps from first conversation to a hire that sticks.
- 01
Briefing
All stakeholders attend a full briefing session to define the competencies, responsibilities, objectives and required industry experience for the position. We agree the timelines, scope, scale and parameters of the search, including target companies, target individuals and, importantly, your Employee Value Proposition, so we take a clear and exciting message to the talent pool.
What you receive
A written role brief, an agreed search plan and a defined target company list.
- 02
Research & mapping
We then commence our research, mapping every company that operates in your part of the packaging market, before systematically identifying the candidates who appear to have the capability and experience for this position.
What you receive
A market map of the companies and individuals in scope for the search.
- 03
Candidate approaches
Approaching each candidate intelligently and discreetly, using a blend of communication methods, we engage directly with each individual to gain as much interest in the opportunity as possible. All candidates with the desired skills and experience who are interested are deemed suitable for the longlist.
What you receive
A longlist of interested, qualified candidates, with visibility of who we approached and how they responded.
- 04
Candidate assessment
Using competency-based assessment techniques, we carry out an hour's face-to-face assessment with each longlisted candidate against the core functional and behavioural requirements.
What you receive
An assessment report on every longlisted candidate.
- 05
Shortlisting
We can complete the full search and then jointly select the shortlist for interview on completion, or present candidates to you as they pass our assessment and we deem them suitable for interview. We confirm which route you prefer during the briefing session.
What you receive
A shortlist agreed together, with a written report on each candidate.
- 06
Weekly steering meetings
The whole process is completely transparent. At each update we share all of the results of the search so far. You see every candidate identified, approached and assessed, and the outcomes, as the project progresses.
What you receive
A weekly steering meeting with the full search data, not a summary.
- 07
Interview and referencing
Full support to arrange interviews with each candidate, taking feedback at regular intervals and ensuring each party is fully informed at every stage. We are happy to take references if required.
What you receive
Scheduled interviews, structured feedback after every stage, and references on request.
- 08
Offer management
Once a suitable package has been agreed, we present the offer to the successful candidate and support any negotiation, so all parties are happy with the final arrangements. We stay in regular contact with both you and the candidate until they start.
What you receive
An accepted offer, references taken, and support through to the start date.
Why it works
We speak your customers' language.
Different markets sell in different ways. Because we only work in packaging, we can tell a strong KAM in flexible packaging from a strong BDM in corrugated, and we know who is moving between them.
Working across Europe and the US means we can also help when you're entering a new market or building a team in another region.
Roles we recruit
Every commercial level, from Account Manager to VP Sales.
Account management
- Account Manager
- Key Account Manager
- Strategic Account Manager
Business development
- Business Development Manager
- New Business Manager
- Sales Executive
Sales management
- Area Sales Manager
- Regional Sales Manager
- National Account Manager
Sales leadership
- Head of Sales
- Sales Director
- Commercial Director
Executive
- VP Sales
- VP Commercial
- VP Business Development
Start a search
Have a commercial role to fill?
Tell us about it. We'll come back within one working day with an honest view of the market.