Our client was looking for a subject matter expert to step into the role of VP of Hardware Engineering

The Search

This hire would be the hardware engineering leader and report into the CTO. Their mandate would be to manage Mechanical, Electrical and Systems Engineering teams (a total of 40 people, with 3 Manager-level reports).

 

The Client 

OTTO Motors automate common material handling tasks, big and small, to help manufacturers tackle labor shortages, scale their businesses, and outperform the competition.

 

Search Requirements 

The successful hire needed to have 10+ years of experience in hardware product design and minimum 5 years of management experience in building and leading successful engineering teams. Past experience managing similarly sized teams with a layer of Managers/Directors between them and the engineers was also considered essential.

Our client required an expert in hardware engineering development and system integration, with experience in managing suppliers and outsourcing design and manufacturing, and taking a product from concept to production. Knowledge in mechatronic systems in industrial or automotive environments and experience with stationary or mobile robotics was a huge plus.

 

The Hire

An Electrical Engineer by trade with over 20 years of experience in new product design and development. They had spent the last 3 years in engineering leadership for companies manufacturing IoT solutions, smart sensors, and electro-mechanical assemblies for manufacturing and material handling needs. They also had over 3 years of experience managing teams of 30 - 40 split between Hardware, Mechanical Design, and Embedded Firmware, while reporting into C-level leadership. The bonus was their 5 years of experience working on New Product Development for a smart device start-up owning hardware development and sourcing of contract manufacturing overseas.

 

"Martyn Bassett Associates quickly found a broad spectrum of candidates, and continued to refine their searches as we progressed through the process. They also kept the burden on the hiring team as low as possible, from initial engagement all the way through the final offer." 

– Ryan Gariepy, CTO & Co-Founder 

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When hiring our first CPO, we were looking to branch out beyond our network. The Martyn Bassett Associates team was able to source candidates that we were wanting, but unable to get on our own. We were presented with a wide range of fantastic candidates.

Robert Chen
Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer, Almi

What I love about working with this team is they’re there to help. I have weird requests, they jump on the phone and we figure it out. I need someone in a hurry, they hustle. I maybe need someone ages from now, they keep an eye out. I have a question about a salary, or am unsure about how to approach something – they know. We’ve used them for a few years, and we’ve had nothing but great experience working together. Wish I had found them a few years sooner.

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Co-Founder/CEO, Strategyzer

We were impressed with both the speed and the high-calibre of candidates we had to choose from. Martyn Bassett Associates really listen to what you’re looking for and the entire process is very smooth and stress-free.

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CEO & Co-Founder, Diversys

The entire Martyn Bassett team was easy to work with and we were able to quickly develop an open and transparent partnership. Leveraging their strong expertise and extensive talent network, they helped us find the technology sales leaders and management services experts we needed.

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SVP, Marketing & Human Resources, Herjavec Group

A true value-adding partner in identifying talent. The team at Martyn Bassett Associates were quick to zero-in on our requirements and rigorous in pre-qualifying candidates for consideration. They are focused and fast! Their expertise and experience added value throughout the process and resulted in an outstanding final outcome for Roadpost. This is a team that will strive to exceed expectations.

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VP Marketing, Roadpost