The quick-service restaurant industry is more competitive than ever. As consumers continue to alter their eating habits, the need for constant innovation is clear. But finding the talent necessary to bring new ideas to fruition is far from easy. That’s why Starbucks UK turned to Silven Recruitment…

The challenge

In summer 2022, Starbucks wanted to expand its supply chain team by recruiting a Senior Procurement Manager. It was a fixed-term contract role – which is generally viewed less favourably compared to permanent positions – and it was proving difficult to fill. After months of searching with no success, we stepped in to offer our support.

The solution

Joe Reed, EMEA Supply Chain Director at Starbucks, reached out to our dedicated QSR recruitment expert, Emma Hanson, for her assistance. Emma has worked with Joe across various QSR businesses, and has watched his career flourish over the last seven years. It was a no-brainer for him to contact her!

The process

Just a week after their initial conversation, Emma visited Joe at the Starbucks head office in Chiswick, London. Here, the team discussed their hiring challenges, the role, and the culture of the business in more detail.

Following their in-person meeting, Joe and the talent team developed a detailed brief outlining their requirements. They sent this to Emma, who has an extensive network of candidates, and who already had someone in mind for the role.

Emma reached out to the potential candidate who was keen to learn more about the opportunity. This individual had just finished a project and wanted to move straight onto their next challenge – so Emma sent their CV over to Joe.

As this candidate already had a number of other interviews lined up, Starbucks needed to act fast if they wanted to secure them – and that’s just what they did.

Joe reviewed their CV and set up a video interview within a couple of days of his initial meeting with Emma. The candidate then had another virtual interview with key stakeholders before heading down to the head office in Chiswick to meet them in person. An offer was made that afternoon!

“Working with Emma [Managing Consultant at Silven] over a number of years from both the candidate side and the client side, I’ve always enjoyed the Silven approach. Silven takes time to understand the needs of the business and this shows when they bring candidates forward. Emma took the time to meet at our offices to discuss our organisational structure and the changes we wish to implement, and she offered great, strategic advice on how we could accomplish this.”

– Joe Reed, EMEA Supply Chain Director at Starbucks Coffee

The results

Starbucks listened to our advice, acted quickly, and ensured a smooth interview process for all. The candidate was offered the role within 10 days of their initial meeting, and started at the company just a week later. This proves that if you’re agile, you can secure the most talented individuals on the market.

We’ve since visited the head office again, and are currently working on building a relationship with Starbucks across other functions.

“We are extremely grateful to Emma and the Silven team for placing a fantastic Senior Procurement candidate with us. She really stood out from the other candidates, and it was clear that Emma had prepared her well.”

– Joe Reed, EMEA Supply Chain Director at Starbucks