Background
A longstanding provider of temporary power solutions was preparing for growth. With decades of success behind them, they had built a strong reputation for delivering complex generator hire and power projects across the UK and beyond.
But as demand grew in high-value regions, particularly London and the South East, they knew their structure needed to evolve. A critical gap had emerged: they lacked senior commercial leadership in the region to convert opportunities into long-term partnerships.
They weren’t just looking for a salesperson. They needed a technically capable Key Account Manager who could combine commercial acumen with project oversight, someone comfortable in a boardroom or a substation, with the ability to navigate large client accounts from bid to delivery.
The Challenge
Despite their excellent delivery track record, several issues were holding them back:
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No regional commercial presence: London and the Home Counties presented huge potential, but without a dedicated lead, the business lacked visibility and continuity.
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Recruitment challenges: Previous hiring efforts through generalist recruiters had brought “talkers not doers”, candidates who didn’t understand the technical nuances of power hire or who lacked follow-through.
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Leadership stretched thin: Senior managers were juggling strategy, delivery, and commercial duties without the capacity to own or manage a structured recruitment process.
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Risk of lost opportunities: With no one dedicated to nurturing client relationships, repeat business and key tenders were slipping through the cracks.
The business needed a commercially astute individual who could step into complex customer environments, deliver value through problem-solving, and carry the technical credibility to engage with engineers, consultants, and procurement leaders alike.
Our Approach
We were appointed to run a fully managed executive search and selection process. Our role was to take the pressure off the internal team, while ensuring full market coverage and cultural alignment.
1. Discovery and Definition
We kicked off with a strategic session with senior leaders to clarify:
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The technical competencies required (power generation, rental contracts, bid delivery)
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The personality profile that would complement the team
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The importance of long-cycle sales experience over short-term transactional wins
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Sector-specific knowledge areas (infrastructure, utilities, rail, critical sites)
2. Market Mapping and Outreach
Rather than rely on job ads or passive applicants, we:
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Mapped 147 professionals across power hire, temporary infrastructure, and plant rental markets
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Targeted candidates with a blend of commercial leadership and project delivery oversight
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Conducted confidential outreach to uncover hidden talent, professionals not actively seeking a move, but open to the right opportunity
3. Structured Search and Steering
Throughout the process, we ran weekly steering calls with the leadership team, providing:
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Prospect feedback summaries to shape and refine the brief
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Real-time market data (salary expectations, role perception, barriers to engagement)
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Progress tracking to ensure momentum and transparency
4. Candidate Experience
We ensured candidates felt informed and respected throughout:
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Custom briefing packs shared ahead of interviews
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Feedback loops maintained with all parties
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Sensitivity to candidates’ current roles and personal commitments
This wasn’t just about filling a vacancy, it was about attracting senior professionals who would choose this role for the right reasons.
The Result
We delivered a final shortlist of four candidates, each vetted across technical, commercial, and cultural criteria.
The successful hire brought:
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A decade of experience managing key accounts in the generator hire space
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Strong project delivery oversight across complex, multi-site contracts
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A consultative style that aligned with the client’s service-first approach
The Impact
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Commercial ownership: The business now has a strategic presence in a region worth millions in potential revenue.
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Leadership alignment: With less day-to-day involvement in client management, the senior team can now focus on broader growth initiatives.
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Cultural fit: The new hire complements the team’s collaborative and client-focused ethos, bringing not just capability, but cohesion.
Client Feedback
“We had a clear vision for our expansion, but the lack of the right person was holding us back. Renew Consultancy’s expertise, industry connections, and methodical approach not only identified the perfect candidate but also gave us the confidence to execute our growth strategy. Our new Key Account Manager has already started delivering results, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome.”
– Operations Director, Power Generation Rental Company
Summary
This case study highlights how a power hire business secured strategic account leadership at a critical moment in their growth journey. By partnering with Renew Consultancy, they avoided recruitment misfires, gained market insight, and found a senior commercial hire who could hit the ground running, without compromising on technical depth or values.
Need to secure strategic commercial talent in the power or infrastructure sector?
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