Bridging Structure and Craftsmanship for a Maison in Southern Spain: Revealing Talent and Supporting a Bold Career Move
Success Story A Glance:
In a fast-growing French leather goods Maison, the challenge was to bring structure to highly artisanal production processes in a remote location in Spain. While the brief called for an experienced industrial engineer, the successful hire was a young, unconventional profile identified through network-driven sourcing, whom we supported throughout the process, from her first interview to her relocation abroad.
The ability to see beyond conventional experience and guide the candidate through a life-changing relocation, from Bretagne to Ubrique, Andalusia.
The Challenge
In a context of growth and structuring, the company needed to reinforce its industrial capabilities in its Spanish production site. The objective was clear: bring more process, rigor, and organization into an environment deeply rooted in craftsmanship.
Three key challenges shaped the search:
• Ensuring engineering expertise and hands-on production understanding
• Attracting talent to a geographically remote location (Ubrique, Andalusia), far from traditional talent hubs
• Balancing the need for structure with the reality of artisanal, manual processes
The Approach
Given the specificity of the brief, we activated our network as a primary sourcing lever. This led to an unexpected connection with Pauline E., a young professional working in a small tannery in Bretagne.
On paper, she did not match the initial requirements: no formal engineering degree, limited Spanish, and a non-linear academic path.
Yet, beyond the CV, her profile revealed five years of hands-on experience at only 23, and strong adaptability and motivation.
We chose to trust this intuition and supported her closely throughout the process: preparing her for interviews, guiding her towards her future cultural adaptation, and reinforcing her confidence in taking on such a bold move.
The Click
As the process progressed, initial doubts on both sides gave way to conviction.
What made the difference was Pauline’s determination and resourcefulness. Despite the challenges, she remained fully engaged, proactive, and solutions oriented.
Her energy, combined with her hands-on experience, resonated strongly with the client.
And the perspective shifted: it was no longer about finding a candidate with a given track, but about enriching the organization with someone who would blend technical expertise and deep respect for the craft, rooted in experience.
The Impact
Pauline accepted the offer and relocated from Bretagne to Andalusia, stepping into a role that represented a significant leap in responsibility.
Within just a few months, she had successfully integrated and earned the trust of her environment.
Today, she leads an extended team and continues to develop her passion for leather in Ubrique.
The support provided by Marie during my recent transition into a new role has been a highly positive experience. Throughout our discussions, Marie demonstrated a strong understanding of the profession, and her involvement went far beyond a simple introduction. Her expertise and holistic approach were instrumental in identifying an opportunity that was perfectly aligned with both my skills and my professional aspirations. What truly sets United Search apart is the resilience and quality of the professional relationship we have built and maintained over several years. Your perseverance, attentive listening, and ability to adapt your approach over time reflect a remarkable level of commitment. I highly recommend your services for your deep market knowledge and for the human, consistent, and reliable support you provide. Sincerely,
CSR and Traceability Partner - Polène Paris