Human Resources Manager

A Montreal-based video game studio needed to replace its first HR Director, who had been hired a few years earlier to build the HR function and support the organization’s growth.

Context

A Montreal-based video game studio needed to replace its first HR Director, who had been hired a few years earlier to build the HR function and support the organization’s growth. As the studio matured, its needs evolved: rather than another highly senior, builder-type profile, the company was now looking for an HR Manager with a strong generalist background who could oversee the full HR function. The role included supporting managers and senior leadership, as well as overseeing performance management, payroll, HR systems, benefits and other employee-related matters.

Actions

  • David Da CostaPartner & COO

The recruitment strategy initially focused on HR generalists with previous experience in the video game industry, an important criterion for the client. With a limited talent pool and a slower start during the summer vacation period, the search was expanded to the visual effects industry, where professionals often work in similar environments. In addition to direct sourcing and reviewing inbound applications, our team leveraged its industry network to identify and validate additional potential candidates. Candidate outreach highlighted the studio’s financial stability and the opportunity to contribute to a new game project, two particularly relevant factors given the challenging environment across the industry.

Results

  • 4

    Time to presentation (weeks)

  • 74

    approaches

  • 4

    candidates submitted

The first candidates were presented approximately four weeks after the search began, despite the project launching during the summer vacation period. A total of four qualified candidates were presented to the client throughout the recruitment process. Expanding the search into visual effects proved instrumental, as the candidate ultimately hired came from that industry. Our market analysis also helped recalibrate the compensation required for the position: while the initial salary range was between $140,000 and $170,000, the successful hire was ultimately made at $130,000.

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