How National Talent Reach Solved Regional Engineering Shortage

Faced with a limited local talent pool for critical construction support roles, a reputable engineering firm partnered with The Planet Group to access a national network of professionals, resulting in swift, successful hires and an expanding partnership.

The Client

Our client is a well-established engineering and consulting firm with a strong presence across the Southeastern United States. For decades, they have built a reputation for delivering high-quality, innovative solutions on a diverse range of projects for their communities.

The Challenge

As this firm continued to grow, its need for specialized, on-the-ground talent intensified. They were specifically seeking to fill critical construction support roles, including Construction Specialists and a Construction Administrator, to act as essential liaisons between engineers, consultants, and project sites.

The primary challenge was geographic. Key positions were located in areas with a very limited and competitive local talent pool. Their internal recruiting team was stretched thin, and they needed a partner who could reliably find qualified candidates willing to work in these specific regions. The success of their construction administration phase—and by extension, their project timelines—depended on it.

The Planet Group Solution

Leveraging a National Network for Local Impact

The Planet Group (TPG) was engaged to provide direct-hire staffing support. Our strategy was twofold:

  1. Deep Role Understanding: We moved beyond the job description to fully comprehend the pain point. The client didn't just need a resume; they needed a project liaison who would ensure compliance, streamline communication, and keep complex projects on track.
  1. Expanding the Search Beyond Borders: Instead of competing for the same small pool of local candidates, we leveraged our national network and recruiting expertise to identify qualified professionals across the country. We focused on finding candidates who were not only skilled but also had a genuine interest in the region, including those with existing personal or family ties.

This approach allowed us to present a standout candidate for the Construction Administrator role who was originally from the target area and was seeking a move back, creating an ideal scenario for both the candidate and the client.

The Results

Swift Placements and a Deepened Partnership

The collaboration yielded immediate and long-term results, transforming a single project into a strategic staffing partnership.

  • Successful Key Placements: TPG successfully filled two critical direct-hire roles within months:
  • A Construction Specialist placed in May.
  • A Construction Administrator placed in July.
  • Solving the Relocation Puzzle: For the Construction Administrator role, we identified a perfect-fit candidate who was not only qualified but also eager to return to her home region. This eliminated the need for a complex relocation package and ensured a seamless, committed transition into the role.
  • An Evolving, Trusted Partnership: The success of the initial placements proved TPG’s value and understanding of the client's unique needs. The relationship has since expanded significantly. The client now relies on TPG as an ongoing partner, with a pipeline of open requisitions for specialized Engineers and Project Managers in their water and wastewater division.

This partnership underscores a powerful solution for regional firms facing local talent shortages. By leveraging a national network and a deep understanding of the client's specific operational needs, The Planet Group transformed a geographic limitation into a strategic advantage. The successful placement of key local talent has cemented a trusted, ongoing relationship, ensuring the client has the specialized support needed to continue its legacy of community-focused projects.

Let The Planet Group’s national reach and industry expertise become your competitive advantage. Reach out to us to see how we can build a tailored talent solution for your firm.

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