Aptitude Executive Search, a division of Aptitude (Pty) Ltd was formed in 2009 and specialises in the identification and sourcing of Senior and Executive personnel locally and globally for the South African public and private sectors. The strength of Aptitude resides in the pedigree of its leadership who collectively have over 35 years experience in corporate and parastatal entities; culminating in the last 5 years being spent in Executive Search.
 
As a result of this wide exposure Aptitude understands intimately the often subtle dynamics of both the talent seeker and job hunter; a crucial requirement towards ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes.

Another critical trait of executive search is the practice and demonstration of tact and discretion. Aptitude prides itself on its professional and discreet approach towards clients and candidates alike; and the results thereof are evidenced in quality of the Aptitude network which, together with a hands-on approach of the leadership, ensures that trust based relationships continue to grow. 

In special cases Aptitude also engages with carefully chosen industry specialists through alliances and joint ventures.

TALENT SEARCH

Companies have long recognized that having the most effective personnel is critical to business performance.

The majority of high value candidates identified in executive search are not actively seeking a new position, but are identified through a discreet research process reliant on trust-based relationships and comprehensive databases. It is our ability to identify top talent and to conduct in-depth research that differentiates us from our competitors. Aptitude prides itself in finding the right person for the right job at the right price.

Talent Search Process – Customised for YOU, the Client

For each assignment we assemble the best team, comprising experienced consultants and research associates, in order to bring both sector and functional expertise to the search.

·         Consultation– we discuss your key strategic objectives, challenges and people strategy with the aim of developing profile blueprints for each position.

·         Target market portfolio – we research the target market; be it industry or competency based

·         Potential candidates are identified – We use our research tools and expertise to scan through a wide range of potential candidates. We have strong networks to gain confidential insights into individuals, their track records and reputations. The team’s extensive personal network, provides the necessary market intelligence to ensure the ideal candidate is found.

·         Screening Interviews – Interviews are conducted with candidates and your needs and specifications are the most important guidelines. You will receive feedback and progress reviews regarding each potential candidate that could possibly fit your profile blueprint.

·         Meeting the shortlist – You will receive a list of potential shortlist candidates and be able to discuss these with us.

·         Selecting and Screening the preferred candidate(s) – We facilitate the process for you and candidates so that all issues are dealt with to reach closure. Full data, credit, criminal and reference checks are done to verify the integrity and suitability of all candidates. We can also provide full psychological assessments so that a full analysis of competencies, personality and interests of the candidates can be established as we recognise that successful placement is as much about technical fit and cultural alignment as it is about ‘chemistry’.

·         Final negotiations with the chosen candidate – We facilitate the final negotiations and follow up with you and the candidate after the candidate has joined, to ensure both parties have met their expectations. 


TRACK RECORD

While confidentiality refrains us from disclosing actual placements, we are proud to have concluded successful appointments in many of South Africa’s top organisations; including Retail Banks, Investment Banks, Retailers, Parastatals and FMCG organizations. We have also covered a wide range of disciplines viz. Finance, Procurement, Information Technology, Human Resources, Product Development, Strategy, Project and Program Management, Logistics, Contact Centre, Business Analysis, Financial modeling across the spectrum of senior to executive management.

Our best clients tend to be previously placed candidates.

OUR CANDIDATES

Executive search is a highly dynamic process due to the continually changing demands of organisations and movement of people. Consequently people’s availability changes regularly, and it is important as a service provider to remain as current as possible to ensure rapid turnaround times for clients. As a result, we continually maintain databases of candidates in high demand areas such as

·         Executive/General Management

·         Finance – CFO’s, CA’s

·         Procurement – Executives and Commodity Specialists

·         Technical – Engineers, Plant Managers

·         Human Resources – Generalists and specialists

·         Information Technology – CIO’s, Analysts, Architecture Specialists

·         Project and Program Managers

·         Analysts – Process, Financial

 

OUR PEOPLE

The Aptitude people policy takes advantage of the executive search business model, which allows people to work from any location and, generally at various times. As a new-age employer, Aptitude attracts qualified, experienced and competent ‘search partners’ from the recruitment fraternity who are looking to deliver value within their own time and other personal constraints. This flexibility is balanced with a remuneration scheme that is risk-biased therefore ensuring effective self management. The method also allows Aptitude the scalability to satisfy fluctuating client demand at short notice.

Assignments that cannot be fulfilled directly by the leadership are assigned to the relevant search partner/s who cover a range of disciplines and industries.

All new clients are initially handled personally by the leadership to ensure that the specific requirements of clients, as well as their unique work methods and cultures, are fully understood and accommodated.

 

OUR ALLIANCES

In the interest of servicing a wide range of client requirements, Aptitude engages with industry aligned specialist organisations as and when the need arises. Two of our continually active partners are TransAuto Recruitment and PhiBlu innovative Resource Management who focus on the automotive and information technology sectors respectively.