How We Placed a European Sales Manager for a US Manufacturing Firm in 4 Weeks

The client sought an experienced European Sales Manager to spearhead its upcoming regional expansion.

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The Challenge

The client sought an experienced European Sales Manager to spearhead its upcoming regional expansion. Beyond proven sales expertise, the position demanded specialized knowledge of composite materials and the capability to deliver immediate results in an unfamiliar market.

The Client

SpaceAge Synthetics, Ltd. is a fiber-reinforced urethane manufacturer specializing in Thermo-Lite Board®, a lightweight, durable composite material used in marine, transportation, and building applications.

Headquarters
Fargo, North Dakota
Employees
200+
Funding
Undisclosed
Investors
Privately Owned
Valuation
$25M+

Our Approach

Optima Search | Europe & America structured a four-stage process built around precision — not volume.

Two people working together at a wooden desk with laptops and paper documents covered in handwritten notes and diagrams.
  • Strategic onboarding: A 90-minute consultation with the Sales Director, HR lead, and Company President to define hiring criteria, growth strategy, and cultural fit expectations.

  • Performance screening: Rigorous assessment of revenue growth track records, market penetration experience, and strategic sales execution.

  • Market intelligence: A structured mapping of the composite materials talent landscape, evaluating active and passive candidates against competitive benchmarks.

  • Executive shortlist: From an initial pool of 8 screened professionals, 2 finalists were presented for executive interviews - both progressing to the final panel stage.

The Results

1
4 Weeks
Brief to accepted offer
2
2 Finalists
From 8 screened candidates
3
100%
Exclusive partnership model

Client Feedback

"Unlike traditional agencies that are vague about pricing and overly aggressive in securing contracts, your approach was clear, upfront, and professional. Having access to the CRM and being able to track progress in real time made a significant difference."

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