Talent Pooling and the Employee Value Proposition

A strong employee value proposition (EVP) is key to attracting the best talent now and in the future. Building brand awareness is therefore an important element in establishing a regional talent pool in a new geography.

The client in question is one of the world's leading medical technology companies, offering a diverse array of innovative products and services in orthopaedics, medical and surgical, neurotechnology and spine that help improve patient and hospital outcomes. It is active in more than 100 countries around the world and reported 2015 revenues approaching $10 billion.

Reputation counts for a lot in the medical technology sector, and while this company has an excellent reputation in its home market and in many countries around the world.

Furthermore, the client was aware that “one size fits all” does not apply when it comes to EVP. Aspects that have a strong appeal in one country might be less highly valued in another.
Therefore, when it announced that it was setting up a plant to manufacture a new medical device in Cork it was important for the company to build maximum awareness of its employer brand – exceptional careers for exceptional people – in a way that appealed in the local context.

Talent pooling helps a company to establish relationships with a pool of potential candidates who offer the precise competence sets that best suit the employer’s needs. Building a talent pool is an effective way for recruiters to build reputation and ensure that a constant flow of candidates is available when needed.

Morgan McKinley engaged with 3,500 potential candidates, explaining the corporate culture and benefits of a career with the client, which is not only strongly committed to learning and development, but is also well positioned to offer many growth opportunities, including the possibility to move geographically, functionally, laterally and vertically.

In addition to the strong financial benefits offered to employees, the company sets a very high value on its connections to patients and caregivers, employee empowerment, diversity and inclusion, as well as philanthropic initiatives. It is also highly family-oriented and committed to work-life balance: factors that have a strong appeal in Ireland.

The company now has access to a pool of candidates who are not only suitably qualified, but are highly motivated to help improve the lives of patients through product development. This is not only helping to identify staff who will take a passionate interest in the current project, but who will be an excellent fit within the wider business. The talent pooling team promoted the employee value proposition to thousands of professionals and giving them an enjoyable experience – one they will recall when considering their next move.

This is vitally important: at some stage these highly talented engineers and product developers will reach the end of current projects and start thinking about their longer-tem career path. The client wants to ensure that it is top of mind when that happens. In addition to talent pooling, the team has been gathering and communicating market intelligence on the medtech engineering employment market to the client, helping to further refine its EVP within the Irish market.