What is Carlsen Executives-on-Demand?

It is a division of Carlsen Resources, Inc. (CRI) dedicated to providing client partners mid to executive-level professionals on an interim basis.  Executives-on-Demand enables organizations to supplement their existing workforce as needed to meet fluctuating requirements for additional expertise without being constrained by the costs and timeframe of permanent recruitment and headcount.  An increasing number of companies are appreciating the benefits of tapping into a selected and vetted group of proven, high caliber talent. These professionals range from functional heads and technical specialists to C-level executives, across a wide range of disciplines and sectors. 

When would you use the Executives-on-Demand?

• Bridging permanent recruitment gaps
• Sudden vacancy (resignations, dismissals, death, injury, illnesses, disability, maternity leave)
• Managing turnarounds
• “Holding down the fort”, pending a final decision on a senior level appointment
• Managing change of culture, strategy, policy, structure
• Taking charge of specific projects such as launching a new product or service
• Part-time management when circumstances don’t warrant a full time role
• Post merger/acquisition management - stepping in to stabilize a situation following a merger or acquisition or pre-sale when a leader has stepped out before the sale is consummated
• Applying special expertise or knowledge on a project that is outside the company’s core competency

 

Is Carlsen Executives-on-Demand a temp agency?

CRI's Executives-on-Demand is not a “temp agency” by any measure. We serve only the senior level of management functions with the highest quality of talent.  Executives-on-Demand is a natural extension of CRI’s 20+ year old Executive Search business, operating under an innovative business model required by this unconventional marketplace - independent and interim - for both the client and the talent.  Unlike a “temp agency”, the professionals contract directly with the client companies for a specific time period or deliverable.

Why did Carlsen launch Executives-on-Demand?

Clients are telling us they have projects that need to be completed, a workforce that is overloaded, and a very specific talent requirement that they are lacking. CRI can provide the senior management bandwidth, capacity and resources to get the work done. CRI had been planning Executives-on-Demand well before the meltdown on Wall Street, but in light of that and how tight things are for many of our clients, the introduction of this service could not come at a more opportune time.

How does the Executives-on-Demand service differ from online networking or matchmaking services?

It's the same difference as retaining a highly specialized Executive Search firm compared to placing an ad in the classifieds or online.  CRI's Executives-on-Demand facilitates the match between companies with resource needs and highly experienced, vetted talent by providing the same superior personal service and success rate of placing executives that has earned the company its excellent reputation.  Its vast industry network, its long-time relationships with the executives who have built these industries and its uniquely successful methodology enables CRI to offer this as a service that no database or algorithm can remotely approach.

How does Executives-on-Demand work?

Just like any of the services CRI provides, Executives-on-Demand is a highly targeted and very personalized process of assessing the needs of the client and then finding the best person possible to meet them for a determined period of time, generally 3, 6, 9 or 12 months. Once a client contacts CRI, the right questions are asked and a lot of listening is done regarding the nature of the work, the specific skills being sought, and any "special situations" being addressed.  Then, as with any of its searches, CRI puts into motion its proven process, which is part art and part science, to match the need with just the right interim executive talent.

Where are you finding your Executives-on-Demand?

There is, perhaps, no search firm in our industries with a more current and robust pool of candidates than Carlsen.  Many of them are increasingly excited about the prospect of working under this new model on a part-time, temporary, or project-to-project basis.  CRI is actively and selectively recruiting candidates from its network of professionals who have willingly left the workplace.  Additionally, experienced executives who, unfortunately, continue to fall victim to this economy, are creating a large number of top-quality executive-on-demand candidates.

In what functional areas or disciplines can client companies look to CRI for talent?
Ad Sales Advertising/Promotions/Sponsorship Marketing Affiliate Marketing Affiliate Sales Business Development Consumer/Brand Marketing Creative Service-Marketing Customer Service Engineering/Technology Information Systems Finance/Accounting	Government Affairs Human Resources Legal Operations Product Managers Programming Production Public Relations Research Sales Strategic Planning

What types of companies can utilize an EOD? To name a few:
Advertising Agencies Advertising Rep Firms Associations Broadcast TV/Radio Cable Networks Cable Operators/MSOs Law Firms Management Consulting Groups Marketing Services Publications	Public Relations Record Labels Researchers Sports Teams/Leagues Studios/Production/Distribution Technology Firms Telecommunications Wireless/Cellular/Paging

What are the key aspects considered in evaluating an EOD’s suitability for an assignment?

• Professional qualifications and accomplishments
• Specific functional or technical expertise
• Management capabilities
• Academic qualifications
• Personality and work style
• Availability
• Fee requirements

 Who should consider becoming an Executive-on-Demand (EOD)?

• The first requirement of the executive is the time flexibility to consider an interim assignment.
• Candidates who possess defined skills and expertise that can be applied to particular opportunities and/or projects. In some cases, EODs have very specific functional or technical backgrounds.  In other scenarios clients look for someone with a broad set of experiences to create the best combination for success.
• Common characteristics in EODs are individuals who can quickly assess the situation, are decisive, can quickly develop a course of action, are willing to get their hands dirty and are committed to creating impactful results.

 How do I know if I qualify to become part of Carlsen Executives-on-Demand program?

• There are a wide variety of opportunities and needs in the industry today for interim executives. Carlsen’s role is recruiting the opportunities from client companies and vetting and matching the talent that will deliver. Those interested submit a resume to kseeman@carlsenresources.com. Following CRI’s receipt of your resume, a questionnaire will be sent to you. CRI will retain this profile in your confidential file and as opportunities present themselves, will evaluate and match the best talent to meet those needs and you will be contacted.

 How will I know what opportunities are available?

• Based on your submitted resume and questionnaire, a CRI consultant will contact you when there is a potential opportunity to discuss further. We will respect your time and not approach you with projects that do not match YOUR criteria.

 Do I need to pay a fee to CRI to be part of the EOD program?

• No, like our Executive Search business, we are retained and compensated by the client companies. EOD candidates do not pay a fee to be included.

 How is the rate set for an EOD? 

• Compensation is based on the skill and expertise the EOD brings to the assignment and the opportunity or requirements of the client company. The EOD should establish an hourly fee based on past compensation and provide that in the questionnaire that CRI will send to them. When a particular opportunity becomes available, CRI will negotiate the rate with the client company and EOD.

 How long are EOD assignments?

• The timeframe for an EOD assignment is generally 3, 6, 9 or 12 months in duration, but they can be tailored to meet individual and client company needs.

 How will I know the scope of the role, timeframe and compensation?

• CRI will have fully assessed the full scope of the role along with the expectations, goals and deliverables prior to contacting the EOD. The compensation for the role will also be clearly delineated. Carlsen will facilitate the agreement and terms between the EOD and client company.

 Who will I be paid by once there is a successful match?

• You will be paid directly by the client company based on the agreed upon fee.

 Are EODs ever hired for permanent positions once the assignment is complete?

• Yes, a significant percentage of EODs are hired by client companies after a successful experience.