How Fast Forward Solutions found an Omnichannel & App Development Director for Shoper in 3 weeks – without the involvement of the HR department

Shoper – one of the most recognizable e-commerce platforms in Poland – was looking for an experienced leader to drive the development of mobile applications and omnichannel strategy. Time was of the essence, and the HR department was swamped. That's when we – Fast Forward Solutions – stepped in. Our task was to find the right candidate quickly, efficiently, and without unnecessary formalities. The result? The project was closed in 21 days, and the candidate turned out to be a perfect fit – ideally suited both in terms of competence and culturally.

Challenge: What did the client need?

Shoper was looking for a leader at the intersection of technology, product, and business strategy who:

• combines expertise in omnichannel solutions , app development, and managing development teams,

• has experience in digital-native and e-commerce organizations,

• understands the pace and dynamics of a scale-up company,

• can develop a product roadmap, manage the backlog, and collaborate with the business.

Time was an additional challenge—the project had to be completed within 30 days at most, without involving the internal HR department.

Our approach: How did we approach the process?

• Fast Forward Solutions has taken full responsibility for the end-to-end recruitment process:

  • Within 48 hours of receiving the brief, we delivered a market analysis and a detailed competency profile,

  • Within 10 days, we compiled a shortlist of 6 suitable candidates,

  • we conducted targeted headhunting among leaders with experience in SaaS, mobile apps, and e-commerce,

  • We carried out the entire process without involving the HR department, working directly with the Head of Product and the CEO,

  • We placed particular emphasis on cultural fit and leadership style, which are key factors in the Shoper environment.

Effect: What was achieved?

• The position of Omnichannel & App Development Director was filled within 21 days of the project’s launch.

• The selected candidate had over 10 years of experience in app development, e-commerce, and product management.

• The process was exactly what the CEO and the hiring manager had expected.

• Thanks to a good fit in terms of skills and cultural compatibility, the candidate quickly settled into the role and began developing a roadmap for the application.

• In the next phase of the company’s growth, the candidate was promoted to Chief Revenue Officer and joined Shoper’s Executive Board, confirming the long-term soundness of the hiring decision.