Head of E-Commerce for Tezeusz.pl

Introduction

Theseus.co.uk, a leader in online book sales, faced a strategic challenge: implementing a new, scalable e-commerce platform supporting more than one million SKUs, and preparing the company for a transformation to an AI First model. A key role in this process was to be played by a new Head of E-Commerce - a leader with experience in managing large digital projects, who additionally had to be ready to relocate to Krakow.

Fast Forward Solutions took on this challenging task, combining a precise analysis of the client's needs with advanced recruitment methods. The result? The hiring of an expert who not only met all expectations, but also successfully met key transformation goals.

The business challenge

Theseus.pl is not only Poland's largest online book sales platform, but also a company with ambitious growth plans. Faced with a growing number of products and changing customer expectations, management decided to implement a new e-commerce platform capable of handling more than one million SKUs. The goal was not only to increase operational efficiency, but also to lay the groundwork for an AI First strategy involving the extensive use of artificial intelligence algorithms in data analysis, offer personalization and process automation.

Key challenges faced by Theseus.co.uk:

1. Implementation of a new e-commerce platform - a system capable of handling 1 million SKUs and ensuring fast operation even during busy periods.
2. Building an AI team and competency - finding a leader who understands the potential of artificial intelligence in e-commerce.
3. Requirement to relocate to Krakow - the candidate had to be ready to move to the city where key company departments are located.
4. Organizational culture and vision for growth - they were looking for a person not only with the right technological skills, but also with the ability to work in a dynamic, innovative environment.

The project required not only excellent knowledge of the e-commerce market, but also experience in working with AI technologies. Theseus.pl needed a leader who, on the one hand, would realize the current operational goals, and on the other hand, would be able to set the direction of development in the field of artificial intelligence.

Fast Forward Solutions' recruitment process and approach

Given the specific challenges faced by Theseus.co.uk, Fast Forward Solutions used an executive search methodology, focusing on precisely matching the candidate with the company's technical, business and cultural requirements.

1. in-depth analysis of customer needs

Before we began our search, we consulted in detail with the management of Theseus.co.uk to fully understand:

• key strategic objectives related to the implementation of the new platform,
• Technological and managerial competence requirements,
• expectations of future leadership in the context of AI First transformation,
• The challenges of relocating a candidate to Krakow.

2. precision targeting of candidates

Due to the unique profile of the role, recruitment was not limited to active job seekers. We used a direct search method, identifying individuals with experience in large e-commerce projects and knowledge of AI technologies.

Our strategy included:

• Mapping the market and identifying candidates with experience in managing large-scale platforms,
• An analysis of companies implementing advanced AI solutions in e-commerce,
• selection of leaders who not only have technological competence, but also the ability to manage change and implement innovation.

3. selection and evaluation of candidates

Based on a preliminary analysis, we created a shortlist of the most promising experts. The selection process included:

• Technical assessment - checking knowledge of modern e-commerce technologies and experience in working with AI,
• Strategic competencies - analyzing the ability to manage scalable projects and optimize processes,
• Cultural fit - verifying that the candidate fits into the dynamic environment of Theseus.co.uk,
• Readiness to relocate - a detailed conversation about the possibility of moving to Krakow.

After careful analysis, we were able to find the ideal candidate who met all the requirements. Moreover, he was ready to relocate and fully commit to the e-commerce transformation of Theseus.co.uk.

Recruitment result

After an intensive search and selection process, we were able to find the perfect candidate - an experienced e-commerce manager who not only possessed the right technological competencies, but also demonstrated a willingness to move to Krakow to support Tezeusz.pl in achieving its ambitious goals.

Profile of the selected candidate

The selected expert is a professional with more than 10 years of experience in the field of e-commerce and digital transformation. His career includes working with international companies, where he was responsible for the development of sales platforms and implementation of innovative data-driven solutions.

Candidate Core Competencies:

• Experience in managing large e-commerce projects: the candidate has managed projects involving the implementation of sales platforms for companies in various industries, with a particular focus on handling a large number of SKUs.
• Familiarity with AI technology: He has participated in projects using artificial intelligence algorithms to personalize offerings, optimize logistics processes and analyze customer behavior.
• Strategic skills: Successfully developed and implemented e-commerce development strategies, combining technological innovation with business needs.
• Managing international teams: Experienced in building and leading distributed teams, which has proven to be crucial in the planning of Theseus.co.uk's future AI efforts.
• Readiness to relocate: Despite a previous career in another city, the candidate made the decision to move to Krakow, which highlighted his commitment and openness to new challenges.

Conclusions from the recruitment process

Recruitment of Head of E-Commerce for Tezeusz.pl was a demanding project that required not only precise selection of competencies, but also taking into account specific criteria, such as readiness to relocate to Krakow. The process was successful thanks to a combination of an in-depth needs analysis, knowledge of the specifics of the e-commerce market and an effective executive search methodology.

Key findings from the trial:

1. Precise needs analysis = accurate candidate selection
   A thorough understanding of Theseus.co.uk's strategic goals - implementing a new platform and preparing the company for the AI First transformation - allowed us to create a detailed candidate profile. This, in turn, reduced recruitment time and increased the accuracy of selection.

2. Specialized technological competence is the cornerstone
   In an era of growing data and automation, experience working with AI technologies and familiarity with e-commerce systems supporting a large number of SKUs proved crucial. A candidate who had a track record of implementing similar projects was able to move seamlessly into tasks at Tezeusz.pl.

3. Relocation as a challenge and opportunity
   The criterion of relocation to Krakow may have significantly narrowed the pool of potential candidates. However, with the right communication approach and by emphasizing the opportunity for professional development and participation in an innovative project, it was possible to attract a manager ready to relocate.

4. E-commerce and AI - the future of e-commerce
   The project has shown that a growing number of companies, such as Theseus.co.uk, are investing in AI technologies to optimize processes, personalize offerings and increase customer satisfaction. Competence related to the implementation of artificial intelligence-based tools is becoming one of the most important criteria for recruiting e-commerce leaders.

Opinion of the hired Head of E-Commerce

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