Case Study

Delivering a unicorn

How Outsized partnered with Deloitte to find a candidate with a rare combination of skills and experience

The background

Consulting projects can move at lightning speed and in many cases traditional talent channels like recruitment are simply not fast, efficient and accurate enough to meet the demand. When Deloitte needed highly specialised talent for a niche financial client, traditional channels fell short. Outsized stepped in to deliver a tailored, flexible solution, helping Deloitte meet the client’s unique demands while safeguarding its brand integrity.

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The challenge

In this instance, Deloitte faced an unusual challenge: a financial client with niche operational requirements needed a front-office specialist.

Here’s what we were up against:

Rare expertise

The ideal candidate needed not only financial acumen but also market-savvy experience and the ability to operate successfully in a high-risk, high-visibility role.

Reputational risks

Placing an unsuitable candidate in this role could result in significant reputational damage for both Deloitte and its client. A good fit was absolutely vital in this situation.

“We were looking for a unicorn. This wasn’t a typical request, and we needed a partner who could find us the right fit, fast.”

Monique De Waal (Director, Deloitte)

The solution

Deloitte considered multiple options, including established subcontracting relationships. However, Outsized stood out for three key reasons:

Flexibility in talent engagement:

We offered tailored solutions, accommodating various time commitments. “We could arrange for full-time, part-time, or project-based support depending on the client’s needs,” Monique explained.

Specialised skills access:

Our network provided candidates with niche expertise that other vendors couldn’t match.

Collaborative approach:

Deloitte appreciated our transparent and responsive approach. “We knew exactly what to expect, and they were open to adjusting their approach based on our feedback,” Monique added.

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The follow-through

In-depth vendor vetting process As one of the world’s most recognised professional services firms, Deloitte has stringent onboarding requirements for subcontractors. Outsized underwent deep-dive due diligence, including checks on shareholding structures, reputational risks, and compliance with regulatory standards. “We knew exactly what to expect, and they were open to adjusting their approach based on our feedback,” Monique added.

The outcome

We delivered the unicorn candidate Deloitte needed within 2 days.

Fast turnaround

We provided curated CVs within days for Deloitte to review and the entire end-to-end process from need to contracting took 2 weeks.

Client interviews and onboarding

The candidate was interviewed, onboarded to the client’s systems, and fully operational in record time.

“The onboarding was smooth, and the candidate was everything we hoped for. In fact, the client was so pleased they offered the candidate a permanent role.”

Monique De Waal (Director, Deloitte)

A focus on partnership

One of our focuses as an organisation is the value we place on relationships with our clients. We prioritise building trust and fostering open communication from the outset, ensuring our clients feel genuinely cared for.

Our values in action

Transparency and responsiveness

Monique emphasised the ease of working with Johann, Outsized’s representative: “He establishes trusting relationships quickly, and we always felt like we were having an open, honest conversation.” Monique explained.

Iterative feedback loop

Deloitte could provide real-time feedback on candidate profiles, enabling Outsized to refine their search as needed.

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Looking to the future

“Outsized’s flexibility, specialised expertise, and open communication have made them an invaluable partner. We’ve never been disappointed.”
— Monique De Waal (Director, Deloitte)

In an era where talent is the ultimate competitive differentiator, traditional recruitment often falls short. Strategic talent partnerships – characterised by flexibility, precision, and deep understanding – are the new paradigm.

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