News & Insights
The Cabrach Trust Finance Director
6th June 2024
Conversation between Amanda McCulloch and Jonathan Christie, Chief Executive The Cabrach Trust
Introduction
Share an overview of your organization, including its mission, size, and the communities it serves?
The Cabrach Trust is a small, rural charity with big ambition. Based in the heart of North East Scotland, straddling the border between West Aberdeenshire and Speyside, we are focused on the regeneration of the Cabrach as a thriving rural community.
At the epicentre of our regeneration masterplan sits The Cabrach Distillery. This is our one-of-a-kind social enterprise which will serve as the lungs of our long-term regeneration strategy, whilst reviving Single Malt Scotch Whisky production in the Cabrach for the first time in over 170 years.
What were the main challenges or pain points your organization faced that led to the need for an FD?
After many years of strategic planning, the Trust had moved into an important, formative period of implementation which combined expansion of project activity, the creation of our Community Interest Company, and oversight of the distillery capital build. As such, the onboarding of an FD represented a vitally important opportunity to add essential capacity and strengthen financial competency within our small team.
Recruitment Process
What specific qualities or skills were you looking for in potential candidates?
We were looking for an experienced but aspirational finance professional, ideally with spirits industry experience, with a shared affinity for the social purpose that underpins all our work in the Cabrach.
We were also looking for an additional spark, an individual comfortable leaving the “safe wheelhouse of finance” to actively contribute towards the broader development of the Trust and The Cabrach Distillery.
Engagement with TMM Executive
Why did you choose our firm for this recruitment campaign?
Recognising the importance of this appointment, we took time speaking with several firms and shortlisting options.
My abiding sense is that TMM Executive fundamentally “got” what we were looking for.
There were many variables associated with this role, ranging from our rurality to breadth of experience and competency required, alongside appreciating that intersection between charity finance, and creating a ‘profit with purpose’ distillery. Yes, TMM got it and delivered.
What were your expectations from us as your recruitment partner?
Our expectations of TMM were pretty simple: wholly own this campaign, act as an extension of the Trust, capturing our attitude, aspirations, and tone of voice, and table an exciting roster of candidates.
Candidate Evaluation and Selection
Can you describe the evaluation process for potential candidates and what you found most valuable?
At the business end of our campaign the evaluation process felt collaborative and effortless.
TMM delivered an excellent long leet, but also provided additional context via conversation which was a real value add in terms of nuance and detail.
TMM further supported all logistics associated with the interviews. Drawing upon their Aberdeen HQ, we were made to feel at home across the interview day. Our post-interview conversations with TMM were of equal value when it came to determining preferred candidate.
What were the key factors / standout qualities that influenced your decision to select the chosen FD candidate?
I spoke about “spark” earlier on. On paper, there were equally experienced candidates, my decision was ultimately informed by my sense that this candidate not only had the experience, but the self-belief to take on this atypical FD role.
Impact and Results
How has the new FD contributed to your organization since joining?
Across 12 months, our FD has taken ownership of their remit, further supported the strategic development and launch of our unique social enterprise The Cabrach Distillery CIC, and worked closely with our community in a myriad of different ways. Several significant organisational milestones have been achieved during this time, with our FD playing a critical part.
Lessons Learned and Future Plans
What were some valuable lessons learned throughout this recruitment process?
In terms of lessons learned, I’d reflect on the importance of really nailing down core, essential qualities, requirements, and/or competencies.
It’s easy to identify a broad suite of desirable skills and attributes, but having a sharper focus on what your organisation critically needs adds huge value.
What’s the next exciting milestone for The Cabrach Community Trust / Distillery
The last year has been exciting, formative, and busy for the Trust, but with first distillation for The Cabrach Distillery scheduled this summer, we are poised to hit a massive, long-awaited milestone; a milestone within our Theory of Change which oxygenates our medium to long term priorities for this special place.
