A Handler Case Study: Chief Operating Officer Placement

The Opportunity
Handler was engaged by a 30+ year-old Atlanta-based manufacturer serving the cold storage industry to lead the search for a Chief Operating Officer—a newly created and mission-critical role, designed to elevate operational excellence and drive future growth.

With a strong legacy and a forward-looking CEO, the company needed a strategic partner to help define the role and identify the right executive who could bring both operational discipline and cultural alignment.

Our Approach
From day one, this was more than a search—it was a collaboration. Handler worked closely with the CEO to craft a thoughtful, aligned job description that clearly outlined key responsibilities, cultural priorities, and must-have qualifications. This upfront clarity set the tone for candidate engagement and market positioning.

The Internal Launch
We mobilized quickly. Our Managing Partner assembled a focused internal team tailored to the unique dynamics of this engagement. Leveraging our proprietary Quick Start model, we launched the search within three business days of the initial client meeting, ensuring early momentum and immediate market visibility.

The Execution
With a strong emphasis on the Atlanta market, we activated the Handler Community—our trusted network of leaders, past candidates, and advisors—to identify confidential referrals and strong-fit prospects. We maintained weekly strategy calls with the client, delivering real-time market intelligence and presenting high-impact candidates with the right blend of expertise and leadership presence.

The Result
We successfully placed a local, seasoned operating executive with over 20 years of experience, deep strategic capability, and a proven track record of transformational leadership. This COO is now playing a key role in optimizing operations, enhancing team performance, and driving scalable growth across the organization.

Search Statistics

Length of Search (business days) 43 days

Time to Placement Identified 5 days

Total in Pipeline 136