Bridging strategic ambition and operational delivery at Lancashire Cricket
Lancashire Cricket partnered with Executives in Sport Group to appoint a Head of HR, a senior people role created by the need to strengthen alignment between executive objectives and day-to-day operational delivery.
The appointment came ahead of an important cricket season, with the organisation requiring a people leader who could provide immediate support, help shape future planning and operate effectively across both strategic and operational levels.
Challenge
Lancashire Cricket needed to appoint a Head of HR who could bridge the gap between the organisation’s executive goals and the realities of operational delivery on the ground. With limited internal HR capacity available to run a thorough search, the organisation needed external support to identify, assess and engage a strong field of candidates.
The timing added further pressure. The successful candidate needed to be in place to help plan for the upcoming cricket season, which meant the search required both pace and precision.
The role also demanded more than traditional HR experience. Lancashire Cricket required someone who could work effectively with senior stakeholders, support executive decision-making and still remain close enough to operational detail to drive meaningful transformation across the organisation.
Solution
Executives in Sport Group began with a detailed discovery call to understand the strategic importance of the appointment, the operational pressures facing the organisation and the type of leadership style required.
Rather than limiting the search to sport-only talent pools, EISG’s executive search lead by Tom Beswick recommended exploring alternative sectors where candidates had experience leading HR through transformation, managing complex stakeholder groups and balancing strategic priorities with hands-on delivery.
The search strategy included market mapping, proactive headhunting and targeted industry research. A clear brief was set, with a shortlist delivered within three weeks. Candidate assessment focused heavily on soft skills, cultural fit and the ability to influence at senior level. Each candidate was assessed not only on their qualifications and HR background, but also on their ability to work strategically, build effective relationships with senior stakeholders and translate organisational priorities into operational delivery.
Outcome
The search delivered a focused and credible shortlist for Lancashire Cricket, with 50 candidates approached, 20 screened, 6 shortlisted and 3 progressing to final interview.
“From the outset, Lancashire Cricket were looking for someone who could operate comfortably at both strategic and operational levels. We deliberately widened the search beyond the sports industry to identify candidates with strong transformation experience, stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence at senior level. The successful candidate stood out because they combined those qualities with the attitude and adaptability needed to make an immediate impact.” – Tom Beswick, Lead Consultant, Executives in Sport Group
The success of the appointment also strengthened the working relationship between Lancashire Cricket and Executives in Sport Group. Following the Head of HR search, Lancashire Cricket engaged EISG on four additional senior recruitment assignments, reflecting confidence in the search process and outcomes delivered.
Want to know more ?
If you’re looking to hire a senior HR leader, build out your people team, or simply want to chat about your hiring plans, Tom Beswick, Lead Consultant at EISG, would be happy to help. Feel free to get in touch at tb@eisg.com.