TalentBench helped a global electro-optical technology company hire the first finance leader for its Defense division after relocating the plant from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts. We identified more than 250 potential candidates, narrowed the field to about 100, and the client hired a Controller with solid defense-contractor tenure and deep financial analysis skills.

Who is the client?

Our client is a high-tech company with more than 85 years of experience developing, manufacturing and selling high-end electro-optical technologies. Its imaging solutions serve demanding environments in defense and security, nuclear safety, life science, and industrial and non-destructive testing. The company is recognized internationally as an innovator, with production and R&D sites in Europe and North America.

What did the client need?

After moving its division's plant from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts, the client needed a skilled financial professional to help manage its Defense business operations. This was the first finance hire for the growing division. The Controller reports to the business unit's President and General Manager, with a dotted line to the Director of Finance and the global CFO. The role is on-site in central Massachusetts.

What made this role challenging?

The client wanted a seasoned accountant from a global manufacturing company with multiple business units, ideally with defense industry knowledge. The Controller owns all finance activities: accounting, finance, treasury, cost accounting and budgeting. The role also demands managing several projects at once and using complex data analysis to turn KPIs into immediate improvement actions.

How did TalentBench run the search?

1. Market mapping: We built target lists of high-tech manufacturing firms.
2. Broad screening: We identified more than 250 potential candidates.
3. Focused targeting: We narrowed the field to about 100 people with the right financial skills, professional background and location.
4. Client interviews: We presented the best-qualified candidates for interviews at the Massachusetts plant, followed by interviews with the global CFO.

What was the outcome?

• 250+ potential candidates identified across high-tech manufacturing
• ~100 qualified targets with the right skills, background and location
• 1st finance hire for the client's growing Defense division

The client hired a Controller with solid tenure at a defense contractor, deep financial analysis experience, and the ability to think strategically and creatively about the business's finances. We look forward to working with this client again as their business continues to grow.

Frequently asked questions

What does a business unit Controller do in a defense manufacturing company?

They own the unit's accounting, treasury, cost accounting and budgeting, and turn financial data and KPIs into operating improvements for the unit's leadership.

How many candidates did TalentBench review for this search?

More than 250 potential candidates were identified, and about 100 were targeted as strong matches before the shortlist went to the client.

Does TalentBench recruit for defense and high-tech manufacturing?

Yes. TalentBench recruits finance and accounting professionals for high-tech and manufacturing companies, including roles where defense industry experience matters.

Who did the Controller report to?

The business unit's President and General Manager, with a dotted line to the Director of Finance and the global CFO.