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Case Studies

Houston Staffing and Recruiting Case Studies

Murray Resources works with many of the leading companies in Houston, from Fortune 500 companies to dynamic small and medium-sized businesses.

Some of the industries we work with include banking, communications, energy services, environmental, financial services, food services, government, healthcare, insurance, legal, manufacturing , non-profit, oil and gas, retail, and utilities.

Read testimonials from some of the companies and job seekers who have shared their stories with us. You can also watch their videos.

Below are just a few case studies that are reflective of the type of work we do. Click on one of the links below to learn more.

National Wireless Mobility Company – Recruited: Technical Reps

Client Background

Founded in 2001, this New Jersey-based telecommunications company provides mobile and wireless solutions to Fortune 500 organizations. The company’s rapid growth and national reach requires rapid recruitment of experienced talent in new markets, often within 24 hours.

Challenge

Our client company was awarded a contract that involved transitioning a large, Houston-based organization’s employees to a new phone carrier. The project demanded a roster of technical representatives that could help ensure a smooth transition for each employee. With limited contacts in the Houston market and a challenging 24 hour deadline, the client contacted us to help them identify, recruit, and onboard new reps.

Approach

With 24 hours with which to work, the Murray Resources team got to work identifying reps with the experience and technical ability to successfully execute the transition. Through our extensive candidate database the team identified appropriate candidates for the role and started interviewing, with a focus on specific technical skill-sets. It was also important that each rep possess the communication skills and customer service experience necessary to thrive in the role.

Result

With a database of over 8,000 candidates built over 30 years, in a matter of hours Murray Resources was able to identify five candidates who fit our client’s requirements. Our client hired four reps immediately and the project was able to begin on time, fully-staffed. Over the following three months the project scope increased and the client continued to add to their staff, for a total of eleven hires. The client hired 90% of the candidates presented by Murray Resources and to date the team has 100% retention.

Houston-based Petroleum Provider – Recruited: Engineers, HSE Managers, Admin, CS Reps

Located in the heart of Houston, just minutes from one of the world’s largest concentrations of petrochemical plants and the Port of Houston, we provide fuels, lubricants, and a variety of related services and proudly service a variety of markets, including petrochemical and refining, manufacturing, transportation, oil and gas, construction, marine, aviation and automotive.

Client Background

This client is a leader in several fields related to petroleum, including fuels and lubricants, environmental services, and marine services. Murray Resources began working with the client in 2006, and the connection originally came through a positive referral from a Murray Resources client. 43% of Murray’s business is generated through client referrals.

Challenge

The company was experiencing high turnover in several key departments, with hiring managers using different agencies to source candidates. The result was disorganization and inconsistency in the hiring process. The company was looking to work with one strategic HR partner and wanted to build a lasting relationship with a firm that could successfully and efficiently meet their staffing needs.

Approach

Murray Resources’ staff met with the President of the company and each of the company’s hiring managers to understand their strategic goals and specific hiring needs. Murray Resources then conducted employee skills assessments in key areas designated by the client, to determine which skills were most desirable for top performers in those positions.

Result

Murray Resources was designated as the company’s Strategic HR Partner and was asked to fill 25 positions over the first three years of the partnership, including engineers, HSE managers, administrative assistants, and customer service representatives.

Publicly Traded Oil and Natural Gas Shipping Company – Recruited: Executive Assistant

Client Background

Founded in 1968, this well-known oil and natural gas shipping company has become one of the largest publicly-traded energy partnerships in the United States, with a large network of shipping pipelines, processing plants, and other assets. This corporation has seen significant grown in recent years, with a corresponding increase in the need to identify, recruit, and retain top talent.

Challenge

Until 1995, this corporation had maintained a long-standing partnership with another recruiting firm. However, when that firm was unable to provide a candidate who met the specific requirements for a top-level executive assistant position, the corporation placed a call to Murray Resources. The candidate would need to fit the specific background, skills, and culture requirements of the company and would need to be hired as soon as possible.

Approach

Murray Resources believes that placing a candidate is more than just having the right employment history or references. Murray Resources’ candidate assessment process ensures that candidates not only have the needed experience, but also the appropriate personality fit for the organization. In this case, Murray Resources learned about the specific recruiting needs of the corporation, as well as the client’s company culture, in order to present the candidates most likely to be successful in meeting the client’s needs. Murray Resources’ recruiting specialists then consulted their extensive database of qualified applicants, and promptly filled the open position.

Result

Through a tailored approach to recruiting solutions, Murray Resources was able to place a candidate at the client company who thrived in the position. The following year, Murray Resources was filling 50 – 60% of the open positions at the client company, and two years later, all calls for any open positions were made to Murray Resources. By gaining a clear understanding of the specific employment needs of both parties, as well as the unique culture of the client company, Murray Resources was able to meet the goals of both client and candidate.

Australian-based Chemical Manufacturer – Recruited: CEO

Client Background

Based in Australia, this publicly-traded company produces chemicals used for the maintenance of pipeline systems, chemical process lines, and oil field injection systems. Their latest product is a ground-breaking, multifunctional chemistry designed to dramatically reduce their clients’ production cost by enhancing field efficiency.

Challenge

With the development of their newest product innovation, our client sought to fill a mission critical CEO position to spearhead its delivery into the oil and gas marketplace. The product, a multifunctional chemistry built to replace multiple oil field specialty chemicals with one cost effective, environmentally friendly additive, is a step-change technology innovation completely new to the market. Our client needed to find a candidate who not only possessed the technical knowledge required for the role, but who also had an adequate network of high-level players at major oil and gas companies – both nationally and globally – who could support the introduction of this new product to the market.

Approach

Murray Resources began by targeting candidates at the VP or Director level from major oil and gas companies. The goal was to identify qualified executives who were seasoned in chemical product marketing, sales and development, and who were confident enough to represent a brand-new to the market product. After an extensive process of sourcing hundreds of resumes, Murray Resources presented the client with seven qualified candidates. After several rounds of phone interviews, the client selected four of them to move forward to the final round of interviews. Our narrowed the pool to the strongest three candidates before ultimately hiring their top pick for the role.

Result

Murray Resources was able to quickly source high caliber candidates for this unique executive level role within 3 weeks. Our client had difficulty narrowing down between the final contenders – but in the end, Murray Resources was able to facilitate the placement of an individual with significant oilfield chemical sales experience and superior industry knowledge. The candidate valued the unique opportunity to take the lead on a groundbreaking product – and turned down another offer - to accept the CEO role with our client.

Global Supplier of Pipe Systems – Recruited: Chemical and Maintenance Engineers

Client Background

This client is the U.S. division of a global producer and supplier of large-diameter pipe systems used for water supply, oil field injection systems, chemical process lines, and industrial effluents.

Challenge

Murray Resources was introduced to this client company in 2003. The client had traditionally experienced difficulty in finding exceptional candidates who met all of the requirements for their open positions. In addition to extensive fiberglass industry experience, candidates were required to be bilingual, which had proved challenging. Murray Resources was asked to find candidates for a diverse set of positions, including Application, Chemical, and Maintenance Engineers, Draftsmen, and Procurement Managers.

Approach

Murray Resources utilized its large database of potential candidates, finding employees who would meet the specific needs of the company, while still connecting to and fitting in with the client company’s background and culture.

Result

Murray Resources successfully placed candidates in a broad range of positions during the initial assignment. Today, Murray Resources continues to work with the company on their outsourced recruiting and staffing needs, including filling positions in Marketing, Production, Shipping, and Engineering.

Disaster Relief Government Contractor – Recruited: Disaster Recovery Professionals and Staff

Client Background

Founded in 2003, this federal government contractor provides disaster relief services following major natural disasters. Their services include providing temporary housing, emergency food service, and procurement services.

Challenge

In the fall of 2017, the southern coast of Texas was hit by Hurricane Harvey, one of the most devastating storms to ever hit the gulf coast. Houston and many of the surrounding cities were devastated with record floods, uprooting thousands of families across the state. In an effort to provide relief assistance, FEMA released a bid to provide temporary housing and personnel to support the many temporary shelters. With short notice by the US government, a contract was awarded and our client was responsible for providing hundreds of resources to staff shelters across Texas. Our client reached out to the Murray Resources team during the hurricane, as the winds forces were touching down. Our challenge was to recruit a team of personnel across a wide range of disciplines – from IT professionals to HR managers to shelter staff. Staff would need to be available to report to their designated shelter, pass background checks and drug screens – and work long hours until the project was complete.

Approach

Murray Resources believes that regardless of the size of a staffing project, a clear, streamlined process need to be in place. Murray Resources assigned an Account / Project Manager as a main point of contact and initiated a kick-off call to evaluate the needs of the project and the specific recruiting criteria for each role. A team of designated Murray Resources recruiters worked around the clock to gather interest from candidates around the state who were qualified, many possessing prior disaster relief experience. As we gathered talent, Murray Resources’ special operations team scheduled applicants for drug, background screenings, and pre-hire paperwork. A timeline report was sent daily to the customer, providing up to the minute headcount updates. Upon go-live, Murray Resources’ designated Project Manager partnered with the client team and provided on-site support to the client to ensure a smooth onboarding to the shelter and steady staff.

Result

Within two weeks Murray Resources successfully recruited, screened, qualified, and placed over 100 resources for the project. Of three staffing partners assigned to the project, Murray Resources placed the majority of resources on-site for the duration of the project and was designated as the go-to firm. Following the assignment, many of the placed resources went on to support additional contract relief assignments through the government. The Murray Resources’ team played a significant role in helping the customer receive broad accolades for its support of the hurricane Harvey shelters. Subsequently, the client has named Murray Resources as a key partner in future government staffing needs across the US as needed.

Publicly Traded Offshore Drilling Contractor – Recruited: Logistics, Training, Marketing

Client Background

Murray Resources began working with an international oil-drilling contractor in 1984. The contractor was acquired by a larger firm in 1988 and today the parent company is one of the largest offshore drilling contractors in the world.

Challenge

Following the contractor’s acquisition, Murray Resources was required to undergo an extensive vetting process to ensure that Murray would be able to meet the vast hiring requirements of the new corporation. The corporation had a diverse range of staffing needs, including key positions in areas such as logistics, training, and marketing. In addition, Murray Resources needed to be able to tailor its staffing solutions to the specific needs of the new corporation, while maintaining the relationships built with the previous contractor.

Approach

As an “employee-centered” company, this client recognized the need for innovative employees who could successfully integrate into the company’s culture. The company is well-recognized for its transparency and integrity with both investors and customers – Murray Resources focused its efforts on placing candidates who would further that goal and would fit the culture and vision for the combined company.

Result

Murray Resources effectively and quickly approached the challenge, filling positions with quality employees who were able to quickly make an impact in their new roles. In fact, the corporation soon began hiring the first candidate whom they interviewed from Murray Resources. Today this relationship continues, stronger than ever. Murray Resources’ original HR contact at the company still works with Murray Resources is now a Senior Vice President at the client company.

Global Market Leader in Natural Gas Compression – Recruited: 30+ Roles including Accounting, Engineering, Admin

Challenge

When Murray Resources was first introduced to the client company, the client was a facing a situation where employees felt overworked and burned out, resulting in low job satisfaction and high turnover. The issues were particularly prevalent in the Accounts Payable department, where they were using a temporary agency to locate contract employees.

Approach

Murray Resources’ staffing experts met with various managers within each department and worked with them to identify key requirements for each employment area. Once the research and the hiring requirements were set, Murray Resources began to fill positions in the Accounts Payable department first, to ease the burden of current employees and to gain consistency in the hiring process.

Result

Within one year, Murray Resources had filled over 30 positions in areas as diverse as Accounting, Engineering, Transportation, Logistics, Facilities, Accounts Payable, and Administration.

Houston-based Non-Profit – Recruited: Staff at Levels of Organization

Client Background

This client is a non-profit and an innovator in fostering economic and social development, serving over 200,000 people each year. Some of these services include providing youth and senior programs at community centers, assisting with citizenship and immigration issues, and administering programs related to pregnancy and childcare. The corporation also provides education opportunities through head start programs and charter schools.

Challenge

Murray Resources bid for the client’s business every year for four years, but never received an opportunity to provide the quality and service that has made it a staffing industry leader. Finally, Murray Resources got the call that the client had been working with less-than-qualified candidates for too long, and that they wanted to focus on working with a quality firm that provided exceptional candidates. The client explained that Murray Resources’ results would be evaluated three times a year, and that Murray would have to re-bid on the staffing contract every three years. Also, per client policy, every job order would be provided to both Murray Resources and one other recruiting firm.

Approach

Murray Resources accepted the challenge, and our staffing specialists went to work, providing high-quality candidates who would thrive in the culture at this well-respected nonprofit corporation.

Result

True to form, Murray Resources met the goal of successfully placing outstanding candidates who quickly added value to the client’s organization. In short order, Murray Resources was placing over 75% of the client’s open positions. Murray Resources has far exceeded the client’s expectations, having easily passed every client evaluation, and still maintains a strong business partnership.

Global Software Services Firm – Recruited: Executive Assistant

Client Background

This publicly-traded, global firm collects and interprets earth surface data for oil and gas, construction, mining, and government clients throughout the world.

Challenge

The client contacted Murray Resources for help identifying a high-level executive assistant for their Houston office. The ideal candidate would be able to thrive in the company’s fast-paced, multi-cultural, and highly technical environment. The company had been unable to locate a suitable candidate on their own and when Murray Resources was contacted, the position had was required to be filled within two weeks.

Approach

With just 10 working days to fill the position, the Murray Resources team tapped into the company’s vast database of candidates. The goal was to identify qualified professionals who would be able to thrive in a highly-technical environment, while effectively communicating with personnel across countries – all while managing the demands required of a top executive assistant.

Result

The Murray Resources team utilized their extensive candidate database to identify several executive assistants who fit the client’s requirements. The team presented three qualified candidates to the client within five working days. One of the candidates was hired, meeting the firm’s two week deadline, with several days to spare.

Recreational Consumer Products Company – Recruited: Outside Salesperson

Client Background

This Florida-based consumer products company markets recreational and fitness products directly to consumers via TV and online channels, as well as through their national retailer network. The company’s flagship product has built a loyal nationwide following and the company was seeking to grow their distribution in Texas and surrounding states.

Challenge

The client contacted Murray Resources to help recruit a top outside salesperson with the background and skill-set necessary to increase market share for their flagship product in the southern US. The position required an individual with not only business development experience, but also someone who would represent an active lifestyle, relish the “hunter” sales mentality, and enjoy traveling for work. With the company’s executives located in Florida, Murray Resources was asked to identify, screen, and interview qualified candidates prior to meetings with the hiring manager in Houston three days later.

Approach

With a deadline of three business days, the Murray Resources team began their search for candidates who possessed the experience and background required for the job. The team then utilized assessment testing and data gained through the interviewing process to identify five finalists for the role.

Result

The Murray Resources team presented five highly-qualified candidates to the client company, with each candidate to be interviewed by the company’s hiring manager during his visit to Houston. After meeting all five candidates, the hiring manager selected his new salesperson and the role was filled.

National Thermal Supplies Distributor – Recruited: Financial Accounting Analyst

Client Background

This Houston-based company is one of the largest thermal distributors in the world and a long-time client of Murray Resources. The company has traditionally worked with Murray Resources to fill accounting/finance positions ranging from financial analysts to A/P managers and accounting managers.

Challenge

The company contacted Murray Resources to begin a search for a financial accounting analyst to add to its team. Our client set the desired start date for the candidate, giving Murray Resources approximately six weeks to find a fit for the employer’s exacting requirements of an IT-savvy person with strong accounting skills.

Approach

After several weeks of extensive research to find the perfect match, Murray Resources presented two highly-qualified candidates. After interviewing both candidates, the client’s preferred applicant pulled herself from consideration for personal reasons. While unavoidable, the situation was unfortunate and left Murray Resources with just three weeks to fill the position. The team continued to search their network and extensive database, intent on successfully identifying a strong match who fit the client’s requirements – before the deadline.

Result

Through a combination of extensive research and a strong understanding of the client’s requirements, the Murray Resources’ team was able to identify, present, and complete the search for the client’s new financial accounting analyst – with several days to spare. Recognizing the candidate’s strong IT and accounting skills, the client offered the candidate a 37% salary increase from their previous position. Likewise, the candidate valued the unique opportunity provided by the company and was excited to accept the new position. Murray Resources was able to work under pressure, on schedule, and within very specific parameters to successfully place a new hire who is now thriving at the company.

Global Food Processing Market Leader – Recruited: Sales

Client Background

Founded in the late 1800’s, this US-based global food processing and packaging company has grown to become a market leader, with multiple offices across the globe. Due to their continued growth into new product areas and markets, the company contacted Murray Resources about helping to build their sales team.

Challenge

The client was looking to fill two key regional manager positions, one for the southeastern United States and one for Latin America. With two supervisors leading the hiring process on the client side, our consultant worked to establish a consensus ideal candidate profile: a professional with a sophisticated sales background, preferably with a strong engineering understanding, knowledge of the capital equipment manufacturing industry, and the requisite personal skills necessary to establish and maintain client relationships.

Approach

The Murray Resources team responded immediately to the client’s inquiry and undertook the extensive process of researching and vetting potential candidates for the position. The team ultimately presented the client with eight strong candidates. The client reviewed the candidates and elected to proceed to the interview phase with four of the applicants. Murray Resources then coordinated the travel and logistics required to arrange the interviews in Houston. After a day and half of interviewing, the client hired two candidates to fill their positions.

Result

The client was astonished with the quality of candidates Murray Resources presented and the effort put forth to procure top-notch talent that specifically fit within their corporate culture. They were supremely thankful that they were able to fill both positions in only one trip and have subsequently reported that the new hires are thriving in their roles. With over 30 years in the recruiting industry, Murray Resources was able to provide the kind of high-quality, high-touch support that can only come from a recruiting consultant’s ability to read both the client and potential candidates – resulting in a perfect match for all parties.

Energy Financing Company – Recruited: 32 Sales Associates

Client Background

This San Francisco based company provides homeowners with affordable financing for residential solar systems and efficiency improvements. Growing rapidly, the company now has expanded into Houston, as well as the East Coast. They are considered an industry leader on issues ranging from residential solar consumer protection to the future of the electric grid.

Challenge

Our client saw a need for its services in Houston and sought a recruiting partner who could fill 7-10 sales and customer support positons within 3 weeks. They selected Murray Resources based on the firm’s reputation and longevity in the Houston market. The candidates needed to have a unique combination of skills to blend into the company’s structure and philosophy in a new environment.

Approach

Murray Resources set out to find candidates who could work well with the company’s customers, while also possessing strength in transactional work. Once the team identified qualified candidates, they assessed the candidates’ fit for the customer relations requirements of the job. With a positive working relationship, Murray Resources collaborated with the client to identify candidates who would fit their progressive “work hard, play hard” culture.

Result

Exceeding the client’s goal for the first round of hiring, Murray Resources staffed the company’s entire Houston start-up team. Within one year they hired 32 associates from Murray Resources, with many of the candidates being promoted to Hiring Managers. The client continues to utilize Murray Resources as their primary source for candidates.

Family-Owned Construction Company – Recruited: Accountant

Client Background

This highly-successful Property Management and Commercial & Multi-Family Construction company first chose to work with Murray Resources in 2015. Devoted to hard work and integrity, this family-owned company concentrates on giving their clients a quality product on a competitive budget.

Challenge

Our client needed help identifying a well-rounded accountant who also had construction experience and could work well in a small business atmosphere. During the recruiting process, the client decided to switch to a new accounting software suite that was industry specific and rarely used in Texas. We were able to adapt to the new requirements and move forward.

Approach

After screening hundreds of reviews generated through direct recruiting efforts and referrals, Murray Resources submitted 5 highly-qualified candidates to the client. Each candidate had small business and construction-related accounting experience. Since the client is a family business, Murray Resources also evaluated the candidates with the intention of finding someone who would fit well in a family-owned business environment.

Result

The client selected a candidate who not only had the required construction management experience, but had also previously created and implemented manuals for the same accounting software suite that the client utilizes. This placement was not only successful, but subsequent to this initial search, Murray Resources has filled 3 job openings for the client, with a 100 % success rate.

Independent Energy Consulting Firm – Recruited: Business/Financial Analyst

Client Background

Founded in 1993, this independent energy consulting firm, with offices in Houston and Dallas, has an exceptional reputation throughout the industry. With a very loyal team and lengthy tenure, the company is very discerning in terms of who they bring onboard. Before engaging Murray Resources, the client had not had success utilizing recruiting firms.

Challenge

This client needed a Business/Financial Analyst with downstream oil & gas experience. The job required very specific, non-negotiable qualifications and Murray Resources ensured that candidates the firm presented would be ready for a longer and more detailed interview process than most. An additional challenge with the position is the limited advancement potential within the company due to the long tenure of most employees.

Approach

Murray Resources took time to understand each candidate’s motivations. The ideal candidate would understand the benefits of working for a company where they could work directly on important projects, while make a significant impact on the success of the company’s clients. Murray Resources reviewed over 450 candidates for the role before reducing the candidate base down to four, after a series of interviews.

Result

After the chosen candidate hired and on the job for 2 months, the client came back to Murray Resources. They were so pleased with the success of the placement, that they requested another candidate for a similar role. After repeating the process, the client happily hired another candidate. Both candidates are thriving in their roles.

International Equipment Manufacturer – Recruited: Regional Sales Manager + Sales Team

Client Background

This Australian equipment manufacturer was founded in the late 1990s and has grown to become a globally recognized, international brand. After interviewing multiple recruiting firms, the client elected to work exclusively with Murray Resources to staff its US office, based on Murray’s ability to recruit for a broad range of roles.

Challenge

Due to recent stalled growth in its US operations, the client planned on installing several key hires in its Houston office, beginning with a Regional Sales Manager and followed by key Business Development and Inside Sales roles. All three candidates needed to be able to meet exacting job requirements, while possessing the intangible cultural composition to fit together and work well as a team.

Approach

Murray Resources consulted with the client to understand the company’s goals for the future of their Houston office. Before conducting a thorough search through the firm’s network and referral base, Murray Resources recommended that the client’s hiring manager take the same assessment tests the selected candidate would take – to use as a guideline for cultural compatibility.

Result

After successfully completing the search for both the Regional Sales Manager and the Business Development positions, the client had difficulty selecting between two candidates for the Inside Sales role. The client ended up hiring both. A few months later, when the company’s Warehouse Manager resigned unexpectedly, the client engaged Murray to fill the role. Murray Resources presented three candidates, and the role was quickly filled. All five candidates Murray Resources placed are still with the client company today.

Texas-based Engineering Services Company – Recruited: Lab Technicians

Client Background

Founded in the mid 1990’s, this Houston-based company provides engineering services to a diverse portfolio of international and domestic energy companies. With a new Texas facility coming on line, they sought four Lab Technicians to evaluate key core samples.

Challenge

During the interview process, the client shifted focus from experience to personality and the ability to thrive within the company’s fast-paced culture. The emphasis would be on candidates who were “coachable” and had the desire and ability to learn and execute against the company’s processes.

Approach

While the client changed direction mid-search, Murray Resources was able to quickly recruit a new pool of candidates who met their modified requirements. With the focus now on softer skills and personality fit, Murray recruited and screened candidates for their ability to fit into a fast-paced environment where cultural fit was paramount. The recruiting team visited the client’s facility at the beginning of the engagement, so the team was well-prepared, having seen the work environment first hand.

Result

Murray’s recruiting team completed the search and – impressed with the firm’s ability to quickly adapt and locate and recruit talent – the client requested that Murray fill two more positions. Murray completed the additional searches and due to the success of the engagement, Murray Resources is the only recruiting firm the company utilizes.

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