Transforming talent acquisition for a leading healthcare REIT 

The challenge

A leading healthcare real estate investment trust faced a critical hiring need for a newly created Director of HR role. Their ongoing strategy to bring the property management function in-house required the role to be filled promptly and effectively. However, the position remained open for nearly ten months as they struggled to find a candidate that met their specific criteria. This extended opening created significant operational strain on the existing team, delaying critical integration efforts and slowing the company’s strategic progress.

Our solution

The client engaged Vaco to relaunch the search with a targeted approach. Our team guided the client to broaden the role criteria, shifting the focus from prior real estate experience to leadership capability and adaptability. This ensured that our client received access to exceptional talent. Leveraging our deep network and industry expertise, we identified and presented highly qualified candidates who aligned with the company’s culture and strategic goals.

Our impact

Within three weeks of intake, we successfully placed a candidate with outstanding HR leadership experience and proven ability to navigate complex organizational change. This hire not only filled a critical gap but also accelerated the client’s transition to an in-house property management model.  

By reframing the requirements and using our network, we delivered a solution that exceeded expectations and positioned the client for long-term success. This success reflects a trusted, long-term partnership. To date, our team has made 57 interim and direct hire placements across the organization. We have been instrumental in building out their accounting and finance team, which now comprises 37% of the company’s workforce. Key placements—including roles such as HRBP, Senior Accountant, Manager of FP&A, Account Manager, and Business Systems Analyst—have been crucial to scaling operations, enhancing financial controls, and driving lasting organizational success.