Specialist Logistics Provider (West Drayton)

Sourcing an Applications and Data Systems Engineer to Stabilise Internal Platforms and Expand Power Platform Capability

The Challenge

Our client was a specialist logistics services provider supporting time-critical deliveries across the UK. Their Business Systems team managed a blend of SQL Server databases, bespoke scheduling tools, and a growing suite of Power Platform applications used daily by operations, compliance, and finance teams. After an internal restructure, they needed an Applications and Data Systems Engineer who could support day-to-day incidents, maintain SQL Server stability, and help expand automation through Power Apps and Power Automate.

Previous direct hiring attempts had produced almost nothing useful. Most applicants were non-UK nationals requiring sponsorship, which the organisation could not support. Of the small number of UK-based candidates with the right technical profile, the majority were moving off the market almost immediately, accepting other offers before interview availability could be arranged. The window to engage strong candidates was narrow and the previous approach had not been built around that reality.

The role itself sat in a specific and underserved part of the market: mid-level engineers with credible SQL Server experience, practical application support exposure, and the communication skills to work effectively across both technical and operational teams in a fast-moving logistics environment.

The Solution

Xist4 ran a focused sole-agency search, starting with a structured review of candidate availability, salary alignment, and the technical skill sets most common in operational SMEs before outreach began.

• Refined the role brief to reflect the actual day-to-day reality: SQL Server operations, application incident support, and Power Platform development, making the opportunity legible and attractive to the right profile rather than the widest possible audience.
• Focused outreach on engineers working in logistics, field services, distribution, and SME environments where supporting internal operational systems is a core part of the role rather than a secondary responsibility.
• Moved quickly once candidates were identified, building a process that respected the short windows available before strong mid-level engineers accepted other offers.
• Assessed candidates on practical SQL Server tasks, troubleshooting approach, scripting capability, and their ability to work across both data and application layers without needing heavy supervision.
• Evaluated communication skills and stakeholder fit directly, given the need to work effectively with both the Business Systems team and frontline operational colleagues with varying levels of technical understanding.

The Result

Within five weeks, Xist4 delivered a shortlist of candidates with strong SQL Server fundamentals, Power Platform exposure, and proven experience supporting business-critical applications in operational settings.

The appointed engineer took ownership of SQL Server maintenance and monitoring quickly, improved several Power Automate workflows for operational teams, and reduced recurring incidents and response times in the first months. Collaboration between the Business Systems team and frontline operations improved noticeably. For a business where internal platform stability has a direct effect on delivery performance, getting that hire right and getting it done in five weeks made a practical difference from day one.