National Donor and Clinical Operations Organisation
Hiring a Digital Systems and Engagement Platforms Manager to Support Mission-Critical Public Services
The Challenge
Our client, a national organisation responsible for donor engagement, booking systems, operational ordering platforms and clinical data flows, was mid-way through a digital modernisation programme. Their digital estate spanned:
• A core CRM supporting the donor lifecycle
• High-volume public booking and self-service portals
• Operational ordering systems used by hospitals and clinical teams
• Multiple integrations across communications, authentication and internal tools
These services required high reliability, accurate data and consistent improvement.
However, after several months of advertising, the organisation struggled to hire a Digital Systems and Engagement Platforms Manager. Most applicants required work permits, and the small number of UK-based candidates with CRM, SQL and integration experience were off the market quickly. Critical upgrades, portal improvements and integration fixes were being delayed, and teams lacked a single technical owner to drive the roadmap.
The organisation needed a partner who could reach a niche talent pool combining CRM configuration, integrations, SQL, system administration and user-centred digital thinking.
The Solution
Xist4 delivered a focused, insight-led recruitment approach shaped by a Recruitment Insight Audit Report.
1. Recruitment Insight Audit
We analysed UK talent availability, salary alignment and comparable roles across healthtech, clinical informatics and membership-based organisations. We identified why previous campaigns had failed and repositioned the role around ownership, impact and visibility across the digital estate.
2. Success Profile Calibration
Together with the Head of Digital Services, we refined the core requirements:
• CRM and donor-facing systems ownership
• SQL and data extraction capability
• Integration management and upgrade planning
• Strong communication and stakeholder alignment
• A product-led, iterative improvement mindset
3. Targeted Sourcing Strategy
We focused outreach on candidates in:
• Healthtech and clinical workflow platforms
• Booking and engagement systems
• Regulated data-driven environments
• Charities with large CRM estates
4. Technical and Behavioural Screening
Candidates were assessed on CRM configuration, SQL proficiency, integration troubleshooting, release planning and ability to collaborate with operational and digital teams.
The Result
Within five weeks, Xist4 delivered a UK-based shortlist with verified hands-on experience supporting mission-critical, public-facing digital systems.
The successful hire brought:
• Strong CRM administration and data handling experience
• Solid SQL capability
• Practical API and middleware integration skills
• Experience supporting booking and engagement platforms
In their first months, they stabilised key integrations, improved data quality, implemented structured upgrade processes and reduced support backlogs. The organisation regained continuity across its donor and operational platforms and re-energised its wider digital roadmap.