We delivered the cyber security, AI, and leadership talent needed to launch new service lines and secure enterprise contracts. Over 12 months, we recruited 50 highly specialised professionals and enabled the launch of a fully operational 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC) in just 90 days.
Project Snapshot
- Sector: AI & Cyber Security
- Company Stage: Startup / High-Growth Scale-Up
- Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Recruitment Model: Exclusive Partnership
- Duration: 12 months
- Outcome: Scaled to 120 employees
- 50 global hires in 12 months
- Fully operational 24/7 SOC in 90 days
- High retention rate (95%) with 48-hour candidate shortlists
Challenges & Our Approach
Sourced cyber security and AI specialists including SOC Analysts, SIEM Engineers, Penetration Testers, AI Security Architects, and more. Building AI Capability: Hired Chief AI Officer, AI/ML Engineers, Data Scientists, and Enterprise Architects. SOC Build Timeline: Delivered a fully operational SOC within 90 days with key leadership in place from day one. International Relocation: Attracted talent from the UK, Europe, US, and Canada, ensuring technical expertise, cultural fit, and relocation readiness. Complex Recruitment: Managed counteroffers, notice periods, and last-minute hiring changes while keeping timelines on track.
Market Intelligence & Insights GCS provided real-time insights to help the client stay competitive:
- Cyber security salary benchmarking
- Talent shortages across specialist roles
- Candidate expectations for relocation packages
- Competitive hiring strategies
- Reduced time-to-hire from months to weeks
- Launched a fully operational SOC in 90 days
- Delivered leadership and technical expertise for world-class Cyber Security and AI capabilities
- Enabled enterprise client contracts, new service offerings, and AI consulting capabilities
- Scaled from startup to 120-person consultancy
- Lawrence Kelly – Managing Director
- Abdallah Ghandour – Lead Consultant
- Supporting Consultants: Nicole Londt, Allison Reske, Adam Linard Stevens
- Cyber Security Recruitment
- AI & Data Talent Acquisition
- SOC Team Build & Security Operations Hiring
- Global Technology Talent Relocation
- Executive Technology Leadership Hiring