A business head asks you to quietly hire a replacement for a manager who is still in the job and does not know. How do you handle it?
What the interviewer wants to hear
- Clarify the reason and involve HR business partner
- Check that performance process is fair and documented
- Run a confidential search with discretion
- Be honest with candidates within limits
- Plan for respectful transition
Model answer
Confidential searches are common, but they need care. I would first ask the business head the reason and involve the HR business partner to check that any performance issue has been raised and documented fairly with the current manager, so we are not creating a legal or ethical problem. If it is approved, I would run a discreet search: a confidential job post without the company name or through a trusted search partner, limited internal access in the ATS and NDAs where needed. With candidates, I would be honest that it is a confidential role and share details step by step. I would plan with HR and the business head how and when the current manager is told, so the change is handled with respect and the team is not hurt by rumours.
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