Having a plan for when new hires will occur is key. Traditionally this will begin with your three forecast and refined in your one year budget. From here you can determine what quarter this new hire would ideally start. While a traditional recruitment process will take between 30 – 60 days its best to start conversations in advance. This will allow a recruiter to keep an eye open and put confidential feelers out, so when the time comes you can hit the ground running.