Executive Search

We assist businesses with their senior level resourcing requirements, carrying out executive search assignments across a range of industries and job functions. Our unrivalled in-house research capability allows us to provide a professional, efficient, tailored service to each of our clients.

What is executive search and how does it differ from contingent recruitment?

Executive search involves the identification of suitable external candidates for senior level positions within client organisations using a variety of research methods to ‘map the market’ for a particular role.  It also encompasses the direct targeting of certain individuals for the opportunity in question, traditionally referred to as ‘headhunting’.  This methodology is used when clients wish to explore the very best local, national and international talent available to suit their particular requirements, rather than focusing solely on applicants who have registered their interest in a potential move.  In other words, executive search can be used to identify all candidates within a specific location or sector who have the skills, experience and professional reputation to make them suitable for a given role – it is much broader in scope than contingent recruitment, yet its function is to highlight to clients only a select pool of the most relevant contenders.

As mentioned above, the executive search process requires the search firm to complete a ‘market mapping’ of relevant candidates.  Since this involves a significant investment in research resources, the client initially engages the search firm on a retained basis.  Recruitment fees are payable in stage payments throughout the duration of the assignment.

Executive search also entails managing advertised assignments if they are to be included as part of the process to complement the market mapping.

Our Executive Search Associates work in tandem with our team of Researchers throughout the entire recruitment process, from receipt of the job description/brief until the newly appointed candidate assumes their position within the client company.