Executive Search
Retained
A dedicated, exhaustive search for business critical and board level leaders. Run in confidence, reported on throughout, and built to find the best person for the role, whether or not they are looking.
What it is
When to choose retained.
Retained search is the right choice when the appointment will shape the business: a site leader, an operations director, a successor for a long serving manager, or a replacement that cannot become public. The search is ours alone, resourced fully from the first day.
We map the whole market for the role, not only the people we can reach quickly. You see who we are approaching and why, how they have responded and how the field compares, so every decision is made with a complete view of the people who could do the job.
How it runs
Five stages, one consultant.
- 1
Briefing and specification
We meet the stakeholders, agree the specification and the profile of the ideal appointment, and set the timetable.
- 2
Full market map
A documented map of every relevant company, site and individual, agreed with you before approaches begin.
- 3
Confidential approaches
Discreet, personal approaches made on your behalf. Your name is shared only with candidates who are qualified and interested.
- 4
Longlist to shortlist
In depth interviews and assessment, with regular written progress reports, leading to a shortlist you can choose from with confidence.
- 5
Appointment and integration
Referencing, negotiation, resignation and counter offer, and contact with both sides through the first months in post.
Roles in this bracket
Typical appointments, £75k and above.
- Operations Director
- Head of Operations
- Site Director
- General Manager
- Engineering Director
- Supply Chain Director
- Technical Director
- Managing Director
- Confidential replacements
- Succession appointments
What you receive
Delivered as standard.
A documented market map
The full picture of who could do the role, where they are and how they responded.
Progress reporting
Regular written updates throughout, so you always know where the search stands.
Complete confidentiality
Approaches made in our name until the right moment, for searches that cannot be public.
Compare
Three searches, side by side.
| Search type | i.Contingency | ii.Committed | iii.Retained |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical salary | £30k to £55k | £50k to £80k | £75k and above |
| Typical roles | Technical, engineering and supervisory | Management and heads of function | Directors, site leaders and successors |
| Exclusivity | Not required | Exclusive for an agreed period | Exclusive |
| How we find people | Network and active market | Network plus direct headhunt | Full market map and direct approach |
| Shortlist | Screened CVs with notes | On an agreed date, with assessments | Assessed shortlist from a mapped longlist |
| Reporting | Feedback on every candidate | Market feedback throughout | Written progress reports |
| Confidential searches | Not suited | Possible | Designed for it |
| Fee | On appointment | Agreed at the outset | Staged through the search |
Discuss a retained search.
A short call is usually enough to tell whether this is the right route for the role.