Recruitment service

Executive Search

Senior appointments affect strategy, culture and results. Our executive search service starts by understanding your organization's direction and the leadership the role demands, then reaches out discreetly to people who may not be looking for a new role.

A leader presenting to a team in a bright, modern office

When executive search is the right fit

  • Director, vice-president and C-suite appointments
  • Confidential replacements
  • Leadership roles in specialized or competitive fields
  • Succession planning for critical positions

Who it's for: Boards, owners and senior leadership teams appointing directors, vice-presidents, C-suite executives and other critical leaders.

Business benefits

  • A discreet, research-led approach to the market
  • Access to leaders who are not actively job hunting
  • In-depth assessment of leadership capability and fit
  • Careful management of confidentiality on both sides

What's included

How we deliver this service

  1. Leadership brief

    We work with stakeholders to agree the mandate, success measures, leadership competencies, compensation framework and a confidentiality plan.

  2. Market research and outreach

    We map relevant organizations and talent pools and approach potential candidates discreetly.

  3. In-depth assessment

    Candidates go through structured interviews focused on achievements, leadership approach and alignment with the brief. References are checked with each candidate's consent.

  4. Shortlist and selection support

    We present a detailed shortlist, coordinate stakeholder interviews and support offer negotiation and transition planning.

What we'll need from you

  • Access to key stakeholders for the brief
  • Clarity on decision-makers and the approval process
  • A confidentiality protocol
  • A signed search agreement

We don't guarantee hiring outcomes or timelines, because these depend on the role, the market and your selection decisions. We will give you a realistic plan and regular updates.

Common questions

Can the search be fully confidential?

Yes. We can run a search without naming your organization until a candidate has been screened and has agreed to keep the discussion confidential.

How long does an executive search take?

Senior searches usually take longer than other recruitment because of the outreach and assessment involved. We agree a realistic timeline when we set the brief, and it depends on the role and the market.

Related services and resources

Permanent Recruitment

Find permanent employees who fit the role, your team and your long-term plans. Also known as direct-hire recruitment.

Temporary Staffing

Cover leaves, seasonal peaks and short-term projects with screened temporary workers.

Contract Staffing

Bring in skilled professionals for a defined term or project, from IT and finance to engineering.

Further reading: Writing Inclusive Job Postings That Meet Canadian Requirements ยท Permanent, Contract or Temporary: Choosing the Right Hiring Model

Ready to discuss executive search?

Tell us about the role and we'll follow up to discuss your requirements.