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For employers

Senior hires, found quietly.

Confidential searches for managers and directors. One search lead runs your search from the first brief to the start date.

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Who this is for

  • General managers, finance, operations and HR leaders
  • Hotel and hospital management roles
  • Replacements you can’t advertise publicly
  • Roles where a wrong hire would be expensive

What we do for you

  • Role scoping

    We agree what the person must achieve in the first year, not just a list of qualifications.

  • A market map

    The companies and people who could do the job, so you can see who we are approaching and why.

  • Direct, confidential approach

    We contact candidates discreetly. Your name is shared only when a candidate is serious and you agree.

  • Structured assessment

    In-depth interviews against the scope, with written notes on strengths, risks and motivation.

  • References, done properly

    Detailed references with previous employers, with the candidate’s consent.

  • Offer and resignation support

    We help agree the package and support the candidate through resigning, so a good offer doesn’t fall through.

How a search runs

  1. 01Scope and agreementWe agree the role, the package range, the timeline and the target companies.
  2. 02Market mappingWe build the list of companies and people to approach.
  3. 03Approach and assessConfidential conversations, then in-depth interviews with the strongest people.
  4. 04Shortlist presentationA short list of candidates, each with a written assessment.
  5. 05Interviews and referencesYour interviews, then full references on your preferred candidate.
  6. 06Offer and startPackage agreed, resignation handled, start date confirmed.

Have this ready for the briefing

  • The purpose of the role and who it reports to
  • What success looks like after 12 months
  • The package range
  • Companies we must not approach, if any
  • Who decides, and your ideal start date

What it costs

Executive searches are retained and paid in three instalments. [Instalment stages and fee level to be confirmed by Urban Careers.]

You get one search lead throughout, so you never have to repeat the brief.

What we will and won’t do

  • We never approach candidates at companies you have told us to avoid.
  • We tell you honestly how the market sees your package and the role.
  • If the right person isn’t on the shortlist, we keep searching rather than push someone through.

Retained search or per-hire recruitment?

  • Best for
    Retained searchSenior, confidential and hard-to-find roles
    Per-hire recruitmentMid-level roles with many suitable applicants
  • How we find people
    Retained searchMarket map and direct approach
    Per-hire recruitmentOur candidate pool, adverts and referrals
  • Who runs it
    Retained searchOne dedicated search lead
    Per-hire recruitmentOur recruitment team
  • How you pay
    Retained searchThree instalments
    Per-hire recruitmentOne fee on the start date

Questions people ask

It depends on the role and the market. [Typical search length to be confirmed.] We agree a timeline when we start, with regular updates.

We approach candidates without naming you, and share your name only when a candidate is serious and you agree.

A retained fee paid in three instalments. Ask for a quote for your role.

Yes. Confidential replacements are one of the main reasons employers use a retained search.

Related

A senior role to fill?

Start with a confidential conversation with a search lead.

Request staffAsk on WhatsApp