Senior appointments.... Do you really need a "Head-Hunter"?

With another Managing Director level appointment, it got us thinking….. is it common knowledge amongst our clients that we can offer this level of service, or is it assumed that the only option is to pay over the odds for so called “head-hunters” with no construction expertise?

So senior appointments, what’s the key?.... market knowledge, reputation, capability, experience or a well-aged network of connections?

The truth is, all of the above.

2022 has been an interesting year for us as a business, not only have we seen a rise in graduate recruitment but also a huge increase in construction businesses recruiting into positions of senior management. Whether this be due to succession planning, expansion or simply filling an opening, this level of appointment is certainly on the up. And this isn’t just confined to one sort of business, it’s across the board…?from small independent firms to multinational PLCs, we have successfully filled positions in; architecture, main contracting, building services, cost and project management and civil and structural engineering.

The facts.....

Now, it’s easy to assume that because we don’t proclaim ourselves to be the universal answer to “executive search” that we may not be up to the challenge of finding your next senior appointment. However, take a moment to consider the following;

• A candidate database and a raft of relationships spanning over 20 years
• Access to psychometric testing
• Premises on “neutral ground” to comfortably interview candidates
• Cutting edge video interview software enabling our clients to review our interviews with candidates giving you more than just a CV on which to shortlist
• Unparalleled knowledge of the construction market, you don’t speak to hundreds of construction contacts a week for over 20 years without learning a thing or two!?
• A retained search service
• Dedicated consultants who are experts in their chosen discipline
• We understand discretion and the need for it

What we don’t do:

• We don’t jump from sector to sector depending on the role, having to start a fresh with each search… construction is very much “our bag”
• Jump on LinkedIn and send a few messages to the most likely looking candidates
• Charge extortionate rates; even with our retained search service our fee level is the same, the only thing that changes is when you pay
• Approach the staff we have placed (a big no no that one)

It's all about discretion...

The name of the game when it comes to senior appointments is discretion. For example, have you heard of any of the many senior roles we have filled in your area? We’d argue not, as we value the need to work with total discretion. It’s this set of values that has helped us develop our track record and gives our clients and candidates the confidence and reassurance they need when embarking on this journey. ?

We actively promote our consultative approach, not wishing to fall under the stereotype of quick-fire indiscriminate recruitment. We genuinely enjoy getting to know our clients and building those mutually beneficial relationships that really count.

Essentially, for one reason or another we find ourselves entrenched in our market. Through our connections we often have unique market intelligence, which whilst not always immediately useful, makes us ideally placed to make the right call at the right time. We know exactly who it is appropriate and not appropriate to approach with a candidate or vacancy, chances are a “head-hunter” from outside of our marketplace would not.

In summary, if you’re looking to explore local opportunities, gather some market info or embark on your next senior hire…. Look no further.