Exclusive and retained search
For roles that are hard to fill, confidential or too important to leave to chance: a committed search, a shortlist you can rely on, and regular updates from start to finish.
Exclusive or retained
Exclusive search means you give us the role for an agreed period, without other agencies working on it. That lets us search properly rather than race, and approach the right people once, not several times over.
Retained search adds a commitment at the start, usually part of the fee, for a dedicated search. It suits senior and specialist roles, and searches that need a lot of research or complete discretion. We'll agree how it works with you before we start.
When it makes sense
- Replacing someone who doesn't yet know they're being replaced
- Specialist roles where the right people are few and rarely looking, such as structured or large-ticket credit
- Leadership hires, where a wrong appointment is costly
- Several hires at once, such as building a new team or a new office
How the search runs
- Brief and market map. We agree the role, the profile and the firms worth targeting: funders, lessors, brokers, captives and fintech lenders.
- Confidential approaches. We speak to the people who match, most of whom aren't looking, and keep your name out of it until you say otherwise.
- Assessment. In-depth conversations about experience, results, motivation and fit, so you only meet people worth meeting.
- Shortlist. A written shortlist with a note on each candidate and honest feedback from the market, including on salary and package.
- Interviews to offer. We run the process, handle feedback both ways and support the candidate through offer, resignation and notice.
Questions people ask
What's the difference between exclusive and retained?
Exclusive means you give us the role for an agreed period without other agencies, so we can put real time into it. Retained adds a commitment at the start, usually part of the fee, for a dedicated search on senior or specialist roles. We'll agree the terms with you before we begin.
Can you recruit for a role we haven't announced?
Yes. We approach people discreetly and only share your name with candidates when you're happy for us to.
Do we get updates during the search?
Yes. You'll hear from us regularly with who we've spoken to, how the market is responding and any changes we'd suggest.
Is it worth it for a single hire?
For a role that's hard to fill, confidential or important to get right, usually yes. If it isn't, we'll say so and suggest a permanent search instead.