Executive Search

What is Executive Search?

Executive search, or headhunting, is a specialised recruitment service focused on senior and leadership roles that shape a company’s direction and growth. It goes beyond advertising to proactively identify and attract exceptional individuals - often those not actively seeking new opportunities. Tim Green Executive Search partners with boards and leadership teams to secure the right talent for these critical positions.

How does Executive Search differ from traditional recruitment?

Focus: We target senior, C-suite, and executive-level roles requiring specialised skills, experience, and leadership abilities. Traditional recruitment handles a wider range of positions across various levels.

Candidate Pool: We proactively identify and approach "passive" candidates who may be employed and not actively looking for a new role but are open to new opportunities. Traditional recruitment often relies on active job seekers who apply for advertised positions.

Methodology: Executive search involves a rigorous, in-depth process including market mapping, extensive candidate research, confidential outreach, thorough assessments, and negotiations. Traditional recruitment can be faster and may involve a less in-depth approach.

Fees: Our work is conducted on a "retained" basis, involving an upfront fee and a final payment upon successful placement.

How does an executive search process work?

Executive search follows a clear, structured process. It starts with an in-depth briefing to understand your goals, team dynamics, and success criteria. From there, we conduct market mapping, discreetly approach targeted candidates, assess skills and fit, and present a shortlist of qualified leaders. We manage interviews, offers, and onboarding, with ongoing support to ensure a seamless hire.

How do you ensure the quality of all shortlisted candidates?

Beyond a rigorous interview process, we conduct discreet ‘soft referencing’ with former employers and colleagues. This provides 11 deeper insight into each candidate’s responsibilities, performance, and leadership style - ensuring only high-calibre individuals make the shortlist.

How much do executive search firms charge?

Executive search fees are typically based on a percentage of the placed candidate’s first-year compensation. Our work is conducted on a "retained" basis, involving an upfront fee and a final payment upon successful placement.

What is the rebate process if the candidate doesn’t work out?

We stand by the quality of our hires. Our agreements include a rebate or replacement search period if a candidate doesn’t work out within an agreed timeframe, minimising risk and protecting your investment in senior leadership recruitment.

How long does it take to find a finance leader / CFO?

On average, executive searches for senior finance leaders take around five weeks from instruction to shortlist. Final timelines then depend on your internal interview and decision-making process. We also advise on how to streamline recruitment to keep momentum and avoid losing sought-after talent.

What areas in the UK do you cover?

Whilst the majority of our search assignments have been based in London, we are often asked to cover wider UK regions for real estate finance hiring, including the South East, the Midlands, the North West, and further afield to the Middle East.