Traditional Retained Search
Not just for executives, for any hire where the role is pivotal, the expectations are high, and the outcome matters.
What This Is:
Traditional retained search is often associated with executive hiring. In reality, it’s about something far more important: the value a role brings to the business and the level of investment required to get it right. We use a retained approach for roles. Retained search isn’t about title, it’s about impact. When a role influences outcomes, culture, and long-term growth, and when getting it wrong is costly, the hiring process should be equally intentional. Regardless of the level, shouldn’t everyone interviewing with your organization be treated with the same, exceptional care?
This isn’t transactional recruiting. It’s a strategic partnership.
When Retained Search Is the Right Fit
Retained search is most effective when the role represents a true investment in the business, not just filling a seat.
This model is ideal when:
The position carries significant responsibility or influence
The role directly impacts revenue, operations, or leadership effectiveness
The investment in compensation, onboarding, and time is meaningful
Alignment, judgment, and long-term success matter more than speed
Critical to your success and/or the success of your business
Titles alone don’t determine value. Impact does.
It’s About Value, Not Just the Title
Some of the most critical hires in an organization don’t sit at the executive table yet their decisions, leadership, and ownership shape results every day. When the success of your job is impacted by this hire. When you rely need to rely on them 110%. When a role holds this level of responsibility, it deserves an approach built on rigor and intention. Our retained search model reflects that belief. We partner with organizations that view hiring as an investment, one that deserves clarity, insight, and thoughtful execution.
By working in a retained capacity, we’re able to:
Fully understand the role’s true business impact
Align expectations across leadership early in the process
Proactively identify and engage the right talent
Support confident, informed decision-making
This approach protects not just your hiring investment, but your momentum, culture, and leadership credibility.
Our Approach
Intentional. Rigorous. Outcome-Driven.
We begin every retained search with deep discovery understanding your business, leadership dynamics, and what success actually looks like in the role beyond a job description. From there, we design and execute a focused search strategy built on quality over quantity.
Our process includes:
Mapping out what success looks like
Role Clarity
Targeted market mapping and outreach
Rigorous evaluation and alignment checks
Ongoing communication and partnership
Guidance through selection, offer, and transition
You won’t receive a stack of resumes. You’ll receive perspective, insight, and candidates aligned to the value of the role.
Not Just for Executives
While retained search is commonly used for executive roles, many of our clients engage us for non-executive positions that are anything but transactional.
If a hire:
Shapes outcomes
Influences culture
Carries long-term responsibility
Represents a meaningful investment
…retained search applies.
Why This Works
We work exclusively and in partnership
We prioritize fit, judgment, and long-term alignment
We act as a trusted advisor, not a resume broker
We remain engaged to support successful outcomes
Because when the value of the role is high, the approach should match.
The Bottom Line:
The Right Hire Is Worth the Right Process.
We help organizations make confident, informed decisions when the cost of getting it wrong is high.