Executive search for senior management & director roles
Since 1960 Reed has supported businesses in finding the senior leaders and executive-level managers they need to help them develop and grow.
Start a conversation with one of our executive search specialists.
Send a brief overview of your requirements and we will match you with the right leaders.
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How Reed can help you
Our specialists will work alongside you to source the high-calibre experts you need to run your business.
From chief information officer (CIO), chief financial officer (CFO) and chief executive officer (CEO), to heads of departments and director roles, we will work alongside you to find an individual with the strong leadership skills and experience to take your business to the next level.
When recruiting for c-suite and executive positions, you will work with our dedicated executive search specialists who have experience recruiting across your sector. As part of the offering, to ensure we source the best person for the job, we can include psychometric testing, short and long-listing, director- level screening, executive coaching and bespoke executive advertising.
Our eight-stage service, from in-depth assignment consultation to offer management and post-placement care, is guaranteed to find you the right executive for your team. We’re so confident in our service that we offer market-leading guarantees of up to 18 months.
The Reed difference
Our executive search service is tailored to you, your stakeholders, and your company. We work alongside you to fully understand your company and its requirements before even embarking on sourcing the right candidates for the position.
Your dedicated specialists will communicate with you on a consultative basis throughout the process, and assist you in making the right decisions. Working with Reed, you can rest assured that your needs are at the fore of our service, we will do the leg work, allowing you to concentrate on your day-to-day tasks.
Reed’s executive search specialists are well-versed in matching leaders to the right company and role. Your dedicated specialist has access to over 22 million CVs, their own network of executives, and will passively target key individuals they feel would be suitable for your job vacancy.
Our thorough, meticulous approach to recruiting c-suite professionals is unbeatable, so Reed is confident enough to be able to offer up to an 18-month guarantee when you find your next high-performer through us.
When it comes to hiring for an executive position, discretion and confidentiality are paramount. Working with us will ensure that your role remains confidential, while still attracting the best talent.
Our unique end-to-end coverage means we can support you with a range of services, beyond that of a typical permanent recruitment agency. Whether you need to hire staff, a range of workforce solutions, consultancy services, professional development support or pre-employment screening – we're here to support all of your needs.
Coaching your new executive hire through their first 100 days
When using Reed to source your executives you have the option to support your new hire with our 100-day executive coaching service. Reed has partnered with licensed neuro-transformational coach Yvette Jeal PCC, who is certified by the International Coaching Federation and has over 20 years of commercial experience.
According to research, it takes six months for senior-level recruits to get fully integrated in their new role. With transition coaching this means that this time can be halved, and your new senior hire can impact your business faster.
What clients say about our executive search services
Roles we've recently filled
Chief financial officer
IT, telecoms and digital media company
Crawley
Head of marketing
Multidisciplinary consultancy
Croydon
Finance director
Design company
London
Head of procurement
Charity
Horsham
HR director
Media company
London
Chief financial officer
Pharmaceutical company
Birmingham
Our executive search experts
Hugh Meatyard
Daniel Cornes
Dave Oldfield
Charlotte Hasler
We can help find the best leaders for your company...
Send a brief overview of your requirements and we will contact you to find out more about your needs.
Senior and executive recruitment FAQs
Reed’s executive search recruitment process sees our dedicated executive search specialists work closely with your business to ensure we source the best person for the job. To help source high-calibre experts, we can include psychometric testing, short and long-listing, director- level screening, executive coaching and bespoke executive advertising.
Your executive search journey begins when our executive search specialists utilise our database of more than 22 million CVs - and their own network of executives - to target key individuals they feel would be suitable for your job vacancy.
Our eight-stage service, from in-depth assignment consultation to offer management and post-placement care, is guaranteed to find you the right executive for your team.
Top executives, from chief financial officer (CFO)and chief executive officer (CEO), through to heads of department and director roles, are usually tasked with leading their organisation and putting plans in place to help thrive.
Because of this, you should specify that executives are required to have experience of leading and managing successful campaigns, plans and growth strategies. They will also need to have effective communication skills with board members, as well as the ability to think strategically.
Our executive search services are tailored to you, meaning we work alongside you to fully understand your company and its requirements before we begin to source the right candidates for the position.
Reed’s executive search specialists will communicate with you on a regular basis throughout the process, assisting you in making the right decisions for your organisation.
Executive search firms like Reed use a combination of advanced strategies to identify and attract top-level candidates. These include leveraging extensive networks and utilising industry-specific expertise to target passive candidates who may not be actively seeking new roles.
At Reed, our executive recruitment process includes psychometric testing, director-level screening, and bespoke executive advertising to ensure we find the best fit for your leadership needs. This meticulous approach ensures that only the most qualified and culturally aligned applicants are presented for executive hiring and placement.
Executive search companies often specialise in a wide range of industries, including finance, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and more. Reed is one of the most trusted executive staffing firms and we have dedicated specialists with deep expertise in sectors such as IT, finance, pharmaceuticals, and professional services. This industry-specific knowledge allows us to tailor our executive management search to meet the unique demands of each sector, ensuring we deliver the best executive search solutions for your business.
Using an executive search firm offers numerous benefits, including access to a broader talent pool, time savings, and a more efficient hiring process. Executive search firms like Reed provide a consultative approach, ensuring a deep understanding of your business needs.
Our executive placement services include market mapping, leadership assessments, and post-placement support, guaranteeing a seamless experience. By partnering with one of the best executive search firms, you can secure high-calibre leaders who align with your strategic goals. And with the longest guarantees on the market, of up to 18 months, Reed gives you complete confidence that your new senior hire will deliver lasting impact, risk free.
The length of the executive recruitment process largely depends on the complexity of the role and the industry. At Reed, our executive search specialists follow an eight-stage process, from in-depth consultation to post-placement care, ensuring a thorough and efficient approach. While timelines can vary, our focus remains on delivering high-quality professionals who meet your leadership requirements.
Executive search firms specialise in recruiting for senior and leadership roles, including c-suite positions like chief executive officers, chief financial officers, and chief information officers. We also focus on director-level roles and heads of departments across various industries. Our executive management search services cater to a wide range of leadership positions, ensuring we meet the unique needs of your organisation.
Contingency executive search involves payment only upon successful placement, making it suitable for less specialised roles. Retained executive search, on the other hand, is a more focused and exclusive service where the recruitment company is engaged on a contractual basis to fill a specific role.
At Reed, our retained executive search services provide a dedicated consultant, comprehensive market mapping, and a tailored approach to ensure the best executive hiring and placement outcomes.
Yes, executive search firms can play a vital role in succession planning. At Reed, our executive recruitment specialists work closely with organisations to identify future leadership needs and develop strategies to build a strong talent pipeline. By leveraging our expertise in executive placement and leadership assessments, we help businesses prepare for seamless transitions and long-term success.
Executive search consultants assess fit and leadership style through a combination of in-depth interviews, psychometric testing, and stakeholder consultations. Our executive search and senior recruitment specialists take the time to understand your company’s values, goals, and team dynamics. This enables us to evaluate potential employees not only on their technical expertise but also on how they contribute to and thrive within your organisational culture, as well as their ability to lead in ways that support and empower others. Our tailored approach ensures we deliver leaders who can drive both performance and cohesion.
Case studies
Vibrance
Vibrance approached Reed to lead a targeted strategy and secure a finance director who would be the perfect fit for the charity.
Extern
Extern approached Reed after previous successful hires to find a senior interim finance director for the company.
Naissance Trading & Innovation Ltd
Naissance Trading & Innovation Ltd needed Reed’s help to find a high-level marketing professional to head up their brand-new marketing team.
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