Executive Search

Confidential. Targeted. Results-driven. We recruit leaders who shape the future.

At Ingenious People, we don’t just fill executive roles — we secure leaders who align with your culture, accelerate performance, and deliver lasting impact.

Our Executive Search service is built for organisations that understand the importance of hiring well at the top. Whether you’re replacing a key executive, expanding into new markets, or transforming your leadership team, we provide discreet, strategic, and consultative support — every step of the way.

What Is Executive Search?

Executive Search (sometimes called retained search or headhunting) is a specialised recruitment process focused on attracting and securing senior-level talent — typically for roles such as:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

• Chief Operating Officer (COO)

• Chief People Officer (CPO)

• Managing Directors

• General Managers

• Heads of Department or Functional Leads

• Board & Advisory Positions

These aren’t roles you post on job boards. These are roles where alignment, discretion, and precision matter.

Why Clients Choose Us for Executive Search

✔️ You need top-tier talent that won’t be found via traditional advertising
✔️ You need complete confidentiality throughout the process
✔️ You want a partner who understands the risks, politics, and expectations at this level
✔️ You value insight and integrity over inflated placement promises
✔️ You want long-term cultural and strategic fit — not just technical capability

We understand that hiring at the executive level isn’t just about filling a role. It’s about choosing a leader who will shape your company’s direction, performance, and legacy.

Our Executive Search Process

🔍 1. Discovery & Role Briefing

We start by understanding everything — your organisation, challenges, structure, goals, culture, and the critical outcomes this hire needs to deliver.

We help define:

• The scope of the role

• Core competencies and leadership attributes

• Organisational priorities and transformation context

• Stakeholder expectations and succession planning impact

We co-design a brief that reflects not just the job, but the journey ahead.

🧭 2. Market Mapping & Research

Our dedicated research team maps the entire market — not just who’s available, but who’s worth your time.

We identify:

• Competitor org charts and leadership structures

• Passive talent (those not actively looking)

• Emerging leaders and niche expertise

• Benchmark salary and benefit expectations

You get a strategic overview of your leadership talent landscape — before the search even begins.

🎯 3. Candidate Outreach & Engagement

We approach candidates with professionalism, confidentiality, and tailored messaging. At this level, it’s not about selling the role — it’s about earning their attention.

We handle:

• Personalised outreach via warm channels

• Discreet and respectful conversations

• Transparent representation of your brand and opportunity

• Candidate qualification against leadership behaviours, motivators, and risk factors

This process is human, deliberate, and trust-based — as it should be.

📝 4. Shortlisting & Assessment

We present a curated shortlist of high-calibre leaders, each with:

• A detailed candidate summary and career history

• Assessment of key competencies and cultural alignment

• Motivation and availability insights

• Initial remuneration expectations

If required, we can also coordinate:

• Psychometric and behavioural assessments

• Stakeholder panel interviews

• 360-degree referencing

You meet only those who meet the brief — and exceed expectations.

🤝 5. Offer, Negotiation & Onboarding Support

We manage the final stages with care, ensuring a smooth transition and successful close.

We assist with:

• Offer negotiation and counteroffer mitigation

• Resignation coaching and start-date planning

• Integration strategy and stakeholder onboarding

• Post-placement check-ins for both sides

Your chosen leader steps into the role ready, aligned, and committed.

What Sets Ingenious People Apart?

✅ Specialist focus on senior leadership roles
We don’t dilute our process across entry-level hiring. Executive Search is a discipline we own.

✅ Discreet and professional approach
Your search stays private. Your brand stays respected. Your business stays in control.

✅ Deep market insight
We don’t rely on LinkedIn alone. We map entire industries, leadership pipelines, and hidden talent communities.

✅ Candidate experience with integrity
Our candidates often become clients — because we treat them with transparency and care, even if they’re not selected.

✅ Retention focus — not just placement
We aim for a 12-month success, not just a signed contract. That’s why our process is built on alignment, not speed.

Executive Search You Can Trust — Across All Sectors

We support leadership hiring across:

• Professional Services

• Financial Services & Insurance

• Healthcare & Aged Care

• Technology & SaaS

• Construction & Engineering

• Retail & Consumer Products

• Education & Not-for-Profit

• Logistics, Supply Chain & Manufacturing

• Government & Public Sector

Need industry-specific nuance? We tailor every brief and engagement to reflect your context.

Case Study: Replacing a High-Stakes COO

⚙️ A national distribution company needed to confidentially replace their outgoing COO due to succession planning misalignment.

Our process included:

• Full organisational analysis and change context

• Market mapping of operational leaders across competitors

• 8-week discreet search and screening process

• Stakeholder interviews with the Board and key executive team

• Final shortlist of 3 highly-aligned, transformational leaders

Outcome:
Candidate accepted offer within 10 days of final round. Six months in, they’ve delivered a 12% reduction in logistics costs and introduced new forecasting systems across the network.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the executive search process take?
Most searches are completed within 6–10 weeks from briefing to offer. Timelines vary based on complexity, industry, and candidate availability.

Is the process confidential?
Yes — 100%. We take discretion extremely seriously and operate with strict confidentiality for both client and candidate.

Do you offer replacement guarantees?
Yes — we offer tailored guarantee periods depending on the role, seniority, and placement terms.

Can you support Board-level recruitment?
Absolutely. We’ve supported the appointment of Chairs, Non-Executive Directors, and strategic advisory roles across various sectors.

Let’s Find Your Next Great Leader

When it comes to executive hiring, one thing is certain: the right leadership changes everything. At Ingenious People, we help you find the individual who doesn’t just fit the role — they elevate it.

📞 Call us on (02) 7813 2081
🔗 Schedule a Confidential Consultation