Marketing Director
How do you select a London headhunting recruitment agency? The answer is simple. Employers need to engage functional headhunting specialists, who have:
- the specific domain expertise that is required
- already built a network of connections within the market
- previous experience identifying and placing talent in the field, industry, sector and domain you require
What does a London headhunting recruitment agency do?
Engage candidates
A good headhunter will need to ensure each candidate is briefed on the business vision, roadmap, success measures, skills required, growth metrics etc.
When a generalist executive search agency is appointed, they are less able to connect and properly engage a candidate in a new opportunity, compared to a executive search agency within their domain specialism – who knows the London market, understands the role and the skills required to deliver it, is aware of current package expectations, and more.
Recruit at speed
When using a generalist executive search agency, some employers have reported that a headhunting and executive search process has taken 9-12 months to complete – leaving their business under resourced, and without the specific skills required to meet their objectives and deliver growth.
This slow speed of delivery can happen when an executive search recruitment agency has to spend a lot of time at the ‘discovery’ phase of a project, to fully understand the ins and outs of the particular industry or sector. Using domain specialists for executive level appointments reduces this risk, and the risk of low-quality candidates too.
Quality of shortlist
It’s important to the success of the recruitment campaign that a headhunter has an existing network of candidates in the domain that you require as an employer. Having an existing network can lead to more personal recommendations, more introductions and increased trust with candidates. All of this can help improve the quality and the speed of the shortlisting and assessment process.
Discover our list of recommended London headhunting recruitment agencies, all with functional specialisms.
London Headhunting recruitment agencies: the top 6
Domain specialisms: Product management, marketing, eCommerce and commercial leadership
It’s no surprise that we are top of the list. We are a boutique Executive Search and London Headhunting agency with 20 years’ experience of placing commercial leadership candidates in London based businesses.
Our executive search recruiters help the employers we work with to search for the best talent in the market. We do this by headhunting ‘passive’ candidates that have the right domain experience, leadership qualities and personal qualities that you require within your business.
We follow a detailed and thorough method to ensure we scour the market, utilising a multi-channel approach to target both your competitors and comparable sectors that may have the experience you need.
Focus makes us different. Our specialist domain knowledge across product management, marketing and eCommerce gives us a clear advantage. We already have the candidate networks that other firms must discover with each search. This means that we can deliver the results of headhunting much more quickly, without compromising the quality of candidate.
Domain specialisms: Finance, general management & board, procurement & supply, sales, and transformation & change.
Whatever the challenge, location and talent requirements, Connect’s team of global search specialists successfully work with international businesses by applying a consistent approach which includes:
- In-depth knowledge of industry issues, trends, and opportunities
- Thorough understanding of the culture and challenges unique to every organisation and international search process
- Tailored and flexible plan to identify and secure the best executive talent across global markets
With a flexible approach to delivering defined projects in the short-term, their long-term objective is to play a key role in improving capability and performance across entire organisations.
Domain specialisms: Consumer, financial, and business service industries, health and technology.
DRAX provides leadership insights, executive change and deal advisory for business owners and investors of high growth companies. At the heart of all their services is creativity in solutioning, smart insights and a care for the work they conduct.
Drax Executive optimises the success of management teams by supporting clients in their drive to develop value. Their services reflect the breadth of knowledge and experience across leadership insights, executive change and deal advisory.
Domain specialisms: Human resources
Frederickson Partners is one of the top-rated HR Executive Search firms, with expertise in placing Chief People Officers (CPOs), Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs), Human Resources Business Partners (HRBPs), Chief Diversity Officers (CDOs) and other HR leaders. They have access to the broadest network of People and HR executives in the world, and a 25-year reputation as a human resources talent search firm and HR Advisory provider.
5. Stephenson Executive Search
Domain specialisms: Financial services, asset management, wealth management and legal
Stephenson Executive Search is a family owned financial services and legal executive search firm. They partner with clients to help them fulfil their strategic goals; whether this be diversity related, succession planning or specific recruitment needs.
The firm advises clients on how to appoint the right people and are committed to helping professionals navigate and advance their careers.
6. Lygon Group
Domain specialisms: Chair, Non-Exec Directors, CEO, CFO and board advisory
The Lygon Group specialise in advising FTSE 100, FTSE 250 and private equity-backed boards on the appointments of Chairs, Non-Executive Directors, CEOs and CFOs as well as executive board members.
Their work includes succession planning and executive assessment. Their assignments are bespoke and distinct and the business thrives in the creative and collaborative approach. Drawing on the wide experience of the team and their innovative, thorough research techniques, Lygon Group’s clients trust the quality of the market insights provided and the results delivered.
