Why executive search is different to standard recruitment

What is executive search?

Executive search is a retained, research-led service built to find and engage senior leaders. The right person for a role such as Managing Director, Head of Sales or Operations Director is rarely browsing job boards. They are usually doing well where they are and not actively looking.

A search firm works out who those people are, contacts them personally and in confidence, and presents your opportunity in a way that gets serious consideration.

What is recruitment?

Recruitment is for professional, management and operational roles that you need filled well and quickly. It draws on an established network, a candidate database and targeted advertising to reach the right people. Candidates are interviewed and assessed before you see them, so you only meet people worth your time.

How the two compare

How an executive search works

1. The brief: we spend time with you and your leadership team to understand the role, the strategy behind it and the culture the right person must fit.
2. Mapping the market: we identify the organisations, competitors and adjacent sectors where suitable leaders are working now.
3. A direct, discreet approach: we contact potential candidates personally and in confidence.
4. Rigorous assessment: candidates are interviewed in depth against the brief, with their track record, motivations and fit tested before they meet you.
5. A considered shortlist: you receive a small number of well-qualified candidates with detailed written reports.
6. Through to appointment: we manage interviews, references, offer negotiation and resignation, and stay in touch through onboarding.

When to choose executive search

• The role is senior, specialist or hard to fill
• Confidentiality matters, for example when replacing an incumbent or entering a new market
• The cost of getting the hire wrong is high
• You need access to people who are not actively looking

When to choose recruitment

• You need a strong shortlist within a short timeframe
• The role suits active jobseekers as well as passive candidates
• You are hiring for sales, commercial, operations, production, technical or support roles
• You want a trusted partner

Not sure which one you need?

Bell Recruitment offers both. Our FMCG executive search and recruitment services are described in full on the Services page, or you can talk to us about the role and we can help you decide.