Irving Knight Group delivers executive search across 20+ core industries.

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RETAINED SEARCH

Operating on a retained basis allows for a disciplined, exhaustive executive search that prioritises quality over speed.

  • Unique & Flexible

    A unique and flexible search service

  • Unparalleled Success

    80% of our searches utilise the retained model

  • Expertise

    Deep sector knowledge

96%

Placement Rate on Consultancy Projects

32 days

Avg. time from engagement to placement

1.7:1

CVs Sent : Client Interviews

When you retain Irving Knight, you enter a strategic partnership built on trust, discretion, and results. We act as an extension of your brand and reputation—your eyes and ears in the market—representing your business with professionalism and integrity.

As the first point of contact in securing the right talent, we protect confidentiality, safeguard your reputation, and work relentlessly to deliver the strongest possible placement first time.

A unique and flexible search structure

A Bespoke Search Framework Built for Precision and Performance

Our search structure is deliberately flexible, with each assignment tailored to our partners’ exact requirements. From strategy to final placement, we run a rigorous, well-controlled process that removes complexity and delivers clarity. Backed by proven methodology, established candidate pipelines, and deep networks, we apply the judgement and discretion required in high-stakes, sensitive searches.

Unique and flexible search structure at Irving Knight Group

A Proven Retained Search Approach

Over 80% of our assignments are delivered on a retained basis, allowing full consultant commitment and a deep understanding of each partner’s business, objectives, and long-term talent needs.

Beyond candidate delivery, we provide strategic input on role definition, job design, and future hiring requirements, supported by continuous market research and detailed 360° market mapping. This approach gives us access to both active and passive talent that contingent search cannot reach, resulting in focused, time-bound shortlists backed by clear insight into suitability, motivation, and cultural alignment.

Proven Retained Search at Irving Knight Group

The Benefits

Retained search offers a more deliberate way to approach senior and specialist hiring. By investing upfront, organizations gain access to deeper market insight and a fully committed search process. This leads to better decisions, reduced risk, and hires that truly fit the business.

Priority Search

We make your search our priority. We appreciate that the hiring process for executive candidates may be extensive and we are passionate about being able to get to work as soon as possible.

360° Map

A 360° map of the market. With the guarantee of business that a retained search brings, we coordinate with our research team to map out market conditions before headhunting even begins.

Detail

Having comprehensively mapped and engaged the market, we dedicate more time to in-depth interviews, ensuring only the strongest, most relevant candidates are presented for review.

Loyalty

We ensure that any candidate submitted for a retained search role will not be submitted for any other process. We also assist with reference checking and negotiations at the offer stage.

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Approach

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Why Us

Why Irving Knight

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FAQs

We’re here to make Executive Search easy to understand. Find answers to the most common questions below.

Our priority is fit, not speed. We take time to understand your background, goals, and motivations, then provide clear insight into each opportunity so you’re only considered for roles that truly align with your experience and ambitions.

We specialise in senior, specialist, and leadership appointments across the markets we serve. Our focus is on roles where experience, judgement, and cultural alignment are critical — typically mid- to senior-level management through to executive and board appointments.

You’ll gain honest market insight, access to high-quality opportunities, and clear guidance throughout the process. Our aim is simple: to help you make the right move, at the right time, with confidence.

No. Our services are completely free for candidates. We are retained by our client partners to manage their hiring processes, meaning there is never a cost to you at any stage.

Our role is to represent your interests professionally, provide guidance throughout the process, and help you assess opportunities objectively — without any financial obligation.

No — if anything, it gives you an advantage. We provide context, insight, and advocacy that ensure your experience and motivations are clearly understood from the outset. Our role is to strengthen your candidacy and guide you through a transparent, well-managed process.

We operate as a retained, partnership-led search firm rather than a transactional recruiter. That means fewer searches, deeper engagement, and a far higher level of commitment to outcomes. By combining sector specialism, market intelligence, and a disciplined search methodology, we deliver hires that are aligned not only to role requirements, but to culture, strategy, and long-term growth plans.

We don’t rely on databases or job advertising alone. Our searches are driven by proactive market mapping, targeted outreach, and insight gained from long-standing sector networks. Candidates are assessed on capability, leadership style, cultural alignment, and long-term potential — not just CV fit — ensuring a robust and well-informed shortlist.

Confidentiality is fundamental to how we operate. Every search is handled with discretion, clear communication, and controlled market engagement. As your representative in the market, we protect your brand, manage messaging carefully, and ensure sensitive information is only shared when appropriate — safeguarding both your business and your candidates throughout the process.

Our retained model is designed to deliver outcomes, not volume. Because we invest the time to fully understand the role, the business, and the wider context, we achieve a consistently high completion rate across our searches. More importantly, our focus is on long-term retention and impact, not short-term placement metrics.

While our process is designed to minimise risk, we recognise that circumstances can change. In the rare event a placement doesn’t succeed, we work closely with our client to address the situation and agree the most appropriate next steps. Our commitment is to the partnership and the outcome — not just the initial hire

Let's talk

Contact Irving Knight Group for Executive Search Enquiries