Client stories

Executive search in practice.

Three confidential leadership searches, each taking a different route to a successful senior appointment. Because of the seniority of these roles, we never name clients or candidates.

Confidential clientConstruction

Managing Director

The brief

A UK tier one contractor needed a Managing Director to lead its next phase of growth, while protecting delivery standards, culture and key customer relationships. The role called for full P&L leadership, board credibility and experience scaling a project-led business.

Our approach

A targeted, succession-led search. We agreed a success profile with shareholders, mapped direct competitors and adjacent infrastructure businesses, and prioritised leaders one level below MD with clear growth potential. Confidential approaches led to structured leadership and motivation interviews.

The outcome

A focused shortlist balanced proven MDs with high-potential divisional leaders. The preferred candidate brought commercial discipline, operational credibility and a clear people agenda, giving the client immediate leadership and longer-term succession value.

Confidential clientConstruction & Infrastructure

Four Finance Directors

The brief

The UK's leading track and train operator needed four Finance Directors across its routes and regions. Each had to go beyond statutory finance, improving commercial visibility, project controls, cash discipline and board decision-making alongside operational and commercial leaders.

Our approach

An evidence-led, cross-sector search. Rather than limit the market to identical businesses, we mapped finance leaders from complex contracting, engineering, public sector bodies and project-based organisations. Assessment tested board influence, working capital leadership, forecasting, controls and the ability to challenge constructively.

The outcome

The search surfaced candidates the client hadn't previously considered. Finalists were compared against one consistent scorecard covering technical finance, commercial partnership, transformation and leadership style, so every appointment was based on evidence rather than sector familiarity alone.

Confidential clientMajor project delivery

Construction Director

The brief

A well-known tier two contractor needed a senior operational leader to strengthen delivery across a portfolio of complex projects, with a focus on safety, programme certainty, client confidence, supply chain collaboration and developing project leadership teams.

Our approach

A project and network-led search. We mapped leaders by project scale, complexity and delivery environment rather than job title alone, then used discreet referrals to reach passive candidates. Interviews explored recovery situations, safety culture, programme governance and building high-performing teams.

The outcome

The shortlist showed the right scale and delivery complexity, with a range of leadership profiles. The client had clear evidence on track record, leadership behaviours and cultural fit, reducing the risk of appointing on project pedigree alone.

Let's build what's next. Together.

Tell us about the role and we'll tell you what we're seeing in the market.

Book a confidential consultation