Retained Executive Search Services

At Connexa Search Group, based in Simpsonville in the greater Greenville, South Carolina area, we provide retained executive search services for small and midsize businesses nationwide. Our retained search approach ensures dedicated, confidential recruitment for critical leadership positions where the wrong hire could significantly impact your business trajectory and long-term success.

What Is Retained Executive Search?

Retained executive search is a comprehensive recruitment process where we work exclusively on your search assignment with a dedicated commitment to finding the right executive leader. Unlike contingency recruiting, retained search involves an upfront commitment from both parties, ensuring we can dedicate the time and resources necessary for thorough candidate identification, evaluation, and selection.

This approach is ideal for C-level positions, senior management roles, and specialized positions where confidentiality is critical and the impact of the hire on business success is substantial. We become your exclusive search partner, providing dedicated attention until the right candidate is identified and hired.

Why Small and Midsize Businesses Choose Retained Search

Growing businesses often face unique challenges when recruiting senior executives. You're competing against larger companies with established brands and extensive resources, while needing leaders who can thrive in entrepreneurial environments and contribute to strategic growth initiatives.

Our retained search process allows us to approach passive candidates who aren't actively searching but would be interested in the right opportunity with a growing company. We can present your opportunity confidentially while conducting thorough evaluations that ensure cultural fit and long-term success potential.

Our Retained Search Expertise

C-Level Executive Placement We specialize in retained search for CEOs, CFOs, COOs, and other C-level executives who will shape your company's strategic direction. Our process identifies leaders with the vision, experience, and cultural fit necessary to drive growth in dynamic business environments where every leadership decision impacts company success.

Senior Management Recruitment Vice Presidents, Directors, and other senior management positions require leaders who can balance strategic thinking with operational execution. We find executives who understand the unique challenges of growing businesses while bringing the experience necessary to build scalable operations and effective teams.

Specialized Executive Roles Some executive positions require highly specialized expertise that's difficult to find through traditional recruiting methods. Our retained search process allows us to conduct comprehensive market research and targeted outreach to identify candidates with the specific qualifications your business requires.

Confidential Search Assignments When executive search must be conducted confidentially, retained search provides the discretion necessary to protect sensitive business information while identifying qualified candidates. We manage confidential processes that protect both your business interests and candidate privacy throughout the search.

Our Retained Search Process

Discovery and Strategy Development We begin every retained search with comprehensive discovery to understand your business model, growth objectives, organizational culture, and the specific leadership qualities required for success. This includes stakeholder interviews, competitive analysis, and development of detailed candidate profiles that guide our search strategy.

Market Research and Candidate Identification Our research process involves comprehensive market analysis to identify potential candidates across multiple sources, including our executive network, targeted outreach to passive candidates, and strategic approaches to competitors and industry leaders who might be interested in your opportunity.

Comprehensive Candidate Evaluation Retained search allows us to conduct thorough candidate evaluations that include multiple interviews, reference checks, background verification, and cultural fit assessments. We present only candidates who meet your requirements and demonstrate genuine interest in contributing to your business success.

Interview Coordination and Selection Support We manage the entire interview process, coordinating schedules, preparing candidates and clients for productive meetings, and providing ongoing feedback that ensures efficient decision-making. Our goal is to facilitate meetings that allow both parties to evaluate fit effectively.

Industries and Executive Roles We Serve

Our retained executive search services span diverse industries where small and midsize businesses require exceptional leadership to drive growth and competitive advantage. We've successfully completed searches in manufacturing, technology, healthcare, professional services, and distribution sectors.

Executive roles we place through retained search include Chief Financial Officers, Chief Operating Officers, Vice Presidents of Sales, Engineering Directors, General Managers, and other senior leadership positions that significantly impact business performance and strategic direction.

What Sets Our Retained Search Apart

Unlike large executive search firms that often assign junior associates to manage searches, our retained search clients work directly with experienced search consultants who understand both the technical requirements and cultural nuances of leadership success in growing businesses.

We provide dedicated attention throughout the search process while maintaining the responsiveness and flexibility that growing businesses require. Our search timelines are designed to balance thoroughness with the urgency often associated with critical leadership needs.

Retained Search Investment and Guarantees

Our retained search fees are structured to ensure we can dedicate the resources necessary for comprehensive executive recruitment while remaining accessible to growing businesses. We typically work on a one-third retainer structure with progress payments that align our success with your hiring outcomes.

We provide replacement guarantees that protect your investment in retained search, ensuring that if a placement doesn't work out within the guarantee period, we'll conduct a replacement search at no additional professional fee. Our goal is long-term placement success, not just completed searches.

Confidentiality and Discretion

Retained search provides the confidentiality necessary when recruiting for sensitive positions or when search activity must be conducted without alerting competitors or internal stakeholders. We manage confidential processes that protect your business strategy while identifying qualified candidates.

Our confidential search capabilities include anonymous position descriptions, discreet candidate outreach, and secure communication processes that ensure sensitive information remains protected throughout the search process.

Timeline and Expectations

Retained executive search typically requires 60-90 days from search initiation to candidate start date, depending on the specific requirements and market conditions. This timeline allows for comprehensive candidate identification, thorough evaluation, and proper transition planning that supports successful placement outcomes.

We provide regular communication throughout the search process, including weekly updates on search progress, candidate pipeline development, and market feedback that helps refine search strategy and expectations.

Ready to Begin Your Executive Search?

If you're ready to find executive leadership that will drive strategic growth and build organizational capabilities, contact Connexa Search Group today to discuss your retained search requirements. We'll work with you to develop a search strategy that identifies leaders who share your vision for success.

Call us at (864)-553-9023 or email office@connexaseach.com to schedule a confidential consultation about your executive search needs. Let us show you how retained search can help you find the leadership talent that will accelerate your business growth and competitive advantage.