Retained executive search is a management consulting service. The retained executive search firm is contracted (or retained) by a client organization to conduct a management consulting project to identify, locate and recruit an individual with a particular skill set and an experience profile to fill a specific staffing need within the client company.
Retained executive search differs from contingency recruiting in several key ways. In a retained executive search, the executive search consultant's work is bound by a commitment to the client company to produce the best overall result, not simply to "fill a job". Retained executive search is generally the preferred technique for finding executives for the senior levels of the management team, or for more highly specialized positions. By comparison, contingency recruiting is generally confined to less demanding situations where the specific expertise of a retained executive search firm is not as compelling. While there are many fine contingency recruiting organizations, the economic structure of contingency recruiting frequently places expedience ahead of diligence, thoroughness and deliberate, considered judgment.
Outplacement is a consulting service which focuses on finding new employment opportunities for individuals and bears no relationship to retained executive search.
Individuals seeking new assignments are always welcome to contact us. It should be remembered, however, that our clients are the firms who have engaged us to perform executive search work, and it is their interest which we serve as our principal focus. Individuals contacting Skott/Edwards Consultants can be assured of the discretion and absolute confidentiality.