NOT ALL HIRES ARE CREATED EQUAL
A dedicated recruitment partnership for appointments where confidence, commitment and quality are non-negotiable.
WHAT IS RETAINED SEARCH?
Built For Critical Appointments
Retained search is designed for appointments where identifying the right person requires a more thorough and deliberate search of the market. While it's commonly associated with C-suite and senior leadership hiring, the model can be used at any level where the role is business-critical, highly specialised, confidential or the available talent pool is particularly difficult to reach.
Fortis works exclusively with clients on retained assignments, giving us the time and mandate to look beyond the candidates actively applying for roles. We combine detailed market mapping, direct approaches to passive talent, structured assessment and close stakeholder management to build a comprehensive view of the relevant market before a hiring decision is made.
Whether that's a CFO, a specialist technical appointment or a difficult-to-fill mid-level role, it's the nature of the search, not the seniority of the job title, that determines whether retained search is the right approach.
When Retained Search Works Best
Not every appointment calls for retained search, but when the impact of the hire is significant, a dedicated approach can make all the difference. Here are some of the situations where retained search delivers the greatest value.
Confidential Searches
Ideal when discretion is essential, whether replacing an existing employee or making a strategic appointment.
Business Critical Appointments
When the success of a team, function or business depends on making the right hire.
Competitive Talent Markets
For specialist positions where the talent pool is limited and the best candidates aren't actively looking.
Leadership & Specialist Talent
When experience, influence and long-term impact matter more than simply filling a vacancy.
OUR RETAINED SEARCH PROCESS
What To Expect
Retained search is a more collaborative way of hiring. By working in partnership with our clients and candidates, we're able to deliver a more considered, transparent and successful recruitment experience.
FOR EMPLOYERS
Discovery & Briefing: We take the time to understand your business, the role, the wider market and what success looks like.
Search Strategy: A tailored search plan is developed, including target organisations, market mapping and candidate identification.
Talent Engagement: We proactively approach and engage exceptional professionals, many of whom aren't actively looking for a new opportunity.
Assessment & Shortlisting: Every candidate is thoroughly assessed for technical capability, leadership potential, motivations and long-term fit before being presented.
Interview Co-ordination & Management:
We coordinate the interview process, provide detailed feedback and ensure momentum is maintained throughout.
Offer & Negotiation: From offer management to salary negotiations and counteroffers, we guide both parties towards a successful outcome.
Offer Acceptance & Follow Through: Our partnership continues beyond acceptance, supporting onboarding and ensuring a successful long-term appointment.
FOR CANDIDATES
Initial Engagement: We'll introduce the opportunity, understand your motivations and answer any questions before progressing further.
Confidential Consultation: Every conversation is handled professionally and in complete confidence, allowing you to explore the opportunity without pressure.
Opportunity Insight: You'll receive a detailed overview of the organisation, the role, the leadership team and the long-term opportunity.
In-depth Interview Preparation: We'll prepare you thoroughly for every stage of the process, ensuring you feel informed and confident.
Honest Feedback: Open communication and constructive feedback remain a priority throughout the recruitment journey.
Offer Support: We'll manage negotiations, discuss the full package and support you through resignation and any counteroffers.
Long-Term Relationship: Our support doesn't end on your first day. We're invested in your long-term success and career development.
PRECISION TAKES TIME
RETAINED SEARCH CASE STUDY
One Appointment. Major Consequences
A New York-based financial services organisation was preparing for a critical phase of growth. The business needed an experienced leader capable of driving expansion, strengthening client relationships and building a high-performing team in an increasingly competitive market. The appointment would play a key role in the company's future success, making it essential that they found the right individual rather than simply the available one. Here's how a targeted retained search helped them secure a leader capable of delivering long-term impact.
The Client
Our client, a New York-headquartered financial services firm, had entered a period of significant international expansion following several years of sustained growth. With plans to strengthen its leadership team and accelerate expansion across North America and Europe, the business needed to appoint a Managing Director to lead a strategically important division. This individual would be responsible for driving revenue growth, leading a team of more than 150 professionals and shaping the next phase of the organisation's development.
The Challenge
The search was highly confidential. The successful individual would replace an existing leader while also bringing a fresh perspective to the business. The talent pool was exceptionally small, consisting primarily of senior leaders already performing successfully within competing financial institutions. The board required a proven executive with deep industry expertise, strong commercial credentials and the leadership capability to operate at scale. Finding the right individual was important. Getting the wrong appointment could have significant commercial consequences. Executive hiring within financial services carries substantial risk, with firms increasingly focused on leadership capability, cultural fit and long-term performance rather than simply sector experience.
Our Bespoke Solution
Working directly with the CEO and board, we undertook a retained search process designed to prioritise quality, discretion and market coverage. We invested significant time defining success criteria, leadership requirements and cultural alignment before commencing a detailed market mapping exercise across North America and Europe. Our search identified and assessed senior executives from global banks, asset managers, fintech businesses and broader financial services organisations. Every candidate was approached directly and confidentially, with Fortis managing assessment, stakeholder engagement, interview design, market intelligence and offer negotiation throughout the process. The retained model allowed complete focus on a single objective: identifying the best leader available rather than the most accessible candidate.
The Results
Within fourteen weeks, we delivered a shortlist of four exceptional executives, each possessing the experience and leadership credentials required to succeed in the role. The successful candidate brought extensive international leadership experience, a proven record of commercial growth and deep expertise within the client's core market. The appointment was completed without compromising confidentiality and received unanimous board approval. Twelve months later, the division had exceeded its growth targets, expanded into two additional markets and significantly increased revenues. The client subsequently retained Fortis to support several additional senior leadership appointments across the organisation.
FAQs
MEET YOUR RETAINED SPECIALIST
Let's Have A Conversation
The best retained searches are built on trust, collaboration and honest advice. Whether you're making a business-critical appointment or considering your next leadership move, Warren will work closely with you to understand your goals and deliver a recruitment process that's thoughtful, transparent and built around long-term success.
