Retained and executive search
Executive search for the hires that matter most.
When the role is critical, confidential or hard to fill, you need more than a stack of resumes. UBC runs a dedicated, research-driven search that reaches leaders who are not looking and delivers a shortlist you can trust.
What is included
A dedicated team on your search, start to finish.
Every retained engagement is exclusive, so the team's full attention stays on your role until it is filled.
- Dedicated executive search teamSenior recruiters assigned to your search, with one point of contact.
- Market mapping and competitive intelligenceA clear picture of the talent market, compensation and who is worth approaching.
- Proactive outreach to passive candidatesDirect, discreet approaches to leaders who are succeeding where they are.
- Behavioral and competency-based assessmentStructured evaluation against the outcomes the role must deliver.
- Confidential searchesDiscreet handling for sensitive transitions and unannounced roles.
- Background checks and executive profilingVerified history and detailed candidate profiles before you meet anyone.
Where we search
Leadership and specialist roles across the business.
Our team has filled roles from first executive hires at startups to senior leadership for Fortune 500 enterprises.
Executive and C-suite
CEO, COO, CFO, CTO, CHRO and CISO, plus EVP, SVP, VP and general manager roles.
Technology and digital
Product and engineering leadership, data and machine learning, and digital growth executives.
Engineering and infrastructure
Leaders for construction, energy, utilities and critical infrastructure programs.
Manufacturing and operations
Plant, operations, supply chain and advanced materials leadership.
Private equity and finance
Portfolio company executives, finance leaders and operating partners.
Environmental and sustainability
Leaders for ESG, environmental compliance and sustainability programs.
Our method
Four stages, one accountable team.
Discovery and alignment
Deep consultation on your business, culture and leadership needs, ending in an agreed profile and search plan.
Market intelligence
Competitive landscape analysis, compensation benchmarking and a target list of organizations and leaders.
Rigorous assessment
Structured interviews, competency evaluation and referencing so your shortlist is already vetted.
Transition support
Offer strategy, negotiation and onboarding support so your new leader starts strong.
What is retained executive search?
Retained executive search is a dedicated, exclusive engagement to fill a senior or business-critical role. Instead of waiting for applicants, a search team maps the market, approaches qualified leaders who are not actively looking, assesses them in depth and manages the process through offer and start date.
When should a company use retained search instead of contingency recruiting?
Use retained search when the role is senior, confidential, highly specialized or simply too important to leave to whoever applies first. Contingency recruiting works for roles with plenty of active candidates. Retained search is built for the hires where the wrong choice is expensive.
Can you run a confidential search to replace someone in the role?
Yes. Confidential searches for sensitive leadership transitions are a core part of our practice. We can approach candidates without naming your company until the right stage and agree on off-limits organizations before outreach begins.
What levels and roles does UBC recruit for?
C-suite and executive leadership including CEO, COO, CFO, CTO, CHRO and CISO, plus EVP, SVP, VP, general manager and specialized technical leaders in technology, engineering, infrastructure, manufacturing, financial services and sustainability.
Do you search outside Georgia?
Yes. UBC is based in Georgia and runs searches nationwide, including roles that are remote, hybrid or based in another state.
How is a retained search priced?
Retained search fees are scoped to the role and confirmed in writing before work begins. Fees are typically paid in stages across the search rather than only at placement, which funds a dedicated team on your search from day one.
Let's work together
Ready to start a search?
Tell us about the role. We will outline the search plan, the timeline and the fee before any work begins.