Leadership attraction

Specialist senior recruitment to attract proven leaders, from key heads and directors to C-suite appointments.

Attract the leaders who can move your business forward

Senior appointments can shape the direction, performance and culture of an organisation. KESS specialises in attracting experienced leaders for business-critical roles, from key heads of department and senior specialists to directors and C-suite executives.

We take a focused, proactive approach, looking beyond active applicants to identify and engage high-calibre candidates who may not be openly seeking their next opportunity. By understanding your strategic priorities, leadership requirements and organisational culture, we help define the role and create a compelling proposition for the right people.

From targeted market mapping and discreet candidate engagement to detailed assessment, interview management and offer negotiation, KESS provides senior involvement throughout the process. Our personal, informed approach helps reduce appointment risk and secure leaders with the experience, judgement and ambition to make a lasting impact.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between executive search and traditional recruitment?

Executive search takes a more targeted approach to finding senior leaders. Rather than relying on job applications, it involves identifying and approaching suitable candidates, including those who aren’t actively looking for a new role.

When should a business consider recruiting a senior leader?

A business may need additional leadership expertise when growing, restructuring or planning for the future. Recruiting the right senior leader can help strengthen management, support business goals and bring fresh perspectives to the team.

How can businesses attract experienced leaders who aren't actively looking for a new role?

Targeted searches and professional networks can help businesses reach experienced leaders who aren’t actively job hunting. A clear understanding of the role, company and opportunities available can also help attract the right candidates.

How do recruitment agencies assess candidates for senior leadership roles?

Recruitment agencies assess candidates based on their leadership experience, management skills and suitability for the business. At KESS, we look beyond qualifications to understand how someone could fit within the organisation and contribute to its goals.

Can executive recruitment be handled confidentially?

Yes. Executive recruitment can be managed discreetly, with careful communication and a targeted approach to contacting candidates. This can be particularly important when replacing a senior leader or managing sensitive organisational changes.

How long does it typically take to recruit a senior executive?

Timescales vary depending on the role, level of responsibility and candidate availability. Senior recruitment often involves a more detailed search and assessment process to ensure the right person is appointed.

Company overview

Why are we different?

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We work in partnership

We take time to understand your business, ambitions and challenges, building trusted relationships that go beyond individual vacancies and helping you make better recruitment decisions as your organisation evolves.

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We always bring fresh candidates

We don’t rely on a historic database of candidates. Every search is live, identifying fresh, relevant people who are already open to the right opportunity, rather than needing to be persuaded to move.

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We embrace the potential of AI in recruitment

We combine experienced human judgement with intelligent AI-powered tools to search wider, work smarter and uncover stronger candidate matches, while keeping relationships and personal decision-making at the heart of recruitment.

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We are there for founders and directors when they need us

When an unexpected departure or people challenge puts pressure on your business, we provide founders and directors with responsive, experienced support to help navigate the situation and find the right solution.

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What our

partners say

Credit Hire Manager, nationwide insurance firm

“KESS have been a trusted recruitment partner to Holiday Extras for many years. They are hardworking, diligent and refreshingly no-nonsense: they take the time to understand our business, use their extensive network well and consistently deliver excellent candidates. What sets them apart is their judgement. They do the hard work of filtering the market properly, so they only put the right people in front of us, they won’t send three candidates when one outstanding candidate will do. They always follow up, always deliver and I would recommend them without hesitation.”

Matthew Pack, Group CEO, Holiday Extras

"The team at KESS excel at finding high quality candidates whatever role it is we need. They understand the insurance industry and work closely with us to ensure the candidates they find not only have the required experience but also fit the culture we are looking for within our business. Over the years with working with the team, they always deliver in putting forward top quality candidates and we have many successful employees working within the business sourced by Kess. Highly recommend for any companies within the insurance industry who what a professional services working with a great professional team who continue to deliver"

Credit Hire Manager, nationwide insurance firm

“What stood out was the level of partnership. KESS were responsive, commercially minded and always available when we needed advice. They brought real judgement to the process and helped us secure someone who has made an immediate difference.”

Craig Allison, FP Markets

Let’s connect

We’d love to regularly connect with you about industry updates, market changes and other news.

Let’s work together

Whatever your recruitment needs, we’re always happy to talk, listen and explore how we can help.

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