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Executive search recruitment
Secure the right leaders for your organisation with our tailored executive recruitment & headhunting service. Our industry-leading recruiters connect you with professionals who share your vision and are ready to drive your business forward. Our UK team can connect you with the C-suite and executive talent nationally and globally - in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and beyond.
Connecting like-minded leaders and employers through executive recruitment
The right leader in the right place can inspire organisations to reach new heights. Their impact is felt from boardrooms through to balance sheets and share prices. Their performance sets the bar – and their behaviour sets the tone – for everyone who works for and with the organisation.
Finding first class leaders and matching them with the right organisation is a fine art – and we’ve honed this skill over more than three decades. Individual leaders and employers trust us to understand their respective qualities, vision, and capabilities, and to connect them with like minds from across the UK and overseas.
Let’s talk
Our executive search service recruitment connects the best organisations with the brightest leaders. Contact us to find out more.
Trusted by over 11,000+ organisations
Areas we recruit in
Secure your next executive hire
Let us connect you with the talent that can take your business forward.Why choose Robert Walters to handle your executive search needs?
- Receive a tailored service. With over 38 years in operation, we have gained a proven record as a executive search firm that delivers a professional service that is crafted to meet your business needs.
- Partner with industry experts. Many of our executive recruiters come from the industries they serve, meaning they have built hyper-specialist knowledge of the industry you operate in.
- Acquire data driven insights. Our executive search and headhunting strategy is highly targeted, defined by the insights from our market intelligence function.
- Take advantage of our global reach. Our International Candidate Management teams have access to the top talent pools from across the globe.
- Share our expertise. Giving you access to our specialist knowledge and in-depth experience though a broad range of insights, advice and thought leadership.
Our track record
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43,000
Executive professionals we help start their next chapter
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11,000
Organisations who we help acquire executive talent
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85%
Of professionals refer us to a friend
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90%
Of organisations recruit more than one role through us
Speak to our executive search recruiters
Dan Harris
Permanent Recruitment, London & South East
Dan has over 12 years' experience within the recruitment industry and joined Robert Walters in 2015. Dan now oversees our offices in London and the South East.
Habiba Khatoon
Permanent Recruitment, Midlands
With over 15 years of experience in specialist recruitment services, Habiba has gained an extensive network across the Midlands market. Habiba now oversees the Birmingham office.
Lucy Bisset
Permanent Recruitment, North
Lucy has almost 20 years' experience within the recruitment industry, and has been with Robert Walters since 2011. Lucy now heads up the Manchester and Liverpool offices.
Our success stories
Hear inspiring success stories from our clients and candidates as they flourish in their new career journeys.Our other recruitment services
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Temporary recruitment
We have our finger on the pulse for all your contingent hiring needs.
Read more -
Interim Management
Connect with interim managers to add strategic value to your organisation.
Read more -
Market intelligence
Utilise the latest data to ensure you make the right hiring decisions.
Read more -
RPO
Transfer your permanent recruitment needs to an external provider.
Read more
An award-winning service
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FAQs
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What are the benefits of partnering with an executive search firm?
- Access to top talent: Partnering with an executive search & headhunting firm provides access to exclusive networks and highly qualified candidates who aren't actively job hunting.
- Industry expertise: Executive search companies offer deep industry insights and expert assessments, ensuring candidates are a perfect fit for your company culture.
- Streamlined recruitment: We handle candidate screening, interviews, and assessments, significantly saving your organisation time and resources.
- Strategic advantage: Utilising our executive hiring agency gives your company a competitive edge by quickly securing top executive talent ahead of your competitors.
Submit an executive hiring requirement to arrange a no-obligation discussion around how Robert Walters can support.
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What industries do you specialise in for excutive recruitment?
At Robert Walters, we specialise in executive & headhunting recruitment across a range of professional industries. Our expertise includes:
- Finance: Recruiting top-tier finance executives such as CFOs, controllers, and treasurers to drive financial strategy and growth.
- Corporate Leadership: Placing CEOs, COOs, and other senior executives who can lead and inspire across diverse sectors.
- Technology: Identifying leaders like CTOs and IT directors to keep your organisation ahead in the tech landscape.
- Healthcare: Sourcing administrators, chief medical officers, and healthcare CFOs to manage and grow healthcare organisations.
- Manufacturing and Engineering: Placing executives like procurement managers, VPs of operations, and engineering directors to optimise efficiency and innovation.
- Marketing and Sales: Finding dynamic CMOs, sales directors, and other leaders to boost business development and market presence.
- Human Resources: Recruiting HR executives, including CHROs and HR directors, to foster organisational culture and drive HR strategies.
We operate in multiple locations across the UK, providing localised expertise with a global reach.
Whether you're seeking a CFO in Manchester, a CEO in London, or a finance executive in Liverpool, we have the resources to meet your needs. Get in touch today to discuss your executive hiring needs.
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Can you assist with international executive searches?
Harnessing the strength of our international networks and management programs, we excel in conducting global executive searches. Our seasoned team possesses the expertise to navigate diverse talent pools worldwide, guaranteeing the identification of ideal candidates irrespective of geographical constraints.
Our executive search recruitment & headhunting firm boasts a network spanning over 30+ countries across continents and specialised knowledge in cross-cultural dynamics, we are fully equipped to meet your hiring needs on a global scale.
Contact us today to find out more about our international executive search experience.
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How can I find data to benchmark exec-level salaries?
In the realm of executive search, our Salary Survey stands as a comprehensive guide to salaries and hiring trends in the UK.
Drawing from the analysis of over 100,000 placements, encompassing permanent, interim, and contract roles, our survey offers in-depth insights into UK-specific salary and benefits across various industries.
Request your copy of the Salary Survey guide to accurately benchmark salaries to attract and retain top talent.
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How does Robert Walters’ London executive search team connect organisations with global leadership talent?
London’s status as a global business hub means organisations here require access to the very best executive talent, both locally and internationally. As one of London’s leading executive recruitment agencies, our recruiters leverage deep market knowledge and extensive networks to identify senior leaders who can drive growth and innovation.
For identifying C-suite leaders willing to relocate to London, Robert Walters has access to top talent pools from across the globe, and an International Candidate Management team. This global reach enables us to present a diverse shortlist of candidates, including those with international experience and fresh perspectives. Whether you’re seeking a CEO, CFO, or other senior executive, we ensure your business benefits from world-class leadership.
Take advantage of our global reach - contact our London executive search firm or submit a hiring requirement to discuss how we can connect you with exceptional leaders from the UK and beyond.
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How are executive hiring priorities changing for UK organisations?
Executive hiring in the UK is shifting as organisations adapt to new market realities. Businesses are increasingly seeking leaders who can drive digital transformation, foster inclusive cultures, and manage hybrid or remote teams.
In major cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, there’s a growing demand for executives with proven experience in technology, finance, and business strategy. Companies are also prioritising candidates who demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a track record of leading through uncertainty. As competition for top talent intensifies, executive search firms, like Robert Walters, are leveraging broader networks and advanced assessment tools to identify the best talent.
If you want to discuss the latest executive hiring trends or need support with your next leadership appointment, contact our UK executive search specialists for tailored advice.
Salary Survey 2026
If you’re growing your team or simply need to retain the talent you have, the Salary Survey guides you with the insights you need to have the right team in place to keep your business moving forward.