Retained Executive Search

Mission-Critical Leadership. Guaranteed Delivery.

When failure is not an option, ICX Group’s Retained Search provides the exhaustive rigor, market intelligence, and executive discretion required to secure the top 1% of leadership talent.

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The Retained Advantage

Traditional recruitment relies on who is looking; our Retained Search identifies who is leading. By combining exhaustive market intelligence with a dedicated consultant model, we provide the specialized infrastructure required to secure transformative C-Suite talent and ensure long-term organizational alignment.

Strategic Market Mapping

Passive Market Penetration

Great leadership is rarely found on a job board. We conduct a deep-dive analysis to locate the "off-market" leaders currently driving success at top-tier organizations. We open doors to elite talent that standard recruitment methods cannot reach.

Executive Vetting Process

Rigorous Leadership Vetting

Beyond technical skills, we assess for cultural alignment, EQ, and strategic vision. You receive a curated shortlist of candidates who have been deeply scrutinized before the first interview.

Long-term Retention

Extended Retention Guarantee

We are so confident in our methodology that we offer a replacement guarantee. We aren't just filling a seat; we are securing your long-term ROI.

Our Methodology

A rigorous, data-driven approach to de-risking your most important leadership transitions.

01

Calibration

Aligning on the strategic objectives, culture, and the ‘DNA’ of the ideal leader.

02

Intelligence

Exhaustive mapping of the competitor landscape and passive talent pools.

03

Vetting

Deep behavioral interviews and preliminary reference checks to ensure fit.

04

Shortlist

Presentation of the top 3–5 ‘Gold Standard’ candidates with detailed dossiers.

05

Execution

Strategic offer navigation and post-placement support to ensure a seamless transition.


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Strategic Commitment

“Retained search is more than a hire; it is a strategic investment in the stability and future leadership of your organization.”

We move beyond standard recruitment to act as a seamless extension of your executive team.

Strict Off-Limits Agreement

We value long-term partnerships over short-term gains. While under a retained agreement, we provide a total ‘Off-Limits’ guarantee—we will never headhunt from your organization, protecting your internal talent while we build your leadership team.

Stealth & Confidentiality

Replacing an incumbent or entering a new market requires absolute discretion. We are experts in ‘stealth’ searches, managing highly confidential outreach and vetting processes without alerting the market or your competitors.

Ready to discuss a specific leadership placement?


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Choosing the Right Model

We align our search intensity with the strategic importance of your hire.

Retained

Executive Tier
  • Engagement: Total Partnership
  • Market Reach: Exhaustive Mapping
  • Fee: Structured Retainer
  • Typical Roles: VP to C-Suite

Contained

  • Engagement: Exclusive Priority
  • Typical Roles: Manager to Director

Contingent

  • Engagement: Non-Exclusive
  • Typical Roles: Staffing to Mid-Level

Why choose Retained Search? For mission-critical leadership transitions, the Retained model provides the highest level of commitment and market transparency. This dedicated mandate ensures your organization receives priority access to every corner of the talent market, supported by a rigorous vetting process and a comprehensive search strategy that guarantees a successful leadership hire.

Recent Insights & Articles

Stay ahead of talent and hiring trends.

Industry News

The Executive Guide to Ending Administrative Burden in Construction Project Management

Stop the ‘Gray Work’: Reclaim 10+ Hours Weekly from Construction Admin The Executive Guide to Ending Administrative Burden in Construction Project Management.

Hiring Advice

The Real Challenges in Hiring a Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Hiring a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is one of the most important leadership decisions a company will make.

Talent Trends

Presentation Matters: Why Your LinkedIn Photo is Your First Interview

Insights from the VP of Marketing & Creative Services, on hiring manager feedback.

Executive Boardroom

Ready to secure your next impact hire?

The difference between a “filled role” and a “transformed organization” is the quality of the search. Let’s discuss how our retained methodology
de-risks your leadership transitions.


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Speak with a Partner

Confidentiality guaranteed. Total Off-Limits protection applies to all retained partnerships.

Service Portfolios

Recruiting
Services.

A Cut Above.

Our clients understand that hiring the best and brightest results in a competitive advantage. Leveraging our Big 4 heritage, we identify candidates whose core values align perfectly with your organizational intricacies.

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WHO WE’VE WORKED WITH

"ICX knows the local talent market better than anyone, and they deliver top-quality results."

Jayson Roy

VP, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

"We’re in a fast-paced business, and our needs are always changing. ICX delivers exactly what we want, right on time. They’re able to find the best fit and keep our personnel happy."

Carolyn Sizemore

VP Controller

"We have walked in our clients’ shoes and fully understand the nuances and complexities of the issues they face."

Therese Stern

Project Professional

Recruiting Services

Recruiting Services

A cut above.

Our clients understand that hiring the best and brightest results in a competitive advantage to their organizations. They know we understand that as well. Our Big 4 heritage and our network that spans across the US and into Canada and Europe provides us with a competitive advantage in recruiting the best and brightest for our clients as well as our own firm. We understand, in addition to intelligence and experience, a cultural fit is equally important. Employees that fit well with their organizations have greater job satisfaction, demonstrate superior job performance, are more committed and are more likely to remain with their company. Each company has its own culture and we take the time to understand it before recommending candidates.

Consulting

Consulting

What business problem keeps you awake at night?

That’s the question our consulting team asks clients to get to the root of an issue. Utilizing our expert resources, first we define the problem – not just the general issue, but the specifics that are unique to your company. Then, we study the surrounding processes, procedures and details to frame and deliver the solution. Finally, we help your team take action – whether it’s implementing process improvements, restructuring a department or team, or setting up a standard review system. We save you time by providing expert resources that have solved similar issues.

Project Assistance

Project Assistance

Our project assistance clients already know the issue they need help with.

They just don’t have the time or resources to get the job done efficiently without disrupting their normal business activities.

Our team serves as an extension of your project team – we bring a specific set of skills to the project as well as the horsepower.

Our project professionals work under your direction with minimal supervision to meet your goals. We leave the knowledge behind.

Staffing

Staffing

Bringing the best to your door.

When you need to temporarily fill a position – due to a promotion, employee departure, maternity leave, or other circumstance – we tap our talent network to find the best professional for the job, so you won’t lose momentum on important projects.