Executive Search and Advisory

Source and develop exceptional permanent and interim C-suite and senior leadership talent, delivering immediate impact and shaping your organisation’s future success.

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Your senior leadership search starts here

Choosing the right leader is one of the most pivotal decisions you’ll make for your organisation’s future. That’s why Hays Executive Search specialises in connecting you with senior professionals who thrive in complex settings and can steer your organisation to success.

Our specialist consultants are equipped with deep sector and functional expertise, partnering with you to understand your strategic goals, assess leadership needs, and deliver C-suite and board-level candidates who thrive amid complexity.

Together with our unmatched post-placement support and strategic development, we empower every new leader to deliver from day one, keep on growing, and always be ready for what’s next.

What sets us apart is not just our expertise in identifying and nurturing top-tier leadership talent, but also our unwavering commitment to responsible business practices. As a market leader in ESG and social impact, Hays is dedicated to advancing responsible and sustainable leadership in every organisation we partner with. Our executive search process is underpinned by a strong focus on environmental, social, and governance outcomes, ensuring your board and senior hires actively contribute to a positive legacy.

Discover the leadership insights shaping 2026

The 2026 Hays UK Salary Guide delivers the salary data and market insight senior leaders need to make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Why choose our Executive Search service?

  • Enhance your access to skills and expertise

    Get unrivalled access to a network of future-ready leaders, equipped with the in-demand skills and personal competencies required to drive innovation across your organisation and deliver sustainable results. 

  • Deliver long-term strategic fit

    Leverage our advanced methodologies – including psychometric testing, leadership assessment, and bespoke evaluation frameworks – to ensure every senior appointment aligns with your strategic vision and shareholder expectations.

  • Build more diverse senior teams

    Support equitable hiring outcomes and encourage the formation of diverse boards and leadership teams, using our evidence-based, structured assessment process. 

Functional expertise

We hire, advise and train across the full spectrum of senior leadership roles and functions. Whether you’re looking to hire an interim CFO, line up your next permanent CIO, or upskill an entire leadership team, you can trust us to deliver.

 

Some of the key functions we specialise in include:

  • Board and chairs
  • Chief executives and C-suite
  • Finance
  • Technology
  • HR
  • Property

Our Executive Search service lines include:

    • Executive Search (permanent and interim) 
    • Executive Interim Management 
    • Executive Assessment & Development (A&D) 
    • Leadership Development 
    • Executive Career Transition 
    • Pay & Reward Benchmarking 
    • DE&I Advisory 

     

    Find your next leader

Our Executive Search sectors

Hays are approved providers across a host of Public Service framework providers including CCS, LGRP, Cirrus, Commercial Services Group, ESPO, SUPC and others.

  • Public Services

    • Local government
    • Central government
    • Health
    • Education

  • Not-for-Profit

    • Charities
    • Membership bodies
    • Housing associations
    • Social enterprise

  • Commerce

    • Technology & AI 
    • Professional services 
    • Financial services 
    • Consumer 
    • Industrial 
    • Real estate 

Executive Search FAQs

An executive search team will give you access to a global network of talent across various industries. Their experience makes them well-practiced in identifying the right fit for your organisation. 

New challenges and increasingly volatile markets mean the leaderships skills required today are radically different to the traditional competencies required in the past. Integrity, empathy, and solid decision-making are always valued, while the ability to adapt and embrace new skills and technology in increasingly vital. 

It’s easy to start the search for your next executive hire - simply contact us for a confidential discussion around your requirements.

We’re always looking to improve how we can advise and provide the workforce solutions that deliver on your ambition.

A solution for every workforce challenge

Scale your access to skills 

Circumstances change, priorities shift. Meet every challenge with an agile solution.

Find out how we can help: Talk to Hays

Interested in workforce solutions?

Today's solutions lay the foundation for pursuing tomorrow's opportunities. Aided by technology and automation, we make managing complex talent needs simpler and easier.

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Ready to hire? Let's get started

Whether it's short-notice temporary support or long-term employees, we'll find the perfect fit to drive your organisation forward. Partner with us to access the talent you need to succeed.

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