What we do - Cheetham Hall - Executive Search

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For every client or candidate coming to us, the first step is to analyse and break down the brief.

We look at every element and requirement. Using our expertise, sector and market knowledge to understand and often challenge what you’re asking for.

It’s how we add the ultimate value to your search. We save you significant time in putting the right person in the right job at the right time and place.

Even organisations with in-house talent acquisition teams come to us to finesse this vital stage and get the brief right – even if they then go on to handle the delivery.

How many other search consultancies would be asked to do this? How many would do it?

Here’s the rest of the process:

Search

We have dedicated researchers to identify and contact candidates. All with over 10 years experience, this is all they do. It’s why they know the most effective and influential way to showcase the role to potentially the right person.

Focussed shortlist

Typically, for each appointment we interview between 8-12 carefully selected candidates. Each is assessed against the key criteria agreed at the briefing session and scored against those criteria to provide objective assessment. We also prepare a report on every candidate with recommendations. Not only on their skills and experience but also their equally important fit with the organisation.

A select few

Usually 3-4 candidates are selected for final interviews and often we attend these to provide continuity and facilitate a more productive meeting.

The right offer

Creating the right offer involves huge experience. We usually handle this process to ensure all questions are answered and fully resolved for the chosen candidate. There’s often a 2-3 month period before the appointed person starts so we continue to be involved and handle communications during that time. Starting a new role should be as smooth as possible.

Fees

Our work is skilled, time consuming and our knowledge and experience in conducting searches is rare, as well as crucial to their success.

That’s reflected in the two charging options we have:

Time based

This is an excellent option for multiple appointments. Or for handling the initial briefing and developing the search strategy for internal talent acquisition teams to then deliver.

Fee based

Charged in three equal stages:

Commencement of assignment
Upon an offer being made to the selected candidate
Upon the start date of the appointed candidate.

What people say

I have known and worked with Cheetham Hall for almost 20 years, both as a client and a candidate. For me the point of differentiation and the considerable value that Cheetham Hall add to their assignments is the time they invest in really getting to know and understand the client organisation, not just in terms of the skills and experience required but that all important chemistry or culture. They then research the market place and their networks to produce a short-list of good quality, well matched candidates. This ensures that there are no surprises for either side and that appointed candidates are successful in their new organisation and are able to quickly add value.

Chris demonstrated extensive knowledge of the infrastructure market. Our search was a challenging one and he showed perseverance and flexibility as we pivoted our approach, ultimately securing a great appointment.

We engage Cheetham Hall for some of our senior appointments where their sector experience and contacts add real value to our in-house team. A good example is a recent series of appointments in the energy sector, connected to GHD’s Future Energy Strategy, which were successfully delivered beyond expectation in a very ‘hot’ and competitive market.

Port Causeway is a Commercial and Project Management consultancy operating across the construction, engineering, energy, & infrastructure sectors. We’ve collaborated with Cheetham Hall for many years. Their sector knowledge, contact network and understanding of current market conditions is invaluable. This, combined with their honest & sensible advice makes Cheetham Hall a trusted partner.

We engaged Cheetham Hall to assist with a number of ‘hard to fill’ critical positions in the UK and Ireland. The thoroughness of their search enabled us to make appointments in these roles when we had previously failed via other routes. Their approach is thorough and professional.

Chris applies a level of diligence that is rarely seen within the recruitment market. He possesses and demonstrates a detailed understanding of his client’s business and can deliver a true match in role versus profile. With a cross section of experience that would have been applicable to multiple roles with his client, he was able to challenge my skillset and refine a best value match for both parties. Chris brings clarity and insight in his approach that distinguishes him from other executive search organisations.

Chris definitely stood out in his style and approach compared to many other recruitment consultants. He was very involved in the whole recruitment process and helped me better understand the work my current employer (GHD) does. His insights on my strengths and weaknesses made conversations with GHD easier during the hiring process.

Chris was instrumental in me securing a senior role on the HPC project. His communication and advice during the entire recruitment exercise was very helpful – he was always available to speak, discuss progress and guide me through a detailed client selection process. Chris’ approach is conscientious, consistent, patient and persistent.