Different roles require different levels of commitment, discretion, and investment.
What ultimately determines success is not the label — retained or contingency — but whether the search model creates alignment, focus, and accountability between client and search partner.
Choosing the right recruitment model is less about labels and more about focus, alignment, and accountability.
For business-critical hires, exclusivity matters.
Best suited to mid-management, senior leadership, and executive roles where certainty, discretion, and depth are required.
A retained search provides:
Exclusive commitment to your assignment
Structured market mapping and direct headhunting
Investment in search technology, advertising, and research
Time for thorough screening, interviews, and referencing
This model supports a considered, end-to-end search process aligned to long-term outcomes.
Ideal when speed and flexibility are important, but ownership and accountability must remain clear.
A sole-agency contingency search offers:
One search partner, one mandate
Fees payable on successful placement
Consistent candidate representation
Focus without the inefficiencies of multi-agency recruitment
When a single partner is trusted with the search, incentives align.
Exclusivity allows your recruitment partner to:
Prioritise your role properly
Engage candidates confidently
Represent your brand consistently
Deliver a more controlled and professional search process
At Global Retail Recruitment, we operate exclusively on either a retained or sole-agency contingency basis.
We advise on the model that best fits the role, the market, and your hiring objectives — not simply the fastest option.
We specialise in senior and executive appointments across the global retail and consumer sectors, including:
Retail & Store Operations · Digital & E-commerce · Buying & Merchandising · Product & Private Label · Marketing & Brand · Visual Merchandising · Real Estate & Expansion · Supply Chain & Logistics · Finance · Human Resources · Franchise & Partnership Models
We support hires from senior management through Country Leadership, General Management, and C-suite.
Many assignments are delivered on a confidential and exclusive basis and are therefore not publicly advertised.
For a discreet discussion, please contact us directly.
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VIEW DETAILSJochen Eckhold "It is an absolute pleasure doing business with Neil. He has a great network, is very responsive, flexible and “gets” client needs. Working with him feels like working with an immediate extension of the recruiting department"
Jochen Eckhold SVP Global HR, HUGO BOSS | Organizational Effectiveness, DigitalizationFlor Du Poy (2022) "Neil was able to find a perfectly matched job for me as an Executive Consultant. He went way and beyond to facilitate me regarding contracts, payments and travelling arrangements. He also was key in intermediation between client and myself. Neil, thanks for the good work!"
CEO – Board Member - Ex AldiDiana Styles "Neil has a knack for matching the right person with the right company and culture. Neil’s networking skills keep him connected globally and he can be counted on to make placements all over the world. His expertise and understanding of the retail space make him a valued asset when hired to source for retail roles in all the functional specialty areas (Operations, HR, Marketing, etc.). I look forward to a continued partnership with Neil."
Chief Human Resources Officer (ex-adidas) | HR TransformationSonia De Chuna -2025 "I had the pleasure of working with Neil during my recruitment process. He gave me clear insights about the company, coached me for the interviews, and boosted my confidence at every step. Thanks to his guidance, I felt fully prepared and secured the role. He is dedicated, transparent, and motivating. I am very grateful for his help and would recommend him without hesitation to any professional looking for their next step"
Retail Director – Retail Director - NIKE (Fox Group)Chris Phillips - Feb 2025 "Neil played a key role in what turned out to be a life-changing career move for me. His dedication, professionalism, and deep understanding of the role made all the difference. Thanks to his support, I’ve started an exciting new chapter — both professionally and personally. I’m truly grateful and highly recommend working with him"
Chief Merchandise & Category Officer - Kenneth Cole, Hugo Boss, Michael KorsIan Kent - 2026 "Neil is an outstanding recruiter who has successfully delivered for our business on multiple occasions, sourcing high quality candidates who have also been the “right fit” for the organization. He manages to combine a high level of honesty, integrity and long-term view which has benefited candidate and client simultaneously. In my experience he puts everyone at ease, whilst guiding and coaching candidates through the process. Neil is accessible, approachable, and very humble in his approach, whilst managing multiple searches and priorities at the same time. I would have no hesitation in recommending Neil in the future from management to board levels"
COO – Extra (Consumer Electronics), Tesco AsiaYou know they will buy into the recruitment process because retained = brand partner
You will have a dedicated consultant/agency working 100% to achieve the desired result
You will receive Market feedback: full report of candidates that are being headhunted, screened, selected by Name, Title, Brand for potential future use.
You will get a result rather than multiple agencies who may or may NOT! focus on your role as a priority.