Understand your recruiter's thought process. Retained search is suitable for mid-management to Executive positions in which there is a need for definite delivery from your agency.
A retained search allows a recruitment partner to advertise to a greater degree, use varying search technology, and spend longer searching, screening and interviewing due to the fact the partner will know they are not only working for you but in partnership. This allows a greater spend on advertising, and greater time allocated to the whole search and interview process.
In recruitment on the agency side, the focus tends to be on money, not service. Global Retail Recruitment differs from this due to our philosophy, ethics, and operating structure. Many agencies do not prioritize your job. Instead, they focus on where fees can be made promptly and with the greatest return.
So, when you pay only by the final result (contingency) or you are using multiple agencies, your agency may offer you a second or third-choice candidate because the truly exceptional candidates are sent to clients who react quickly and pay more. A retained search overcomes this. It offers a guarantee of a full fee if the agency fulfils its role.
You 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.
Current vacancies for international executives in the following functions: Retail Operations, Digital, E-commerce, Buying, Merchandising, VM, Marketing, Real Estate, Supply Chain, Logistics, HR, Finance, Brand, Franchise and more at senior managerial to Country, GM, C Suite
Due to the confidential nature of some vacancies we may not list these on our website so please get in touch.
Chief Executive Officer / Board of DirectorsThe Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) will lead and optimise all HR operations across the organisation,...
VIEW DETAILSCandidates must be Arabic and English fluent, have previous experience in transactional e-commerce (i.e., a platform that sells physical products, not...
VIEW DETAILSChief People Officer (CPO)Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Nationality: Saudi National | Sector: Banking / Financial ServicesWe are seeking a visiona...
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 Asia