Our Service
Success-oriented retained executive Search
ECI is a global network comprising independent companies, each with its own solid reputation in domestic, retained executive search and leadership consulting. Our organisational model enables our partner firms to focus on what they do best: satisfy and exceed the expectations of their clients. ECI has no standard models or pre-packaged solutions.
Every solution is precisely honed through the skills, market intelligence and insights of expert consultants in each sector and geography - experts who think outside the box with a global and multi-disciplinary perspective.
Supported by our International Office, which coordinates and deploys partnership-wide expertise, our local teams work closely with our clients’ leadership structures to create unique and distinctive research and leadership consulting strategies, tailored to fit the exact circumstances and nuances of every individual requirement.
This is our boutique approach and has been our signature for over 50 years.
Process Process | Our Services
In search of the perfect fit
Our working methods – open, multidisciplinary and collaborative – are the fruit of our experience painstakingly gained over 50 years of operating in the most important markets worldwide. Understanding the specific culture of our client and identifying the profile of the manager that shares those values and objectives are the keys to a successful executive search. These are the very same principles that guide our approach of comprehensive client communication at every phase of the search: from the definition of the preliminary strategy to the final offer and recruitment of the selected individual.- Reviewing the Recruitment Context
- Understanding the Client's Mission, Philosophy and Company Values
- Defining the Role Responsibilities and Qualifications
- Defining the ideal Candidate Profile
- Building up a list of Target Companies
- Mapping Structures and Reporting Lines
- Direct Search supported by our Comprehensive Database
- In-depth Interviews
- Identifying Professional and Personal Fit
- Reference Checking and Due Diligence
- Shortlisting the best Candidates
- Managing the Selection Process
- Supporting and Advising on the Hiring Process and Offer
Non-standard IS OUR STANDARD
Though ECI is primarily a network of professional Executive Search firms, our local presence in key markets means that we can offer clients tailor-made solutions and services at both local and international level. Services may include:
Talent Selection
This specialist consultant team recruits for the management tiers beneath the level where Executive Search may not be the most appropriate methodology.
Using a different process to Executive Search, the team has a true global reach supported by an extensive database backed by powerful and innovative technology.
Process Talent Selection
- Understanding our client’s culture and organisation
Our consultants utilise their deep industry knowledge and expertise quickly to understand an organisation and define role profiles. Confidentiality and integrity underpin our approach. - Quickly reaching the best talent in the market
A custom made approach characterises our ability rapidly to reach and attract the best individuals in the market. We benefit from a truly international network as well as market leading tools that allow us to tailor our approach and respond to changing requirements. We use a combination of direct research and advertising as well as drawing on our extensive global database. - Selecting exceptional candidates
Our well established experience in this challenging recruitment market means that we are rapidly able to identify those candidates with most to offer in the position being recruited for.
Advertised Selection
Advertised Selection is a quick and effective solution for filling a position where the required skills and experience are more readily available in the wider marketplace, or where legal requirements may dictate a public approach. Our sophisticated online and hard copy advertising and selection service benefits from the impact of our powerful advertising brand, which is proven to be attractive to high quality candidates.
Process Advertised Selection
- Creating a penetrating media strategy
With a bewildering range of traditional and online advertising options available, creating the right mix of exposure for each assignment is critical to success. Our consultants will take time to understand the brief and to define the profile of the ideal candidate, before designing a media strategy that will achieve the right level of reach in the target market. - Managing the assignment
From creating and placing advertising copy, to handling initial enquiries, our consultants remain wholly focused on the unique requirements of each assignment. Using the ECI brand in advertised positions often creates uplift in the quality and quantity of enquiries. - Selecting the strongest candidates
With many years’ experience in assessing initial applications and vetting individuals, we are experts at selecting potential candidates, taking into account the skillset, experience and personality that will be required to make a sustainable contribution to our client.
Transition
ECI’s Transition's services provides professionals for senior short term appointments. Proven managers are available at short notice to meet client needs. As well as providing interim support across all executive functions, we can also provide governance support through Non-Executive or Chair appointments. Speed, flexibility and transparency define our interim solutions.
Process Transitions
- Responding to demanding timeframes
We recognise the need for decisive, quick responses to transitions requirements and our team will rapidly establish the right solution. Once we have understood the brief, our portfolio of pre-vetted interim leaders is immediately contacted to assess their availability and suitability. Our focus is to ensure the correct Transition Manager is ready to start as soon as possible. - Action from the outset
We oversee the appointment of the chosen executive who will take immediate control and implement any necessary measures in response to a crisis or short term need. A business plan and timetable will be agreed and launched with regular updates to all stakeholders throughout. - Ongoing support
Any transition leader placed by our specialist team will be supervised by us or a senior market expert to ensure expectations are being met. At the end of an assignment a full and thorough handover is completed to ensure knowledge is retained within the business.
Assessment
We partner with clients to shape leadership strategy often in response to significant organisational change. Our services enable businesses and individuals to evolve and prosper in ever changing landscapes. Interventions include leadership assessment and development, individual profiling and coaching, management due diligence and diversity consultancy.
Process Assessment
- Coaching
This service works as a complement to other development initiatives. Each established coaching programme comprises an initial assessment and a series of one-to-one meetings. Our teams of skilled coaches use established tools to help individuals evolve and flourish. - Profiling
Individual assessments can help shareholders and senior executives make objective and informed decisions about a senior appointment to their business or even a personal career move. Our specialists are experienced in using varied tools including a full suite of psychometric assessments, situational role plays and structured interview methodology. - Management Due Diligence
Shareholders or CEOs can benefit from management appraisals in order to measure the performance of their teams or to assess the potential impact of organisational change. We begin by defining clear frameworks and metrics with our clients before conducting an in-depth assessment of each team member. A clear report with an action plan and recommendations is presented along with the opportunity to question and expand on our findings as required. Private Equity or other acquiring firms often find this service an essential input to their decision-making approach.
Bespoke Research
We are regularly asked to manage bespoke research projects on behalf of our clients. The expertise of our Research Department gives us formidable capability to carry out studies of markets and employment conditions. Typical examples might include a salary survey to identify a competitive package for a new role, or a market review to validate the business model for a new venture, and due diligence initiatives for private equity companies and clients considering mergers and acquisitions.
Process Bespoke Research
- Salary Surveys
A salary survey can help to establish market rates across particular functions, regions or markets. We have regularly helped clients to pinpoint competitive salary rates to inform appropriate approaches for executive search, advertised salary ranges or indeed wider internal reviews. - Market review
A market review can be an invaluable tool in assessing ongoing employment strategies for existing operations or new ventures. Our experts can help to define the pool of potential talent, together with the range of incentives that may be required to attract credible executives to senior roles. - Due diligence
Our consultants regularly contribute to due diligence initiatives for private equity companies and clients considering mergers and acquisitions. Our research expertise and established networks of high level contacts give us the far-reaching access required to help inform strategic business decisions.
