Battery storage executive recruitment: search or recruitment?

Two different models

Contingent recruitment agencies are paid when a candidate they introduce is hired. They typically work quickly from active candidates and advertised roles, and several agencies may work on the same vacancy. For many roles that is efficient.

Retained executive search is exclusive and research led. The search firm is engaged to map the whole relevant market, approach people who are not looking, assess them against agreed criteria and manage the process to appointment. Part of the fee is committed at the outset, which funds that research.

When search is the better choice

Search is usually the better route when the role is senior or business critical, when the best candidates are unlikely to be looking, when confidentiality matters, or when the business needs an objective assessment rather than a selection of CVs. In battery storage, that typically includes chief executive, finance, grid, development, delivery and board roles.

When recruitment may be enough

For roles below senior leadership, where a strong active candidate market exists and speed matters more than breadth, contingent recruitment can be appropriate. We will tell you honestly if we think your requirement does not need a retained search.