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Executive search

Structured. Strategic. Purpose-aligned.

We support senior leadership appointments where long-term impact depends on more than credentials. Our search approach is designed for decisions where alignment with values, culture and strategy is critical.​ Each search is grounded in organisational context and informed by behavioural evaluation, market insight and stakeholder engagement. We assess how leaders think, what they value and how they will shape the future.

Our approach

We specialise in senior leadership search for purpose-driven organisations navigating change. Our work supports boards and leadership teams during growth, succession and transformation. We do not simply fill roles. We support leadership decisions that strengthen alignment and future value.

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Every engagement begins with understanding your strategic landscape and culture. We shape a search process that combines insight, structure and discretion. By integrating behavioural evaluation and stakeholder engagement, we identify leaders with the values and potential to guide your organisation forward.

Harness our people

Utilise our technology

Leverage our network

Our consultants are experienced advisers with deep expertise in purpose driven leadership.

 

They bring sector knowledge, behavioural insight and a context-led approach to every engagement. By working closely with clients to understand strategy and culture, they help shape leadership decisions that deliver long term value.

Technology strengthens our process by making search more focused, inclusive and insight rich.

 

We use AI enabled tools to enhance research, surface overlooked candidates and identify patterns that guide evaluation. Used thoughtfully, technology improves visibility, sharpens judgement and supports better leadership decisions.

Our network is a trusted community of senior leaders who are values aligned, impact focused and committed to meaningful contribution.

 

These relationships extend beyond the visible market and allow us to introduce leaders grounded in shared purpose. This depth of access supports stronger alignment, conviction and clarity.

Typical process

We begin by understanding the leadership needs, context and priorities that will shape the role. Drawing on market insight, behavioural evaluation and discreet outreach, we identify leaders who align with your values and strategy.

 

Every stage is structured, collaborative and decision-focused. From longlist to onboarding, we support your team with clear insight and trusted judgement. Our commitment continues beyond appointment, ensuring long-term success for both leader and organisation.

Establishing search priorities

We begin by working closely with your team to understand the specific challenges and opportunities of your organisation and the role. This involves:​​

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  • Analysing Organisational Culture: We take the time to immerse ourselves in your organisation’s culture, values, and working environment. This includes understanding your mission, vision, and the unique attributes that define your team dynamics and workplace ethos.

  • Determining Leadership Needs: We identify the skills, knowledge, and abilities required for success in the role, ensuring alignment with your cultural values and strategic goals.

  • Offering Insights and Fresh Perspectives: We provide insights and alternative ideas to help refine your leadership needs, challenging assumptions when appropriate to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the role.

  • Developing a Customised Position Specification: We create a detailed position and candidate specification that outlines the role, responsibilities, goals, and key challenges, as well as the experience, qualifications, and competencies required. This specification is tailored to reflect your organisation’s culture and values.

Determining a search strategy

Together, we develop a targeted search strategy that includes:

 

  • Conducting In-Depth Market Research: We analyse relevant companies and sectors to identify potential candidates. This involves understanding industry trends, key players, and emerging talent pools.

  • Leveraging Our Network: We utilise our extensive network and relationships with senior executives across industries to identify high-potential candidates. Our connections enable us to reach passive candidates who may not be actively seeking new opportunities but are ideal fits for your organisation

  • Creating a Compelling Employer Value Proposition (EVP): We work with you to craft a compelling EVP that highlights your organisation’s mission, culture, and the unique benefits of the leadership role. This helps attract candidates who are not only qualified but also aligned with your values and goals.

  • Engaging with Third-Party Contacts: We collaborate with industry experts, advisors, and other third-party contacts to identify and qualify prospects. This ensures a comprehensive and productive long-list of potential candidates.

  • Utilising Multi-Channel Outreach: We employ a multi-channel approach to reach candidates, including direct outreach, social media, industry events, and professional networks. This maximises our reach and ensures we attract a diverse pool of top-tier talent.

Attracting and evaluating candidates

Our collaborative approach to candidate attraction and evaluation includes:

 

  • ​Leveraging the EVP: We actively promote your Employer Value Proposition to potential candidates, highlighting the unique aspects of your organisation that make it an attractive place to work. This includes your mission, culture, impact, and the opportunities for personal and professional growth.

  • Engaging Candidates: We approach potential candidates to gauge their interest in the role, using our insights into candidate interests and aspirations. We communicate the benefits and opportunities associated with the position, ensuring candidates understand how they can contribute to and grow with your organisation. Conducting

  • Rigorous Evaluations: We conduct competency-based interviews to assess candidates against the position specification. Our evaluation process includes detailed interviews, reference checks, and competency assessments to ensure a comprehensive understanding of each candidate’s capabilities.

  • Developing a Shortlist: We create a shortlist of candidates who meet the qualifications and show genuine interest in the position. Each candidate is evaluated not only on their skills and experience but also on their alignment with your organisation’s values and culture.  

Presenting qualified candidates

We present the most qualified candidates to you, providing:​​

 

  • In-Depth Written Analyses: Each candidate is benchmarked against the position specification through detailed written analyses. These analyses cover their professional background, key achievements, and how they meet the specific criteria set by your organisation.

  • Competency-Based Assessments: We use a structured competency framework to evaluate candidates on key leadership competencies, such as strategic thinking, team leadership, and problem-solving abilities. This ensures a consistent and objective comparison of candidates.

  • Cultural Fit Evaluation: We assess candidates’ alignment with your organisational culture and values. This includes evaluating their interpersonal skills, leadership style, and how they would integrate with your existing team.

  • External Views and References: We gather informal external views and conduct thorough reference checks to gain additional insights into each candidate’s reputation, work ethic, and past performance. This helps validate our assessments and provides a well-rounded view of each candidate.

  • Executive Capabilities Assessments: For high-stakes finalist selection, we provide detailed executive capabilities assessments. These assessments offer a comprehensive evaluation of each candidate’s strengths, development areas, and overall suitability for the role.  

Completing the search

Once you have selected your preferred candidate, we assist with:​

 

  • Conducting Thorough Background Checks: We perform comprehensive background checks and referencing to further assess competencies, strengths, and weaknesses.

  • Providing External Views: We offer external views of the candidate to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their fit for the role.

  • Supporting Offer Negotiation and Onboarding Plan: We assist with the offer negotiation and planning the onboarding process to ensure a smooth transition.

Investing in long-term success

Our commitment doesn’t end with the placement. We provide ongoing support to both the candidate and your organisation to ensure long-term success. This includes regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and additional resources to help the new leader integrate and thrive. We are invested in building lasting relationships and ensuring that our placements contribute positively to your organisation’s growth and impact.  

Our commitment to diverse leadership

Align leadership with purpose

If you’re planning a senior appointment or reviewing your leadership structure, we can help you make a long-term decision with confidence and clarity.

Philanthrope 2

Email | hello@philanthrope.co.uk​

London | Huguenot Place, Spitalfields E1 5LN

Manchester | Holyoake House M4 4AH

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