Inside the Executive Search Process: From Brief to Placement
Executive search for senior marketing and digital leaders demands a process that is both highly structured and deeply consultative. At its core, it is about understanding not only what an organisation needs today, but what it will require as markets, technologies, and customer expectations evolve. The journey from brief to placement follows a sequence designed to uncover exceptional talent and ensure long-term chemistry, cultural and technical fit.
The brief
It begins with a rigorous briefing phase. Here, we work closely with key stakeholders to clarify the role’s scope, success criteria, leadership expectations, and cultural nuances. For marketing and digital leadership mandates, this includes mapping across brand, performance, data, and digital transformation. A robust brief becomes the strategic blueprint for the entire search.
Market intelligence and research
Next comes market intelligence and research. By combining industry insight, talent mapping, and competitor analysis, we define the universe of potential candidates, including those not actively seeking new opportunities (passive candidates). This stage often surfaces valuable data about talent availability, compensation trends, and emerging skill sets in marketing, digital, and transformation leadership.
The longlist and shortlist
The longlist phase focuses on discreet outreach and engagement. Candidates are evaluated not only on experience but on mindset, adaptability, and their ability to drive growth in complex, rapidly changing environments. At Suzie Walker Executive Search, we complete a two-stage assessment – one on chemistry and culture fit, and the other on technical competency. From here, a refined shortlist is presented, supported by detailed candidate reports and competency-based assessments.
Interview and selection
The interview and selection stage is a collaborative process. We can advise on structured evaluation, ensuring each candidate is measured consistently against the agreed brief. Once a preferred finalist is identified, we can support with negotiation, references, and onboarding planning.
Placement
Placement is not the end - it’s the beginning of a successful transition. Post-placement follow-ups ensure the leader is set up for early impact and long-term success. Through this end-to-end process, we transform a hiring challenge into a strategic advantage.
To find out how we can support you with senior marketing and digital hires, connect with a Consultant.
Suzie Walker Executive Search is a specialist headhunting firm dedicated to finding exceptional interim and permanent senior marketing, digital, and technology leaders for both B2C and B2B organisations. We partner with FTSE 350 and private equity–backed companies, recruiting for roles at Head, Director and Chief (C-suite) level.
If you’re ready to make your next move, we regularly post new opportunities on our LinkedIn company page. If you apply for a role on the platform, it requires a 1st connection for us to respond, so please make sure to connect with Suzie Walker. Our company page is also frequently updated with the latest hiring news, expert interviews, and candidate guidance, so well worth following.
