The Complete Guide to Working with an Executive Search Partner
Partnering with an executive search firm can be one of the most strategic decisions an organisation makes, especially when hiring senior marketing and digital leaders. At this level, the right appointment will become the ‘engine for growth’, transform teams, and provide long-term competitive advantage. The key to success lies in establishing a relationship with your specialist search partner that is transparent, collaborative, and aligned to the desired business outcomes.
The first step is clarity. At Suzie Walker Executive Search, we’ll start with an initial call and then an in-person meeting to work through the brief. A strong brief is more than a job description; it captures the commercial context, the strategic mandate, and the leadership behaviours needed for success. For roles in fast-moving marketing and digital environments, this means articulating expectations around data-driven decision-making, customer centricity, digital transformation, and stakeholder influence. The more detail you provide upfront, the more precisely we can target the right talent.
Next comes market intelligence. We bring deep insight into talent availability (active talent) and those in roles we should target (passive talent). We advise not only on who is suitable but also on what the market is signalling – salary benchmarks, emerging skill sets, shifting candidate motivations, and competitor dynamics. This intelligence helps you shape the role and position your organisation effectively.
Throughout the search, expect structured communication through our client portal: regular progress updates from the team, honest feedback on candidate reactions, and clear reasoning behind each shortlist. We complete a two-stage assessment process before sharing the shortlist to ensure chemistry, culture, and technical fit. We act as an extension of your brand, representing your values in every candidate interaction and ensuring a positive experience for everyone.
Finally, our partnership doesn’t end once an offer is accepted. Executive onboarding, integration support, and continued dialogue help ensure long-term success. When managed well, a relationship with an executive search partner like Suzie Walker Executive Search becomes a trusted advisory connection – one that can repeatedly deliver transformative leaders to propel your business forward.
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.
