Search Methodology
A defined process behind every appointment.
Seven stages, applied with discipline and adapted to the mandate, the market, and the confidentiality the engagement requires.
The process
Seven stages of a Thalvern search.
Each stage produces a deliverable the client can examine, challenge, and act on.
- 01
Define
Understand the organization's strategy, leadership mandate, business context, culture, and definition of success.
- 02
Map
Build a comprehensive view of the relevant executive talent market.
- 03
Identify
Target high-caliber executives from relevant organizations and leadership environments.
- 04
Assess
Evaluate leadership capability, strategic experience, functional expertise, cultural alignment, motivation, and potential.
- 05
Engage
Conduct confidential, personalized executive outreach.
- 06
Present
Deliver a focused shortlist supported by detailed candidate assessments and market intelligence.
- 07
Support
Assist throughout interviews, references, negotiations, offer discussions, and leadership transition.
Indicative timeline
What happens after the engagement is signed.
Indicative only. Timelines vary with the seniority of the role, the confidentiality required, and the availability of the decision-making group; the schedule is agreed in writing at the outset of each engagement.
Week 1
Mandate definition
Strategy, context, success measures, and assessment criteria agreed and confirmed in writing.
Weeks 1–2
Market mapping
The relevant leadership universe is researched and reviewed with you before any approach is made.
Weeks 2–4
Executive engagement
Confidential, individually written approaches to target executives, with weekly response reporting.
Weeks 4–6
Assessment
Structured interviews and written assessment against the agreed criteria.
Weeks 5–7
Shortlist
A focused slate presented with written assessments and the market intelligence gathered en route.
Thereafter
References, offer & transition
Referencing with consent, offer negotiation, resignation support, and the first phase of the appointment.
Governance
Communication throughout the engagement.
Clients receive structured progress reporting: market coverage, executives approached, response patterns, assessment findings, and compensation observations gathered during the search.
Next step
Let's discuss the leadership challenge.
Every conversation with Thalvern Advisory is confidential and without obligation.