Retained Search

A committed, exclusive search for senior and hard-to-fill roles — when the right person is not looking and an advert will not find them.

Why Retained Search

  • One accountable search partner — your role is our priority, not one of many.
  • Deeper technical screening against the systems, projects and scope the role needs.
  • Regular market reporting, so you know what the market looks like while the search runs.

When it fits

  • Senior roles in thin markets: project directors, construction managers, commissioning managers, estimating and commercial leads, senior AI and ML engineers.
  • Several related hires at once, such as a new project leadership team.
  • Confidential hires where you cannot advertise.
Our Process

How it works

1

Brief and search plan

We agree the role, must-haves, target organisations and timeline.

2

Market map

We map who does this work now, in Australia and, where relevant, overseas.

3

Approach

We contact candidates directly and confidentially.

4

Shortlist and assessment

Screened against your brief, with our assessment of each candidate.

5

Offer and start

We manage the offer, notice period and start date.

Retained Search vs Executive Search

Retained Search is a committed search for senior specialists and delivery roles. Executive Search is a separate service for leadership hires. We will recommend which fits your role.

FAQ

Retained Search: common questions

What is Retained Search at Sonitec?

A committed, exclusive search for senior and hard-to-fill roles, for when the right person is not looking and an advert will not find them. You get one accountable search partner, deeper technical screening against the systems, projects and scope the role needs, and regular market reporting while the search runs.

When does Retained Search fit?

Senior roles in thin markets, such as project directors, construction managers, commissioning managers, estimating and commercial leads, and senior AI and ML engineers; several related hires at once, such as a new project leadership team; and confidential hires where you cannot advertise.

How does a retained search run?

Five steps. We agree the brief and search plan (role, must-haves, target organisations and timeline), map who does this work now in Australia and, where relevant, overseas, approach candidates directly and confidentially, present a shortlist screened against your brief with our assessment of each candidate, then manage the offer, notice period and start date.

What is the difference between Retained Search and Executive Search?

Retained Search is a committed search for senior specialists and delivery roles. Executive Search is a separate Sonitec service for leadership hires such as CTOs, CISOs, Heads of AI, project directors and heads of construction. Tell us about the role and we will recommend which fits.

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