Functional Head Executive Search for Engineering Firms

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

What we look for in a functional head

Whatever the function, we look for four things.

Project-business fluency

We look for experience in engineering, construction or other project-based businesses, or clear proof that a candidate can learn one fast.

Partnership with operations

Good functional heads support project teams instead of policing them. We ask for examples of solving problems alongside operations, not around them.

Building the function

In many firms, the new head will be building a team or systems from a low base. We look for people who have done that before.

Credibility with engineers

Engineers respect evidence. We look for leaders who make their case with data and earn the trust of technical people.

Assessing functional heads with RoleDNA™ Mapping

Functional heads work across the whole business, so fit with your leadership team matters as much as professional skill. RoleDNA™ Mapping, our own assessment process, measures both.

We build a role profile for the function with you. Each shortlisted candidate answers key competency questions tied to your business, completes a Behavioral Assessment and records a short introduction. We verify references and present everything, scored against your profile, in an online client dashboard. See how RoleDNA™ Mapping works.

RESULTS

The same standard for every function

98%

Fill rate

of the searches we take on end with a candidate placed.

96%

12-month retention

of the candidates we place are still in their role after 12 months.

12/24

Free replacement

months of cover: 12 as standard, extended to 24 (2 years) for senior roles.

Functional heads get the same protection as every other placement: our 12-month free replacement guarantee, extended to 2 years for senior roles, subject to the agreed terms of engagement. How our guarantee works.