Executive Search
& Selection

Retained and contingent search for AI and ML leadership. VP, Head of, Director and C-level.

Why Use a Specialist
Search Firm?

The right AI and ML leaders are rarely on the market. We identify, approach and secure the senior hires that VC-backed startups and scaling companies can't find through job boards or internal networks. From first briefing to accepted offer, we manage the entire search.

Our Executive Search
& Selection Process

Here's how we run every executive search, from initial briefing through to accepted offer.

Step 1: Discovery

You share the role details, requirements and hiring criteria. We add our market perspective, including candidate availability, compensation benchmarks and realistic timelines.

Step 2: Define

We help you define the remit of the executive you want to hire, including role responsibilities, desired experience and specialisms.

Step 3: Research

We map the market across our network and beyond, identifying both active and passive candidates who match the brief. This includes direct approaches to people who aren't looking.

Step 4: Targeting

We filter the longlist against your criteria: technical depth, seniority, industry background, and cultural fit. Only candidates who genuinely match the brief make the shortlist.

Step 5: Presentation

We present a shortlist with detailed candidate profiles, including our assessment of each candidate's strengths, risks and fit against your brief.

Step 6: Interview

We coordinate first-stage interviews with your shortlisted candidates. If you'd prefer, we can conduct them on your behalf through our Synergy video interview service, so you can review candidates on your own schedule.

Step 7: Offer

We manage offer negotiations, working with both sides to agree a package that secures the candidate and works for your budget.

Step 8: Aftercare

We stay in contact with both you and the candidate through the notice period, onboarding and beyond. If anything isn't working, we address it early.

Our Recent Executive Placements

AI and ML leadership roles we place regularly:

AI Machine Learning

AI Leadership Appointments

Chief AI Officer
VP of AI
Head of AI
Director of AI Engineering
AI Engineering Lead
AI Research Director
Head of AI Safety
Head of AI Infrastructure
AI Product Lead
Computer Vision Lead
AI Strategy Lead
Head of Conversational AI

Machine Learning Leadership Appointments

VP of Machine Learning
Head of Machine Learning
Director of ML Engineering
ML Engineering Manager
Machine Learning Architect
Staff ML Engineer
ML Platform Lead
Head of MLOps
Head of Applied ML
ML Infrastructure Lead
Research Director (ML)
Principal ML Engineer

“Digitalent spent a lot of time with key members of the team to understand the right personality fit for the business”

Stephen Clarke
Delivery & Operations Director - VERSA Agency

Executive Search & Selection FAQS

What is meant by executive search in recruitment?

Executive search is the process of ‘headhunting’ a candidate to fill a high-level position within a business. Typically, this type of search centres on recruiting for C-level and boardroom roles.

What is the difference between recruitment and executive search?

While recruitment refers to the overall process of hiring new staff to a job role or vacancy, executive search is a more specialised type of recruitment. This focuses on higher level roles and often requires wider research and can be more time consuming than recruiting for lower level positions.

How long do executive searches take?

Executive searches generally take longer than standard recruitment processes. Typically, an executive search can take anywhere from six to 12 weeks, although sometimes this can be longer, particularly for a highly specialised role or a vacancy with limiting criteria.

Why do companies use an executive search service?

One of the main reasons companies use an executive search recruitment service is that it saves time. Because the process can often be lengthy, handing over parts of the process to a recruiter enables the hiring managers to focus on their day job. Recruitment specialists also have access to their own network of candidates, as well as specialised research and negotiation skills which can help them to find and place the right candidates.

How do executive headhunters work?

Executive search is sometimes referred to as ‘headhunting’. This is because it involves a research-led approach to identifying potential candidates, and then approaching them to fill a role. The process includes defining the role requirements and desired skills with the business, before the recruitment firm conducts research, identifies targets, and presents a shortlist to the hiring company. The headhunters can then take on the role of approaching the targets, sometimes even taking over the first interview stage and salary negotiations.

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