Executive Search & Selection

Search Executive brings decades of combined relationships, networks and successful appointments across Nelson, Marlborough, Tasman and the wider South Island.

Your executive Search team

Together, the team has delivered 300+ SLT and ELT placements, including CFO (Fulton Hogan), GM Procurement (Alliance Meats), Financial Controller (NZ King Salmon), GM Corporate/HR Services (Powell Fenwick), GM Finance (Ngāi Tahu Holdings), and Commercial Manager (Talley’s).

Andrew Copeland – 15 years’ experience leading executive appointments across the South Island.

Tania McCaa – Raised in Marlborough, now based in Nelson, with many years as a trusted recruitment partner to many of the highest-profile businesses and corporates across Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman.

Our Value Proposition — Executive Search

Search Executive focuses on SLT and executive-level appointments.
Our approach is built on local search methodology, not job boards. The right calibre of candidate is rarely applying — they need to be approached directly, and knowing when they're ready to move is the hardest part of a genuine search process.
We back this with an extensive local network and deep knowledge of the regional business community, plus a network of national and international recruiters for searches that need to reach further afield.
Every appointment is backed by thorough due diligence — referencing, qualification, MOJ and credit checks as standard, with Talogy personality and aptitude assessments available to give you deeper insight before you commit.

OUR PROCESS & EXPECTED TIMEFRAMES

Stage 1 – Brief & Discovery
Extensive brief taken and discussed, ideally face to face.

Stage 2 – Search Presentation
Informal presentation of our localised search results within 7–10 working days of the brief.

Stage 3 – Shortlist & Interviews
We work closely with you to finalise a shortlist, typically ready to interview by weeks 3–4. Where possible, we recommend interviewing the strongest 4–5 candidates to give a full view of market capability.

Stage 4 – Advertising Campaign
We also run a branded advertising campaign on your behalf, managed end-to-end. While the best candidates usually come through our local search, this can surface additional suitable candidates.

Stage 5 – Checks & Testing
References, MOJ and credit checks are completed on the preferred candidate, along with qualification checks where relevant. Psychometric testing (personality and aptitude/ability, via Talogy) is available on request, with recommendations on the best option for your needs.

Stage 6 – Notice Period
Notice periods for senior appointments typically run 2–3 months from resignation.

PRICING & PAYMENT TERMS

Search Executive operates as a contingent search service, based on exclusivity and a retained fee — the placement fee is only charged once the successful candidate formally starts work.

Please see our Key and Senior appointments page for a tangible illustration of our delivery.