Hiring someone into a senior leadership role, CEO, CFO, COO, CMO, CTO (or CXO as they are sometimes known collectively) you name it, is one of the biggest decisions a business can make. These aren’t just job titles. These are the people who shape the future of your organisation.
The right hire? Game-changing. The wrong one? Costly, disruptive, and often hard to recover from.
At Courtney Recruitment, we work with growing businesses across the Liverpool City Region and beyond to get this right, so here’s our honest take on what makes hiring at Executive Level so difficult, and what actually works when you’re trying to bring the right person in.
1. It’s hard to find the right kind of leader
Not everyone is cut out to lead a business through change or growth, even those with a particularly strong CV might not have what it takes. This is because the skills needed to be a success in such a role of responsibility is often less to do with experience and more to do with values and the persons approach. Truly transformational leaders are few and far between, and the best ones aren’t usually job hunting, sat around waiting to be snapped up.
Our advice: You need to go beyond job ads. Headhunting, talent mapping, and keeping relationships warm with people you might need in the future can make all the difference. It’s about playing the long game, not just scrambling when someone resigns.
2. Culture fit can make or break it
You can hire someone with the right experience, but if they don’t “get” your culture — or worse, damage it, things unravel quickly.
Our advice: Don’t leave this to chance. Use behavioural-style interviews, get your leadership team involved early, and make sure your shortlist feels aligned not just with the what, but with the how.
3. Building a diverse leadership team takes work
Progress is happening, but slowly. For example, in 2024, just 36% of senior roles in the UK’s financial sector were held by women.
Our advice: Rethink what ‘qualified’ looks like. Instead of just looking for the same profiles on repeat, focus on inclusive leadership skills and fresh perspectives. It starts with the brief, and a good all encompassing, challenging conversation to consider & understand this is what we find works best.
4. Executive hiring needs to be confidential
Sometimes you’re replacing someone who’s still in post. Other times, it’s a strategic change you can’t make public yet.
Our advice: Use a recruitment partner who understands how to handle this with sensitivity. At Courtney Recruitment, we’re well-versed in managing discreet searches, NDAs, secure processes, and all.
5. It takes too long (and that can cost you)
Executive recruitment can drag on for months, I’ve seen some companies still trying to get this done 12 – 18 months after starting! Not great when you need leadership now.
Our advice: Set expectations early, consult with a hiring expert if you feel it would be useful to align everyone internally on the decision-making process, and give the hiring team the authority to move fast when the right person shows up.
6. The costs are high – but so are the stakes
A C-suite hire in the UK can now cost £30k or more when you factor everything in. That’s not including the cost of getting it wrong.
Our advice: Spend smart. Use tools like video interviews and structured assessments to streamline the process. Work only with a seasoned professional who you know has done this sort of work for many years.
7. The talent is out there, but you have to work to attract & uncover it
Yes, there’s a well-reported talent shortage at senior level, with estimates suggesting a 20% shortfall in exec-level candidates across the UK. But in our experience, the real issue isn’t always about supply, it’s about visibility of the finest there is. It’s about knowing where to look.
Some of the best leaders simply aren’t on the market. They’re not applying for jobs. They’re busy being brilliant where they are.
Our advice: This is where strong employer branding and smart messaging come into play. If you want to attract truly exceptional talent, you need to stand out, you need your company to be attractive to that talent. Not just with what the role is, but with why it matters and who they’d be working with.
And just as importantly, you need to leave no stone unturned. Be open-minded. Look past job titles and dig deep into your talent pool. The right person might not tick every traditional box, but thoroughness is everything here. It’s not about rushing to fill a seat, it’s about uncovering the person who could be your perfect next leader & will drive your business forward.
8. Lots of new execs don’t stick
Research published in the Harvard Business Review shows around 40% of newly hired execs don’t make it past the 18-month mark. The reasons? Poor cultural fit, unclear expectations, or just not enough support in the early days.
Our advice: Don’t stop at the offer letter. Proper dedicated onboarding, support during the transition, and early wins all help them settle and succeed.
9. The route to the top has changed
The old-school career path to the C-suite is evolving. In 2022, 29% of new CEOs had never held a C-suite position before.
Our advice: Don’t be blinkered by job titles. Look for high-potential leaders who’ve delivered results, driven change, and who can step up, even if they haven’t worn the badge yet.
10. Recruitment tech has levelled up
AI and video interviewing now play a huge role in executive hiring. Used properly, they can speed things up and make better matches.
Our advice: Embrace the tools, but use them alongside your own judgement. We blend tech with hands-on experience to deliver both precision and insight.
Final thoughts
Hiring a senior leader will always be high-stakes – but it doesn’t have to be stressful.
With the right approach, the right network, and the right support & guidance, you can attract exceptional talent who align with your vision, values, and goals.
At Courtney Recruitment, we specialise in finding that balance: strategic experience and cultural fit. We know how to identify the person who won’t just do the job, they’ll help shape your company’s future.
Looking to hire senior leadership this year? Let’s have a proper conversation at resourceteam@courtneyrecruitment.co.uk.