Hicks Kimber Mears have an unmatched portfolio of executive recruitment and development services. We have unrivalled expertise within our business network and are able to boast of over 100 years of relevant global experience amongst our founders. It is not surprising, therefore, that there are few if any sectors in which we haven’t gained experience and few if any disciplines into which we haven’t searched.
Hicks Kimber Mears have an unmatched portfolio of executive recruitment and development services. We have unrivalled expertise within our business network and are able to boast of over 100 years of relevant global experience amongst our founders. It is not surprising, therefore, that there are few if any sectors in which we haven’t gained experience and few if any disciplines into which we haven’t searched.
Executive Search
Depending on the Executive role for which we are searching, our business solution is likely to be one of – or a combination of – the following:
- Global Search
- European Search
- Local Search
which may be supported by web-based International or Local Advertising.
We firmly believe that cultural fit is as important as experience when acquiring Talent. We put great store by a thorough initial briefing and the meeting of superiors, peers and subordinates around the role to measure personality dynamics and company DNA. Only by doing this can we truly make an assessment of the cultural and business drivers of our clients. From start to finish our process is quality driven. All documentation used throughout the process reflects our high standards of quality and professionalism.
Whether candidates are successful or not, we know that they will have enjoyed the process and been challenged by it, but above all, appreciate the respect and sensitivity provided to them. We have a strong belief that the true measurement of successful talent acquisition is when that person brings added value to the role and bottom line. Filling the vacant seat is not enough!
Our style is open and pragmatic. We share our search documentation and fully involve our clients throughout all stages of the process – all to an agreed timetable. Our candidate notes are meaningful and concise and bring added value to the decision-making process. We prefer to be present at the shortlist interviews so we can offer constructive advice and sound observations.
To request more information on our Executive Search service click here
Non-Executive Director Appointments
Few jobs are more widely misunderstood than Non-Executive Directorships. Many people see them as cosy sinecures – a pension top-up for retired executives, or a means of getting an impressive looking name on a letterhead. In smaller or medium-sized companies they are often seen as a ‘luxury item’ – strictly for Times Top 1000 companies.
Recent corporate scandals have highlighted the importance of corporate governance to ensure high standards of professionalism and ethics exist in all boards. NXDs are recognised as a powerful addition to a Board’s resources, not least in smaller companies and on subsidiary Boards where the contribution of an experienced outsider can be particularly valuable.
NXDs are a particularly cost-effective way of strengthening a Board and bringing the unique perspectives of the “outsider” inside. Finding the right person is not easy. Clearly the appointment of NXDs should not be a hit-and-miss affair. Successful matching of Non-Executives to Boards requires all the counselling, research and other groundwork that is necessary for selecting a full Board member.
At Hicks Kimber Mears we are particularly alert to the new breed of Managers which has emerged in the bracing business climate of the past decade and new millenium. Our forte is identifying these competitive, broad-minded, internationally aware people and matching them with Boards that are not in the business of awarding sinecures.
Following a number of high profile FTSE 100 Non-Executive Director assignments, Hicks Kimber Mears has established an enviable network of industry leaders as well as a broad selection of MPs and government officials in the UK and overseas who are looking for, or to extend, a portfolio of directorships.
If you wish to express your interest in becoming a Non-Executive Director or require more information on this service click here
Interim Management Solutions
As activity in the areas of acquisitions, disposals or under-performing companies continues to increase, so has the need for top quality Interim Executives.
Hicks Kimber Mears has an extensive network of interim executives across most sectors and disciplines which can provide highly flexible business solutions following the unexpected loss of a key executive. Whether your requirement is to fill a short-term executive vacancy or acquire specialist expertise for a specific project, we can provide you with an experienced Interim Executive at short notice.
If you wish to express your interest in becoming an Interim Executive or require more information on this service click here
Final Candidate Appraisal
In today’s constantly changing business and economically demanding world, the processes that companies adopt to recruit directors and managers across all disciplines are far more diverse that ever before. Many now use their own in-house executive search employee – a fairly new trend in the search sector – and others advertise a vacancy themselves using their HR resource to handle responses and the interview process.
Whether a recruitment process is handled in-house or assigned to an external recruitment consultancy or agency, the final most suitable candidate will eventually be identified and a decision then has to be made as to whether that person should be employed or not. This is the most critical part of any recruitment process and the decision, if incorrect, can cost both company and candidate dearly.
Whilst there are many tests and screening methods available in the market to assist in that decision, at Hicks Kimber Mears with over 100 years of unrivalled relevant global expertise within our team, we firmly believe that nothing can truly replace “people experience”. Following a meeting with the final candidate, we are able to contribute to that final decision making process, giving a clear, concise and pragmatic view as to that person’s suitability and – more importantly – fit to the role and company/group.
Our contribution to the process is completely unbiased with no placement/recruitment fee at stake or indeed the reputation of an individual, organisation or department. What better way to assist in making that critical recruitment decision?
To request more information on our Final Candidate Appraisal service click here
Executive Development Programmes
At Hicks Kimber Mears we are able to offer a broad range of standard and bespoke Talent Development programmes utilising our team of experienced and qualified consultants and world class talent measurement and development interventions.
COACHING FOR NEW DIRECTORS AND MANAGERS
For newly acquired Talent our Coaching for newly appointed Directors and Managers is of particular relevance. The aim of this programme is to ensure that the joint expectations of the company and new recruit are clearly understood and managed from the initial stages of the relationship. The first six months of any new appointment can be critical for both parties. On the one hand the company will need to see evidence of added value from the new recruit and on the other hand the appointee will need to feel that he/she made the right career decision. This Hicks Kimber Mears unique programme is about embedding and securing the success of the new relationship.
CAREER TRANSITION COACHING
Career transition at senior level is difficult as there are fewer opportunities and plenty of tough competition. More and more executives are using career coaches to gain competitive advantage – many of the best business leaders engage executive coaches. Career coaching can help executives move through career transition quickly and effectively. Engaging a career coach substantially improves an executive’s competitiveness, marketability and ultimately the success of their job search and long-term career.
Hicks Kimber Mears provides 1-2-1 coaching for executives who are in career transition or planning to change jobs. We partner with organisations and individuals to tailor a structured programme appropriate for the needs of each individual which results in a professional and effective job search campaign and improved confidence.
Business Consultancy
In today’s challenging business environment, more than ever before, companies need to realise the full potential of a competent and committed workforce, attuned and focused on the company’s strategic vision.
At Hicks Kimber Mears we understand “people power” and how that power should fit and contribute to a company’s success.
Our consultants have a wealth of business experience gained from both large and small businesses across most industry sectors and are able to offer that expertise, for example, in the following areas:
- Performance Management
- Organisation Development
- Sales Force Effectiveness
- Executive Remuneration Survey
- Management Audit
- Succession Planning
- Export Development / International Growth / Route to Market
As an example there is a proven correlation between the performance of a business and Sales Force Effectiveness. Hicks Kimber Mears can offer expertise in:
- Defining and developing competencies that are essential to the sales role
- Assessment of current capabilities
- Reviewing and prioritising development needs
- Recommendation of the most appropriate training interventions
To request more information on our Business Consultancy offerings click here
The Interview Doctor
After over twenty five years’ experience in the global executive recruitment sector and having conducted literally thousands of interviews, Graham Hicks never ceases to be amazed at the naivety of the majority of managers and executives with regard to their knowledge of the dynamics of the recruitment sector. Indeed the majority set about looking for another career opportunity totally disadvantaged because of a lack of understanding of the recruitment and interview processes and potentially become prey to the first unscrupulous recruiter – of which there are many – which they meet.
The Interview Doctor is not designed to replace traditional outplacement support but rather to give an “insider”, honest, pragmatic and direct view on the “musts” and “must-nots” of seeking alternative employment, which is frequently not found within drawn-out outplacement support often given by someone who has never been a recruiter. It also exposes many of the disgraceful if not illegal practices that occur within this sector which can become a stumbling block for many in finding the right career opportunity.
The Interview Doctor offers a one-on-one Surgery lasting a morning or afternoon between Graham Hicks and the executive or manager seeking an alternative career opportunity
After the Surgery you WILL, without any doubt at all, be better equipped by the “insider” knowledge gained:
- To identify the career opportunities for which you should apply
- What is and what isn’t a genuine vacancy!
- To understand the motivations of the recruitment “players” – clients and recruiters
- Interview selection – how and why most suitable applicants don’t make it!
- To totally understand recruitment processes from advert to shortlist interviews
- Your CV/Resume is not to get the job!
Above all after the Surgery you will stand a far better chance of gaining an initial interview for a real career opportunity with a profile match and therefore a far better chance of becoming the successful candidate.
To request more information on The Interview Doctor click here
