Our Services
Executive & Retained Search, Done Right.
From retained executive search to fractional leadership, Carlan Search brings the same rigor, discretion, and personal attention to every engagement.
The Carlan Difference
What Sets Us Apart
Most search firms send you a stack of resumes and call it a search. We don't. Every engagement is led by our founder, former top-ranked global agency leader, fully involved from intake to offer. No handoffs. Just a direct, experienced partner who's accountable for the outcome.
Founder-Led Every Search
Our founder is on every intake call, follows up on every interview, and is personally involved from intake to offer, backed by a team of skilled recruitment professionals who share the same goal and mission.
25+ Years of Combined Experience
With 25+ years of experience in Executive Search and Professional Staffing, our team of industry leading recruiters are committed to your search.
Direct, No-BS Approach
We tell you what we know, what we don't, and what we're doing about it. No spin, no runaround.
24+ Industries Served
From financial services to healthcare to private equity, we've placed leaders across the full spectrum of business.
Practice Areas
How We Can Help
Practice Area 01
Executive Search
When the stakes are highest, precision matters most. Our retained executive search practice identifies, evaluates, and delivers transformational leaders: CEOs, CFOs, COOs, CHROs, and VP-level talent for organizations that refuse to settle. We go beyond the resume to assess leadership character, cultural alignment, and long-term potential.
Retained Search for Senior Leadership
Roles We Place
- CEO / President
- CFO / Controller
- COO / General Manager
- CHRO / VP of People
- CTO / VP of Engineering
- VP and Director-level leadership
What's Included
- Dedicated search partner for every engagement
- Access to passive, non-advertised candidates
- Behavioral and leadership competency assessment
- Confidential process from start to finish
- Placement guarantee
Practice Area 02
Retained Search
For critical roles that demand full commitment, our retained search model gives you a dedicated partner from kickoff to close. Exclusive focus, deeper market coverage, and a rigorous process that surfaces the right candidate, not just the available one.
Dedicated, Exclusive Search Engagements
Roles We Place
- Board-level and C-suite appointments
- Divisional President and GM roles
- Private equity portfolio leadership
- Confidential succession planning
- Newly created senior roles
- High-urgency critical hires
What's Included
- Exclusive, fully dedicated engagement
- Deeper passive candidate outreach
- Regular progress updates and market intelligence
- Confidential and discreet process
- Replacement guarantee included - up to 12 months
Practice Area 03
Fractional Support
Not every organization needs a full-time executive. Our fractional support practice connects you with experienced leaders who can step in, drive results, and scale back as your needs evolve, without the overhead of a permanent hire.
Senior Talent, On a Flexible Basis
Roles We Place
- Fractional CFO
- Fractional CHRO / Head of People
- Fractional COO
- Fractional CMO
- Interim General Manager
- Transitional leadership roles
What's Included
- Experienced executives available immediately
- Flexible engagement terms
- Ideal for growth-stage and transitional periods
- No long-term commitment required
- Seamless handoff when permanent hire is ready
The Process
How Every Search Works
The same rigorous process applied across every engagement we take on.
Discovery
We start with a deep intake conversation, understanding not just the role requirements, but your culture, leadership style, and what success looks like in year one.
Sourcing
We activate our proprietary network and conduct targeted outreach to passive candidates. We don't post and pray. We go find the right people.
Assessment
Every candidate is thoroughly screened: skills, experience, cultural fit, and leadership competencies. You only meet candidates we'd hire ourselves.
Presentation
We present a curated shortlist, typically 3 to 5 candidates, with detailed profiles and our assessment notes. No noise, just signal.
Placement & Beyond
We manage the offer process, facilitate negotiations, and stay engaged through onboarding to ensure a smooth transition and lasting fit.
Ready to Start a Search?
Tell us about the role and we will provide a clear plan for how we'll find your next great hire.
For Employers
Ready to Start a Search?
Tell us about the role. We'll respond within one business day with a clear plan.
For Job Seekers
Looking for Your Next Role?
Submit your profile and we will be in touch if there's a fit, current or future.