Retained Search
The Right Leader Changes Everything
Hunter Ambrose delivers retained executive search, interim leadership, and advisory services for organizations where leadership quality is a competitive advantage—not an HR transaction.
For nearly two decades, organizations have trusted Hunter Ambrose to lead executive searches where the outcome carries real consequences. Our work spans healthcare systems, water and utility districts, professional services firms, family offices, and growth-stage enterprises.
Every engagement is founder-led, flat-fee, and backed by a one-year placement guarantee.
We intentionally take on a limited number of searches each quarter so every client receives the attention their leadership decision deserves.
More than 5 million people start a new job each month in the United States — yet nearly 80% of those hires never come from LIZ (LinkedIn, Indeed, and Zip Recruiter job boards).
Where will you find your next executive hire?
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS).
The Hunter Ambrose Standard.
Every engagement is built on the same foundation.
Flat-fee retained structure
Transparent pricing with no percentage tied to compensation
One-year placement guarantee
If a placement does not hold, we reopen the search at no additional search fee.
Founder-led execution, Nicole Barbano leads every engagement personally from discovery through placement.
Weekly progress reporting
Clear visibility into candidate pipeline, outreach activity, and market feedback. Leadership integration support.
We remain engaged after the hire to support onboarding and early leadership alignment.
Retained
vs.
Contingency
Why it matters in a rapidly changing business world.
Understanding the difference between these models is critical.
Contingency search firms typically work multiple roles simultaneously and are paid only when a placement occurs.
Because there is no upfront commitment, these firms often rely heavily on job postings and candidates actively seeking work.
Research and labor statistics prove that 80% of the 5 million people who start a new job every month never applied through a job board.
Multiple firms may compete for the same role, resulting in duplicated outreach and inconsistent candidate experiences.
Retained executive search is fundamentally aligned with top-tier placements and long-term retention.
Organizations retain a search firm to conduct a disciplined, sometimes confidential recruitment process focused on identifying the best leadership candidates in the market—not simply those who are available.
Retained search provides:
Confidential outreach to passive candidates
Structured leadership vetting
Dedicated research and sourcing resources
Clear search accountability
Alignment between the firm and the client
When the role shapes the direction of the organization, retained search is the model serious organizations choose.
Discuss Your Leadership Search
If your organization is preparing for a leadership transition or strategic hire, we welcome the conversation.
Schedule a confidential discussion with Hunter Ambrose to explore your leadership needs.