Our Search Process.
A disciplined, relationship-driven approach that puts the right leader in front of you every time.
Most firms fill seats. We build leadership teams.
The difference between a good hire and a great hire is process. Our methodology has been refined over decades of placing executives in food, agriculture, protein processing, and distribution organizations nationwide.
We do not rely on job boards or inbound applications. We proactively recruit passive candidates and put them through a rigorous, multi-phase evaluation before they ever reach your desk.
From kickoff to placement where nothing is left to chance.
Discovery & Position Profile
Every successful search begins with a thorough understanding of your organization and the results you need from your next hire. During our discovery meeting, we partner with key stakeholders to assess your culture, leadership expectations, current business challenges, and strategic priorities.
We then develop a detailed position profile that defines the responsibilities of the role, the experience required, and the measurable outcomes the successful candidate will be expected to achieve.
- In-depth discovery meeting with key stakeholders
- Organizational culture and leadership style assessment
- Review of current challenges and future business objectives
- Clear position requirements and success metrics
- Customized candidate profile developed before recruiting begins
Proactive Candidate Sourcing
We do not rely on job postings or wait for applications. Our recruiters conduct targeted market research to identify accomplished professionals within competitor organizations, related industries, and other companies where exceptional talent is most likely to be found.
Drawing on more than 55 years of combined recruiting expertise, we personally approach passive candidates who are successfully employed and making meaningful contributions within their current organizations.
- Direct recruiting of accomplished passive candidates
- Targeted research into competitors and relevant organizations
- Industry-specific relationship and network outreach
- Proprietary database of experienced professionals
- Searches spanning executive leadership, functional management, and strategic individual contributors
3-Phase Interview & Screening
Every prospective candidate completes a comprehensive three-phase interview process before being presented to your organization. The evaluation is customized for each search and examines far more than technical qualifications or years of experience.
We assess professional accomplishments, leadership capabilities, problem-solving ability, career progression, motivation for change, cultural alignment, and the measurable business impact each candidate has delivered throughout their career.
- Phase 1: Initial qualification, background, and career review
- Phase 2: In-depth evaluation of accomplishments, competencies, and business impact
- Phase 3: Leadership, motivation, behavioral, and cultural alignment assessment
- Customized screening based on the requirements of the position
- Verification of measurable results such as growth, profitability, cost reduction, operational improvement, and team development
DISC Behavioral Assessment
Finalist candidates complete a TTI Success Insights DISC Behavioral Assessment to provide greater insight into how they naturally communicate, lead, make decisions, solve problems, and respond to pressure.
The assessment adds an objective behavioral perspective to the interview process and helps your leadership team understand how a candidate may interact with coworkers, approach workplace challenges, and adapt to the demands of the position. These insights can also support onboarding, communication, and long-term integration after the hire is completed.
- Individualized reporting based on 384 possible TTI profile combinations
- Natural and adapted behavioral style graphs
- Insight into communication and leadership preferences
- Workplace motivators, acumen, and competency information
- Practical guidance for onboarding and team integration
Deep Reference Checks
We conduct structured, in-depth professional reference checks to verify each finalist’s accomplishments, leadership approach, performance patterns, and professional reputation.
Rather than treating references as a routine final step, we use detailed conversations with individuals who have directly managed or worked alongside the candidate. When possible, we also identify independent professional references beyond the names initially provided by the candidate.
- Structured reference interviews, not checkbox calls
- Verification of professional accomplishments and business results
- Leadership style and performance pattern evaluation
- Independent reference sourcing when appropriate
- Identification of strengths, development areas, and management considerations
Presentation, Offer & Guarantee
Following our evaluation process, we present a select group of highly qualified candidates who meet the professional, leadership, and cultural requirements established during discovery. Qualified candidate presentations are typically delivered within 15 business days of launching the search.
Each presentation provides your leadership team with the information needed to make a confident and informed decision. We coordinate interviews, facilitate communication, and conduct detailed debrief meetings throughout the process. Once a candidate is selected, we assist with offer presentation, compensation discussions, acceptance, and onboarding preparation.
- Comprehensive candidate profile and executive summary
- Professional accomplishments and detailed interview feedback
- Completed professional reference information
- Client interview scheduling, communication, and debrief support
- Offer presentation and compensation negotiation assistance
- One-year replacement guarantee for retained search engagements
- 90-day replacement guarantee for contingent search placements
Executive leadership roles across the organization.
From the C-suite to high-impact specialists, we recruit the people who keep strategy, operations, and growth moving forward.
Executive Leadership Roles
Strategic Individual Contributors
Choose Your Solution
Contingent Search
The same executive search expertise, with a pay-for-results model.
- Customized recruiting strategy
- Proactive headhunting of qualified candidates
- Regular communication throughout the search
- Pay only upon a successful placement
- 90-day replacement guarantee
Retained Search
A highly strategic, dedicated search for top-tier leadership, proactive headhunting of passive candidates, regular progress updates, and a comprehensive evaluation.
- Customized, proactive recruiting strategy
- Headhunting of passive candidates
- Regular progress updates
- Comprehensive DISC-backed evaluation
DISC behavioral assessment
Finalists complete a full DISC profile: behavioral style, motivators, and decision-making to ensure cultural fit and long-term tenure.
Industry-leading guarantee
Every retained placement is backed by our 12-month replacement guarantee. We're committed to the right leader, not just a filled seat.
The best candidates are not looking. We find them anyway.
Top-performing leaders are rarely browsing job boards. They are leading plants, managing teams, and driving results right now. Our decades of relationship-building means we can reach them and have a credible, trusted conversation that opens the door.
Start your search →Ready to put our process to work for you?
One conversation starts everything. Tell us about the role and we'll take it from there.