Executive Search Firm in Australia | C-Suite & Board Appointments
We help boards and executive teams find leaders who don't just fill the role, they change what's possible. From C-suite and general managers to board members and independent directors, Chandler Macleod's executive search is conducted with discretion, rigour, and a proprietary assessment methodology built since 1959.
What Makes the Wrong Executive Hire So Costly?
A failed executive appointment costs far more than the search fee. Typically 10 to 30 times the executive's annual salary when you factor in lost productivity, strategic drift, and re-recruitment.
Chandler Macleod reduces that risk through unrestricted market mapping, direct headhunting, and BestFit™ psychometric assessment, giving selection panels a defensible, evidence-based shortlist, not just available candidates.
Our Executive Search Approach
Deep-Dive Stakeholder Briefing
We work with stakeholders and panel chairs to understand the ideal leadership profile, culture, and performance requirements.
Unrestricted Market Mapping & Headhunting
We map your competitors and headhunt across unrestricted talent pools, locally and internationally.
BestFit™ Psychometric Assessment for Executive Roles
Our trademarked selection model increases the accuracy and validity of decisions, improving ROI, reducing turnover, and lifting executive performance.
Merit-Based, Defensible Assessment Process
Using industry-leading behavioural tools, we assess capability through a defensible, merit-based process aligned with equity and best practice.
Australia's Only Executive Search Firm to Include Integration Support
Most executive search firms stop at placement. Chandler Macleod is the only provider in Australia to embed team diagnostic and executive integration support into the search process; accelerating a new leader's time-to-high-performance and reducing early-tenure attrition.
Discreet Process, Protected Reputation
We treat every applicant with respect, recognising their future potential as customers, shareholders, or advocates for your brand, safeguarding your reputation throughout the process.
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C-Suite, GM, and Board Roles We Place
- C-Suite Appointments: CEO, CFO, COO, CIO - strategic leadership across private and public sectors.
- Executive GMs & Group Leads: Driving business transformation and operational excellence at scale.
- Board Roles: Appointments for Non-Executive Directors and Independent Board Members.
- Sector-Specific Executives: Roles in Mining, Government, Education and other regulated or critical sectors.
FAQs
How long does an executive search take?
Most executive searches take 6 to 10 weeks from initial briefing to offer stage, depending on role complexity, the depth of the market mapping required, and candidate notice periods. For board appointments or highly specialised roles, 12 to 16 weeks is more typical. Chandler Macleod agrees a clear timeline at the briefing stage and provides regular progress updates throughout.
Can you recruit for board roles?
Yes. Chandler Macleod manages board appointments including Non-Executive Directors, independent board members, and advisory board roles across private, public, and government-owned entities. Our process includes skills matrix analysis, candidate market mapping, and a merit-based assessment aligned with ASX Corporate Governance principles and AICD best practice.
Do you work on a retained basis?
Yes. Our executive search engagements are conducted on a retained basis. This allows us to dedicate a specialist team exclusively to your search, conduct genuine headhunting rather than relying on applications, and maintain confidentiality throughout. Contingent search is not appropriate for senior appointments and the retained model ensures alignment, thoroughness, and discretion.
Which industries do you specialise in?
Chandler Macleod places senior leaders across mining and resources, government and public sector, transport and logistics, energy and renewables, manufacturing, construction, professional services, and education. We have industry-specialist consultants in each sector with direct networks in those talent markets, not just generic recruitment capability.
What makes Chandler Macleod's executive search different from other firms?
Three things distinguish Chandler Macleod:
- BestFit™, a proprietary psychometric methodology developed since 1959 that assesses cognitive ability, behavioural style, and leadership fit alongside technical credentials.
- Unrestricted market access. We headhunt across all competitors and talent pools without off-limits restrictions.
- We are the only executive search firm in Australia to include executive integration support in the process, reducing early-tenure attrition and accelerating time-to-performance for new leaders.
Is the executive search process confidential?
Yes. Chandler Macleod conducts all executive searches with full discretion, both for the client organisation and for the candidates approached. We do not disclose that a search is underway without your authorisation, and we treat every candidate as a potential future client, customer, or brand ambassador, regardless of whether they are ultimately appointed.
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Let’s talk about your executive hiring needs.
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