Retained executive search for your most critical appointments.

Q: How long does an executive search take?

Most executive searches take 6–10 weeks from brief to offer. This can vary depending on the seniority of the role, the size of the candidate market, and your organisation's decision-making process. We'll give you an honest timeline upfront.

Discreet, rigorous and personally led by Gab Patterson.

What makes executive search different

Executive search is different from standard recruitment. It's not about advertising and waiting to see who applies. It's about understanding the brief deeply, mapping the right market, and approaching the best people - many of whom aren't actively looking.

Patterson Recruitment leads retained executive search for senior appointments across not-for-profit, aged care, NDIS and disability, and education. Based in Melbourne and working nationally, every search is led personally by Gab Patterson, with structured assessment, transparent communication and a clear recommendation.

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Roles typically placed via executive search

Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director
Chief Operating Officer / General Manager
Director, People & Culture
Director, Marketing and Communications
Head of Fundraising / Director of Development
Chief Financial Officer / Senior Finance Leadership
Chief of Staff
Head of Service / Practice Lead

How executive search works

Confidential Brief

A thorough discovery conversation - the role, the team, the strategic context, the cultural fit. We treat everything as confidential.

Market mapping

We map the market for your brief - direct research across our network and beyond. We identify the people who can genuinely do this role.

Direct approach

We approach candidates personally and confidentially, including those who aren't actively looking. No public advertising, no inbound applications.

Assessment

In-depth interviews on capability, motivation, leadership style and cultural fit. We're honest about strengths and risks.

Shortlist and recommendation

A considered shortlist - typically 3-4 candidates - with full written reports, reference checks, and our honest recommendation on each.

Offer, Negotiation and Onboarding

We manage offer negotiation, stay involved through commencement, and check in after placement to ensure a smooth start.

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Sectors we lead executive searches in

Not-for-profit

Peak bodies, foundations and community service organisations. Retained search for CEO, Executive Director, COO, and senior leadership appointments.

Aged care

Aged care providers. Retained search for CEO, COO, Chief Clinical Officer, Director of P&C, and senior corporate leadership.

NDIS & Disability

NDIS providers and disability service organisations. Retained search for CEO, COO, Chief Practitioner, and senior service leadership.

Education

Universities, independent schools and RTOs. Retained search for senior non-academic appointments - VP and Director-level operations, P&C, and advancement.

Frequently asked questions about executive search

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What is executive search, and how is it different from recruitment?

Executive search (sometimes called headhunting) is a targeted, proactive approach for senior leadership roles. Rather than advertising and waiting for applications, we map the relevant market, identify the best candidates - including those not actively looking - and approach them directly on your behalf. It's more thorough, more discreet, and better suited to senior appointments.

How long does an executive search take?

Most executive searches take 6 to 10 weeks from brief to offer accepted - though more confidential or complex appointments can run longer. We agree the timeline upfront and report against it weekly.

What does executive search cost?

Executive search is run on a retained basis, with fees structured in three stages - one-third on brief, one-third on shortlist, one-third on placement. Fees vary depending on the role level and complexity. Contact me for a confidential discussion about your specific requirements.

How confidential is the process?

Completely. Discretion is fundamental to executive search. We don't advertise the role publicly, we approach candidates individually, and all conversations are confidential. This is particularly important for succession planning or when replacing an incumbent who hasn't yet departed.

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Do you offer a placement guarantee?

Yes. Every permanent executive placement carries a three-month replacement guarantee. If the appointment doesn't work out within that period - subject to all fees being paid - we re-run the search at no additional placement fee. The guarantee is set out in our Terms of Business.

Who leads the search?

Every executive search is personally led by Gab Patterson. There are no hand-offs to junior consultants — you work directly with the founder from brief through to placement.