If you’re a corporate in need of the executive search function, you may be keen to learn of the best options available to you within the South African market. Because you won’t want to mess around when it comes to this specialised and highly structured industry, it's best to go with the handful of firms who come highly recommended. By: Vanessa Rogers of TextBOX Conceptual

Leaders for what’s next
A professional team is of the essence when your consulting services range from filling top-level roles and offering evaluation consulting, to executive development across both coaching and counselling. Amrop Woodburn Mann has successfully completed executive search mandates in more than 12 African countries and, with offices around the world, ranks as one of the largest executive search retainer partnerships out there. Their mission is to service clients in the long term via industry-leading processes; yet, instead of specialising, they continue to operate across all professional functions and industries. For more, go to: https://www.amropwoodburnmann.co.za

New world of executive search
Before taking on an executive search firm, it pays to establish in which ways they strive to specialise for client pleasure. At BossJansen Executive Search, this owner-run boutique establishment is able to offer more flexibility – both in terms of fees and in terms of how they operate – than may be the case when taking on a highly structured international firm with a local satellite office. BossJansen Executive Search has more than 25 years of experience under it’s belt in the art of attracting highly desirable talent to their clients, who are generally on the hunt for executive director and non-executive director-level individuals poised to contribute a wealth of knowledge and experience to such a firm’s corporate competitiveness. For more, go to: https://bossjansen.com/

One team at a time
With an extensive list of services on offer, ranging from Executive Search and Leadership, to Organisation & Culture, Heidrick and Struggles (Johannesburg) is the local satellite office of a global business premised on diversity, equity and inclusion. This approach to doing business helps unlock unique solutions to complex talent questions because diversity fosters creativity, equity empowers diverse talent and thought, and inclusion unlocks innovation. This is a firm with a long history, having kicked off operations in Chicago back in 1953. Today, with offices located on all six continents, the commitment remains to service clients as trusted advisors and to help clients change the world – one leadership team at a time. For more, go to: https://www.heidrick.com/en/offices/johannesburg

Leadership for a better world
Are the leaders you work with inspired to navigate complex questions using human answers? This is the modus operandi at EgonZehnder, where the belief at their African headquarters, Johannesburg, is that the heads of big corporates in the modern world need tailor-made assistance with the leadership challenges that they face. This firm is known for collaborating seamlessly across geographies, industries and functions to bring full impetus to the recruiting partnership. While they recruit across the full spectrum of popular industries, the majority of their consultants have personal experience of the specific pressures faced in big-business roles. For more, go to: https://www.egonzehnder.com/office/johannesburg

Curious, creative and highly trusted
Operating across business/professional services, consumer/education/sport, financial services, healthcare/life sciences and industrial/technical, not to overlook public and not for profit, the team at Odgers Berndtson advises clients that the way in which they work is as vital as its outcome. Tech is one of their secret weapons – done right, it supports the productive, seamless and collaborative delivery of each project and helps their staff to intelligently sift talent from the appropriate network. In a competitive market, this firm wins in the scale, reach and experience it offers in serving all major markets while remaining lean and innovative. For more, go to: https://www.odgersberndtson.com/en-za

Informed decisions build organisations
At the Joburg office of Spencer Stuart, the team advises that outstanding leaders drive business performance. The task they take on is to provide the insight organisations need to make the right decisions about who to hire, develop and promote; and to advise their clients on how to improve the performance of teams and boards for best effect. If your preference is a global organisation with 70 offices worldwide, Spencer Stuart is likely to be your go-to firm. They also boast 63 years of leadership consulting expertise and employ, at their bevvy of offices, more than 450 experienced consultants. Make contact as a candidate looking to elevate your career, or as a corporate with a critical role to fill. For more, go to: https://www.spencerstuart.com/locations/johannesburg