Marketing Consultant
Why use a headhunter in London?
Hiring top talent in product management, UX / UI & product design, marketing, digital marketing, eCommerce, and commercial leadership requires more than posting on job boards. The best headhunters in London work proactively to identify and engage high-performing candidates who aren’t actively job-seeking. These specialist headhunter recruitment agencies, including some of the most respected headhunter London UK firms, use targeted, research-led methods to deliver quality hires, fast.
As specialist headhunters, Intelligent People are often asked how to succeed in attracting top talent when using a recruiter, and in this guide, we reveal the top headhunters London businesses trust. Whether you’re looking for a digital headhunter, exploring the best headhunter agencies, or need support from expert recruiters with deep sector knowledge, this list highlights the right partners to accelerate your hiring process.
What does a London headhunting recruitment agency do?
Engage candidates
A good headhunter will need to ensure each candidate is briefed on the business vision, roadmap, success measures, skills required, growth metrics etc.
When a generalist executive search agency is appointed, they are less able to connect and properly engage a candidate in a new opportunity, compared to a executive search agency within their domain specialism – who knows the London market, understands the role and the skills required to deliver it, is aware of current package expectations, and more.
Recruit at speed
When using a generalist executive search agency, some employers have reported that a headhunting and executive search process has taken 9-12 months to complete – leaving their business under resourced, and without the specific skills required to meet their objectives and deliver growth.
This slow speed of delivery can happen when an executive search recruitment agency has to spend a lot of time at the ‘discovery’ phase of a project, to fully understand the ins and outs of the particular industry or sector. Using domain specialists for executive level appointments reduces this risk, and the risk of low-quality candidates too.
Quality of shortlist
It’s important to the success of the recruitment campaign that a headhunter has an existing network of candidates in the domain that you require as an employer. Having an existing network can lead to more personal recommendations, more introductions and increased trust with candidates. All of this can help improve the quality and the speed of the shortlisting and assessment process.
Discover our list of recommended London headhunting recruitment agencies, all with functional specialisms.
London Headhunting recruitment agencies: the top 7
Domain specialisms: Product management, marketing, eCommerce and commercial leadership
It’s no surprise that we are top of the list. We are a boutique Executive Search and London Headhunting agency with 20 years’ experience of placing commercial leadership candidates in London based businesses.
Our executive search recruiters help the employers we work with to search for the best talent in the market. We do this by headhunting ‘passive’ candidates that have the right domain experience, leadership qualities and personal qualities that you require within your business.
We follow a detailed and thorough method to ensure we scour the market, utilising a multi-channel approach to target both your competitors and comparable sectors that may have the experience you need.
Focus makes us different. Our specialist domain knowledge across product management, marketing and eCommerce gives us a clear advantage. We already have the candidate networks that other firms must discover with each search. This means that we can deliver the results of headhunting much more quickly, without compromising the quality of candidate.
Domain specialisms: Finance, general management & board, procurement & supply, sales, and transformation & change.
Whatever the challenge, location and talent requirements, Connect’s team of global search specialists successfully work with international businesses by applying a consistent approach which includes:
- In-depth knowledge of industry issues, trends, and opportunities
- Thorough understanding of the culture and challenges unique to every organisation and international search process
- Tailored and flexible plan to identify and secure the best executive talent across global markets
With a flexible approach to delivering defined projects in the short-term, their long-term objective is to play a key role in improving capability and performance across entire organisations.
Domain specialisms: Consumer, financial, and business service industries, health and technology.
DRAX provides leadership insights, executive change and deal advisory for business owners and investors of high growth companies. At the heart of all their services is creativity in solutioning, smart insights and a care for the work they conduct.
Drax Executive optimises the success of management teams by supporting clients in their drive to develop value. Their services reflect the breadth of knowledge and experience across leadership insights, executive change and deal advisory.
Domain specialisms: Human resources
Frederickson Partners is one of the top-rated HR Executive Search firms, with expertise in placing Chief People Officers (CPOs), Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs), Human Resources Business Partners (HRBPs), Chief Diversity Officers (CDOs) and other HR leaders. They have access to the broadest network of People and HR executives in the world, and a 25-year reputation as a human resources talent search firm and HR Advisory provider.
5. Stephenson Executive Search
Domain specialisms: Financial services, asset management, wealth management and legal
Stephenson Executive Search is a family owned financial services and legal executive search firm. They partner with clients to help them fulfil their strategic goals; whether this be diversity related, succession planning or specific recruitment needs.
The firm advises clients on how to appoint the right people and are committed to helping professionals navigate and advance their careers.
6. Lygon Group
Domain specialisms: Chair, Non-Exec Directors, CEO, CFO and board advisory
The Lygon Group specialise in advising FTSE 100, FTSE 250 and private equity-backed boards on the appointments of Chairs, Non-Executive Directors, CEOs and CFOs as well as executive board members.
Their work includes succession planning and executive assessment. Their assignments are bespoke and distinct and the business thrives in the creative and collaborative approach. Drawing on the wide experience of the team and their innovative, thorough research techniques, Lygon Group’s clients trust the quality of the market insights provided and the results delivered.
Domain specialisms: International, senior leadership, executive search, specialists in remote talent
Remote People is an international recruitment agency dedicated to sourcing and placing exceptional remote talent across various industries and roles.
From Sales Managers and Full-Stack Developers to Quality Managers and C-suite executives, Remote People leverages its exclusive global talent pool to find the perfect match for their client’s company needs.
Discover more about what a headhunter does.
Looking for bespoke advice from headhunters for London?
Our management team
We understand how critical key C-level recruitment projects are for our customers. Therefore, all of our recruitment assignments in London are led or overseen by one of our management team, with support from our experienced search consultants and researchers, who will often have an industry specialism.
As an headhunter recruitment agency, we specialise in retained search for C-level positions including CEO’s, CMO’s, CPO’s and more. We are proud of our 100% success record, ensuring our clients receive the best leadership talent for their needs
Headhunters London UK: Frequently asked questions
How do I find the best headhunter for me?
To find the best headhunter for your needs, focus on identifying a reputable headhunter firm with experience in your industry and strong local knowledge. Whether you’re seeking opportunities in London, Bristol, Birmingham, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Manchester, or Oxford, choose a firm that specialises in your sector and has a proven track record of successful placements. Look for client testimonials, industry recognition and personalised service. Meeting with recruiters can help you evaluate their communication style and commitment to your goals. A top-tier headhunter firm in London will tailor their approach to your career aspirations and actively connect you with roles that match your skills and ambitions.
What is the difference between a recruiter and a headhunter?
The key difference between a recruiter and a headhunter lies in their approach and the types of roles they typically fill. A recruiter often manages a high volume of vacancies and focuses on candidates actively applying for jobs. In contrast, a headhunter, especially one specialising in product management, UX / UI & product design, marketing, digital marketing, eCommerce, and commercial leadership takes a more strategic, targeted approach. Headhunters are usually engaged to fill senior or niche roles and proactively reach out to top talent who may not be actively job seeking. If you’re aiming for a leadership position or a highly specialised role, working with a headhunter firm with specialist experience can give you access to exclusive opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised.
Why are headhunters so expensive?
Although headhunters might appear expensive at first glance, they often offer exceptional value for money, especially when you consider what they deliver. A specialised headhunter provides a highly targeted, strategic approach to hiring that goes far beyond CV-sifting. They tap into hidden talent pools, engage passive candidates and present only the most qualified individuals who align with your company’s goals and culture. This level of precision dramatically reduces time-to-hire, minimises the risk of a poor hire, and ensures long-term success. In competitive sectors, the investment in a headhunter is often recouped quickly through increased performance, reduced turnover and a smoother hiring process.
What is the cost per hire when using a headhunter?
The cost per hire when working with a headhunter recruitment agency in the UK typically ranges from 20% to 30% of the candidate’s first-year salary. This varies based on the role’s complexity, seniority and whether the engagement is contingent or retained. Some headhunter London agencies offer fixed fees or tiered pricing for multiple hires.
How do recruiters find candidates in the UK?
Headhunter recruiters in the UK use a range of proactive sourcing methods including:
- Talent mapping and market research
- LinkedIn and niche job platforms
- Direct outreach to passive candidates
- Industry-specific networks and referrals
Top headhunters in London also maintain their own databases of pre-vetted candidates across sectors like Digital, Product Management and Marketing.
Can an agency help me find a job?
Yes, many headhunter recruitment agencies work with candidates as well as clients. While some focus exclusively on hiring for employers, others, particularly digital headhunters or specialist headhunting agencies, can help you identify roles that align with your skills and career goals. They can offer CV advice, interview coaching and insider access to unadvertised jobs.
Is headhunting part of HR?
Headhunting overlaps with HR but is more focused and specialised. Unlike internal HR teams who manage all aspects of employee relations, headhunter agencies focus solely on talent acquisition, particularly hard-to-fill, specialist or senior roles. They’re an extension of the hiring process but operate with a more targeted and research-driven approach.
Who are the top 5 headhunters in London?
Here are five of the top-rated headhunter recruitment agencies in London, known for their specialised expertise and strong track records in placing high-calibre talent:
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Intelligent People – Experts in Product Management, Marketing, eCommerce and Digital roles. Known for a proven 6-stage hiring process and rapid time-to-hire.
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Connect Search – A respected search firm specialising in commercial, finance, and operational leadership roles across the UK and Europe.
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Drax Executive – Focused on leadership recruitment for private equity-backed and high-growth businesses, with deep sector knowledge.
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Frederickson Partners – A global search firm with a UK presence, specialising in HR, People, and Talent executive placements.
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Stephenson Executive Search – A boutique headhunting firm focusing on legal, compliance, and governance roles across financial and professional services.
These London headhunters are highly regarded for their ability to deliver strategic hires and tailored recruitment solutions.
Are headhunters worth it?
Absolutely, headhunter recruitment agencies are worth the investment when you:
- Need to hire fast or confidentially
- Require highly specialised skills
- Want access to candidates not actively job hunting
The best headhunters in London offer market insight, save time, and help you avoid costly mis-hires by presenting only qualified, pre-vetted talent.
Is a recruiter the same as a hiring manager?
No. A recruiter (or headhunter) sources and screens candidates, often from outside the organisation. A hiring manager is the internal team member (typically a department head) responsible for making the final hiring decision. The two work closely together, but have different roles in the recruitment process.
What is the best headhunter company?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but Intelligent People is frequently rated among the best headhunter companies in London, especially for roles in Product, eCommerce and Digital Marketing. They offer a 6-stage process, fast time-to-hire and a strong reputation built over 25 years in the UK market.
Helpful resources and downloads
How to hire a CMO in 2025
Do you need to hire a Chief Marketing Officer in 2025? We have put together a complete guide to hiring a CMO including:
– What is a CMO?
– What are the salary expectations of a CMO?
– When may a CMO be useful?
– How to hire a CMO?
– What interview questions can I use?
– What is the best interview format for a CMO?
Download 'How to hire a CMO'
Salary guides
As specialist headhunters for roles in London, we have placed many candidates at senior level. We have created a number of salary guides based on our knowledge and experience:
Product management salary guide
Digital marketing salary guide
Head of marketing salary guide
Product design and UX salary guide
