Jonathan Lee Search & Selection: What It Is and Why It Matters

When it comes to finding exceptional leaders, partnering with the right executive recruiters can make all the difference.
Jonathan Lee Search & Selection is the dedicated C-suite recruitment division of Jonathan Lee Recruitment — a trusted name in engineering, manufacturing, energy, and technology recruitment for over 45 years.

We specialise in connecting organisations with board-level, director, and senior management professionals who can deliver lasting strategic impact.
But what exactly is Search & Selection, and why do companies across the UK choose to work with us instead of other executive job agencies or executive hiring firms?

What Is Jonathan Lee Search & Selection?

Search & Selection is a targeted, research-driven recruitment approach used to identify, attract, and secure senior leadership and specialist professionals. Unlike traditional contingency recruitment, it’s highly consultative and proactive — combining market insight, deep networking, and direct headhunting.

At Jonathan Lee Search & Selection, our experienced executive recruiters conduct in-depth market mapping to find the right leaders — not just active job seekers. We discreetly approach senior professionals, assess cultural fit, and deliver a carefully curated shortlist aligned with your company’s strategic goals.

Learn more about our approach on the Jonathan Lee Search & Selection page.

 

Why Work With Jonathan Lee Search & Selection?

1. Proven Executive Recruitment Expertise

With over 45 years in the industry, Jonathan Lee is one of the UK’s most established executive management recruitment agencies.
We’ve successfully placed hundreds of board-level and C-suite leaders across the engineering, manufacturing, energy, and advanced technology sectors — helping businesses recruit executives who make a measurable impact.

2. Access to a Network of Senior Leaders

Unlike many executive hiring firms, our proprietary database and long-standing industry network provide access to both active and passive executive candidates. This ensures you reach talent that most executive job agencies can’t.

3. Insight-Led and Industry-Focused

Our consultants have hands-on sector experience, enabling them to evaluate candidates for technical competence, leadership capability, and cultural alignment — not just their CVs.

4. Confidential, Transparent, and Ethical

Executive recruitment often requires sensitivity. Our executive recruiters ensure every assignment is handled with complete discretion, open communication, and mutual trust.

When Should You Use a Search & Selection Partner?

You should consider partnering with a specialist C-suite recruitment firm when:

• You’re hiring for a strategic or board-level position.

• You need to discreetly approach top performers in your industry.

• Confidentiality and reputation management are essential.

• Your previous search hasn’t identified the right calibre of leader.

Search & Selection focuses on precision, quality, and long-term success — not just speed or volume.

What Makes Jonathan Lee Search & Selection Different?

Over 80% of our executive appointments come from repeat clients and referrals — a reflection of our reputation for trust, quality, and partnership.

We blend the personal service of a boutique executive job agency with the reach and rigour of a national search consultancy.
Our methodology ensures every stage — from research and engagement to onboarding — is handled with care, consistency, and transparency.

Example Roles We Recruit

Our executive recruiters have extensive experience sourcing senior professionals for roles including:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

• Chief Operating Officer (COO)

• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

• Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

• Chief People Officer (CPO)

• Managing Director (MD)

• Operations Director / Commercial Director

• Non-Executive and Interim Leadership Roles

Find out more about our executive recruitment services.

Executive Recruitment FAQs

What do executive recruiters do?
They identify and attract senior leaders — often passive candidates — for high-impact roles. Unlike standard recruiters, executive hiring firms use research, discretion, and deep sector expertise.

How are executive job agencies different from recruitment agencies?
Executive job agencies specialise in senior-level hiring, using proactive headhunting rather than job ads to connect with C-suite professionals.

What industries does Jonathan Lee Search & Selection cover?
We recruit executives across manufacturing, engineering, energy, automotive, aerospace, and technology.

Is C-suite recruitment only for large companies?
No. Many SMEs use executive management recruitment agencies like Jonathan Lee to find leaders who can scale their business or guide transformation.

Choosing the right executive recruiters can shape the future of your organisation. At Jonathan Lee Search & Selection, we combine research, experience, and human insight to help companies recruit executives who deliver measurable results.

If you’re ready to strengthen your leadership team, explore our Search & Selection recruitment services or speak to one of our executive headhunters today – 01384 446187.