Executive Search + Fractional Recruiting
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Executive Search
Best for: Director to C-level roles that are high-impact, confidential, or hard to fill.
I run a research-driven search process from role definition through onboarding. That means building a candidate target list based on your specific requirements, going directly to the people you actually want, including those who aren't looking, and managing evaluation, offer negotiation, and transition support so nothing falls through the cracks. You work with me directly the entire time.
Related reading: How I use hiring assessments after the offer is signed
Related reading: The Hidden Costs of a Bad Executive Hire: Why Getting It Right Matters More Than Ever
Related reading: What Is an Executive Search Firm?
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Professional Recruiting
Best for: Key contributor and manager roles when you need speed without sacrificing quality.
For roles below the executive level where you still can't afford a miss. I source candidates through direct outreach, not job board applicants, coordinate the full interview process, and stay involved through close. Every placement comes with a 90-day guarantee.
Related reading: Hiring Like a Fortune 500 Company: What Small Businesses Can Learn
Related reading: Reference checks that actually predict performance
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Fractional Recruiting
Best for: Embedded support, req and pipeline management, flexible monthly models.
I embed with your team on a monthly basis to manage open requisitions, build pipeline, and run your hiring process across multiple roles. You get a senior recruiter without the full-time overhead, and you can scale the engagement up or down as your needs change.
Related reading: What a good recruiting partnership looks like when you need ongoing hiring support.
Related reading: Recruiting Partnerships in the Age of AI
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Custom Talent Partnership
Best for: Talent strategy and recruiting advisory when you need the right approach before choosing a search model.
You know you need help hiring but aren't sure which model fits. We start with a discovery session where I assess your hiring needs, then I design an engagement based on what you actually need, not what generates the highest fee. That could be executive search, fractional recruiting, or a hybrid of both.
8 Steps for a Successful Search
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Step 1: Needs Assessment
Deep dive into your goals, culture, and what success looks like in the role.
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Step 2: Market Research
Analyze talent availability, comp benchmarks, and competitive landscape.
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Step 3: Candidate Sourcing
Direct outreach to high-impact candidates, including those not actively looking.
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Step 4: Screening and Evaluation
Structured interviews assessing leadership capability, expertise, and cultural fit.
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Step 5: Shortlisting
A curated slate with detailed profiles and my recommendation on each.
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Step 6: Client Interviews
I coordinate scheduling, prep, and structured feedback between rounds.
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Step 7: Offer and Negotiation
Strategic guidance on comp, terms, and closing the hire.
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Step 8: Onboarding and Follow-Up
Transition support through the first 90 days to make sure the placement sticks.
FAQ
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What makes Terrace Vanguard different?
I’m a solo executive search and recruiting consultant, so you work directly with me from intake to offer. I’m hands-on, I’m proactive about sharing market feedback, and I run a structured process so you always know where the search stands. The goal isn’t just to fill a role, it’s to get you the right person for the role and your stage.
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Retained vs. contingency: which is better?
For the roles I take on, retained or project-based search is the best fit. It lets me do deep research, go directly to the people you actually want, and manage the process with weekly updates until you’re closed. If you tell me what you’re hiring for and when, I’ll recommend the right retained structure.
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How do you handle communication throughout the search process?
I set a weekly cadence from the start. You’ll get a clear pipeline view, updates on outreach and responses, and any market feedback that affects the search (compensation, title, location, competitor talent, and dealbreakers I’m hearing). If something needs adjusting, we adjust early.
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What is the typical timeline?
Timelines vary by role and market, but I aim to move fast without rushing evaluation. As a baseline, I typically deliver an initial slate within about 15 business days for active searches, then continue building the pipeline until we close the hire. If you’re in a time crunch, tell me and I’ll outline a realistic plan.
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How do you find candidates beyond inbound applicants?
I start with a research-driven target list and go directly to the people you actually want, including candidates who aren’t actively applying. I combine outbound outreach, referral-style sourcing, and screening focused on impact, scope, and fit for your stage.
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What if I have more questions?
Send me a quick note through the contact form with the role, level, and what you’re solving for. If it’s a fit, I’ll suggest the simplest way to get started.
Get Started
Let's talk about your next hire.
If you’re hiring and want to pressure-test the role, the market, or the best way to run the search, schedule a consultation and I’ll tell you honestly whether I’m the right fit.
DIY Hiring Tools
The Terrace Vanguard Playbook Series
The same frameworks I use with clients, packaged so you can implement them on your own. If you want hands-on help, start with Services.