Twelve years of observing executive appointments across South Africa and the continent produced one inescapable conclusion: when the appointment is consequential, the search methodology must match the mandate. Retained search is not a premium — it is a prerequisite for getting it right.
Exclusive mandate — CES is your sole, accountable search partner for the appointment.
No exclusivity — multiple agencies race simultaneously, prioritising speed over quality.
Full-market search reaching both active and passive candidates, including those not on the open market.
Search limited to active candidates — the most capable talent is rarely actively looking.
Structured process with agreed milestones, reporting intervals, and accountability at every stage.
No formal reporting obligation — the process is opaque from the client's perspective.
Dedicated advisory team — your mandate receives undivided focus, not shared desk attention.
Divided consultant attention — your appointment competes internally with every other brief on the desk.
Competency-based candidate assessment, motivation profiling, and reference verification included.
Shortlisting often driven by database availability rather than depth of assessment.
Total Rewards advisory integrated — ensuring your offer is market-competitive before it is made.
Remuneration advisory not included — offer competitiveness left entirely to the client.
60-day replacement guarantee — CES stands behind every placement unconditionally.
Guarantees vary and may not be honoured in the absence of documented terms.
Candidate confidentiality protected throughout — no blind market exposure without authorisation.
Candidate confidentiality cannot be maintained when multiple agencies are briefed simultaneously.
Complete, sign, and submit your Retained Search Mandate Agreement directly below. A CES director will contact you within one business day to confirm the briefing schedule and commence the retained search process.
CES
Construct Executive Search
APSO Member · SARA Registered · B-BBEE Aligned · SABPP Accredited
CES will countersign and return a copy within one business day. A director will contact you to schedule your formal briefing session.
Sign a retained mandate today and receive a formal Position Brief within three business days, a shortlist within 25, and Total Rewards advisory at no additional cost.