Specialist Recruitment
Engineering & Construction Executive Search
Retained search for directors, practice leaders and boards — across the UK and internationally.
JustEng Recruitment runs retained executive search for engineering, design and construction businesses. We appoint managing directors, technical directors, heads of discipline and board members for consultancies, contractors and specialist firms — in the UK and worldwide. Employers searching for construction headhunters or an engineering executive search firm come to us for exactly this: leadership hiring run by people who understand the discipline.
Leadership Roles We Fill
- Managing Director and Regional Director
- Technical Director and Engineering Director
- Head of Discipline for structures, MEP, fire and facade teams
- Commercial Director and Pre-Construction Director
- Practice leaders for consultancies and expert witness firms
- Board and Non-Executive appointments
How Retained Executive Search Works
Executive search is research led. We map the market for the role, approach high performing leaders who are not actively looking, and present a qualified shortlist with structured assessment notes — typically within four to six weeks. We then manage interviews, referencing, offer negotiation and resignation support through to start date. Searches can be run confidentially on both sides.
Why JustEng for Executive Search
We recruit exclusively in engineering, design and construction, so our search work starts from real discipline knowledge: we know the difference between a delivery director and a technical figurehead, and our own placement data and salary guides keep package benchmarking honest. For international appointments, our global headhunting practice runs the same process across Europe, the Middle East, North America and Asia-Pacific.
Who We Work With
- Engineering consultancies from boutique to multinational
- Contractors, developers and client organisations
- Facade, fire and specialist engineering firms
- Forensic, expert witness and disputes practices
- Data centre and mission critical operators
Engineering & Construction Executive Search FAQs
What is the difference between executive search and contingent recruitment?
Contingent recruitment works from active applicants and is paid on placement. Executive search is a retained, research led assignment: we proactively map and approach the whole market for a role, including leaders who are not job hunting, and commit dedicated resource until the appointment is made.
How long does a retained search take?
A typical engineering or construction search presents a shortlist within four to six weeks, with offer accepted around weeks eight to twelve. Confidential or international searches can take slightly longer.
How are retained search fees structured?
Fees are usually staged across the assignment — commonly at instruction, shortlist delivery and completion — rather than contingent on placement alone. We agree the structure before any search begins.
Can you run a confidential search?
Yes. Many of our senior mandates are confidential, for example replacing an incumbent or building a new regional team. We approach the market without naming the client until candidates are qualified and under NDA where required.
Ready to take the next step? Submit your CV or register a vacancy and a specialist consultant will be in touch.