Executive search

Secure the right leaders for your organisation with our tailored executive search service in New Zealand. Our industry-leading recruiters connect you with professionals who share your vision and are ready to drive your business forward.

Connecting like-minded leaders and employers through executive search

The right leader in the right place can inspire organisations to reach new heights. Their impact is felt from boardrooms through to balance sheets and share prices. Their performance sets the bar – and their behaviour sets the tone – for everyone who works for and with the organisation.

Finding first class leaders and matching them with the right organisation is a fine art – and we’ve honed this skill over more than three decades. Individual leaders and employers trust us to understand their respective qualities, vision, and capabilities, and to connect them with like minds from across New Zealand and overseas.

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Our executive search service connects the best organisations with the brightest leaders. Contact us to find out more.

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Areas we recruit in

Secure your next executive hire

Let us connect you with the talent that can take your business forward.

Looking to hire

Why choose Robert Walters to handle your executive search needs?

Receive a tailored service. With over 38 years in operation, we have gained a proven record as an executive search firm that delivers a professional service that is crafted to meet your business needs.
Partner with industry experts. Many of our executive recruiters come from the industries they serve, meaning they have built hyper-specialist knowledge of the industry you operate in.
Acquire data driven insights. Our executive search strategy is highly targeted, defined by the insights from our market intelligence function.
Take advantage of our global reach. Our International Candidate Management teams have access to the top talent pools from across the globe.
Share our expertise. Giving you access to our specialist knowledge and in-depth experience though a broad range of insights, advice and thought leadership.

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Executive hiring in New Zealand: Our specialist recruitment approach

We connect you with expert executive search recruiters specialising across multiple disciplines. Our refined process delivers a tailored shortlist, perfectly aligned with your recruitment brief.

As executive search specialists, we conduct comprehensive research, multi-channel sourcing, and detailed market mapping to create a bespoke talent pool.

This sophisticated search approach provides access to active and passive executives beyond traditional channels, delivering a tailored shortlist to help you find your next leader.

Yule Alexander partnership

Utilisation of networks, skillsets and, most importantly, strategy can allow organisations to reach their unique potential. The exclusive partnership between Robert Walters & Yule Alexander is designed to enhance today's demand for finding the right Chief Executive for local government.

Robert Walters currently holds the largest market share of government related positions and Yule Alexander are local government experts with vast local government experience across New Zealand. This partnership ensures that local governments engage with the most competent, knowledgeable, and experienced team for executive search talent acquisition within New Zealand's local government sector.

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Executive coaching and leadership development

Tailormade coaching programmes designed to meet the needs of leaders at any stage of their career journey. We invest time in understanding the role of the individual and the organisational strategy to provide bespoke coaching services that enable professionals to fulfil their unique potential.

Our approach empowers leaders to engage in self-discovery and define learning goals, giving leaders the tools to improve their professional performance. Our learning programmes are delivered by industry leading coaches and include executive coaching, transition coaching, leadership development and candidate assessment.

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Our track record

43,000

Executive professionals we help start their next chapter
11,000

Organisations who we help acquire executive talent
85%

Of professionals refer us to a friend
90%

Of organisations recruit more than one role through us

Chief Executive Officer

Executive Search hiring process - Australia & New Zealand 

Speak to our executive search recruiters

Our success stories

Hear inspiring success stories from our clients and candidates as they flourish in their new career journeys.

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Our other recruitment services

Permanent recruitment

Let us assist you with your permanent hiring needs.
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Temporary Recruitment

We have our finger on the pulse for all your contingent hiring needs.
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Market Intelligence

Utilise the latest data and intel to ensure you make the right hiring decisions.
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Consulting Services

Transfer your permanent recruitment needs to an external provider.
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An award-winning service

Leadership content

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Career Advice

How to succeed in a new senior leadership role

Whether you are starting at a new organisation or have been promoted within your existing organisation the first 90 days in a new senior leadership role is critical. In this research we speak to senior business leaders from across the globe to learn about their experiences of starting a new role; in

Hiring Advice

The new hiring interview questions you should be asking

The job market is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead of the curve is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. To ensure your hiring practices remain effective in 2025 and beyond, it's crucial to embrace emerging trends and adapt your interview strategies accordingly. Because it’s the linc

News

Jobs down globally, USA one of few to see increase in professional roles – as Trump’s policies begin to take effect

USA (+4.43%), UK (+7.27%), and Poland (+3.34%) were the only countries in Top 10 to post more white-collar vacancies in February vs January 2025 -8.29% decline in professional roles globally in February 2025 (vs Jan ’25) Industrials (+9.83%), Energy & Utilities (+6.90%), and Consumer Goods & Service

How do hiring interviews change when talking to Gen Z?

Embrace technology, encourage open dialogue, and highlight your company’s commitment to social responsibility, inclusivity, and work-life balance. This approach will create a positive and engaging experience that resonates with this generation’s values and expectations. You can find example questions in the free e-guide.
What is skills-based hiring?

Skills-based hiring begins by identifying the core competencies required for a specific role. These might include soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and adaptability, as well as technical skills relevant to the job. Assessments and work samples can then be used to evaluate candidates’ hard skills in these areas.
Where can I find example questions for innovative hiring interviews?

Our free e-guide provides you with new interview questions you should be asking in 2025 to tackle current hiring challenges.
How can I, as a candidate, prepare for hiring interviews?

Robert Walters provides a complete interview guide to help you conduct successful interviews and therefore outshine the competition.

Salary Survey 2025

If you’re growing your team or simply need to retain the talent you have, the Salary Survey guides you with the insights you need to have the right team in place to keep your business moving forward.

Benchmark your team's salaries

Executive search

Connecting like-minded leaders and employers through executive search

Let’s talk

Areas we recruit in

Secure your next executive hire

Why choose Robert Walters to handle your executive search needs?

Executive hiring in New Zealand: Our specialist recruitment approach

Yule Alexander partnership

Executive coaching and leadership development

Our track record

Chief Executive Officer

Speak to our executive search recruiters

Our success stories

Our other recruitment services

Permanent recruitment

Temporary Recruitment

Market Intelligence

Consulting Services

An award-winning service

Leadership content

FAQs

Salary Survey 2025