How do you match candidates to the right opportunities?

Our priority is fit, not speed. We take time to understand your background, goals, and motivations, then provide clear insight into each opportunity so you're only considered for roles that truly align with your experience and ambitions.

What types of roles and industries do you specialise in?

We specialise in senior, specialist, and leadership appointments across the markets we serve. Our focus is on roles where experience, judgement, and cultural alignment are critical — typically mid- to senior-level management through to executive and board appointments.

How does working with Irving Knight benefit me?

You'll gain honest market insight, access to high-quality opportunities, and clear guidance throughout the process. Our aim is simple: to help you make the right move, at the right time, with confidence.

Do I need to pay for your services?

No. Our services are completely free for candidates. We are retained by our client partners to manage their hiring processes, meaning there is never a cost to you at any stage. Our role is to represent your interests professionally, provide guidance throughout the process, and help you assess opportunities objectively — without any financial obligation.

Will using your services put me at a disadvantage compared to direct applicants?

No — if anything, it gives you an advantage. We provide context, insight, and advocacy that ensure your experience and motivations are clearly understood from the outset. Our role is to strengthen your candidacy and guide you through a transparent, well-managed process.

What makes Irving Knight different from other recruitment firms?

We operate as a retained, partnership-led search firm rather than a transactional recruiter. That means fewer searches, deeper engagement, and a far higher level of commitment to outcomes. By combining sector specialism, market intelligence, and a disciplined search methodology, we deliver hires that are aligned not only to role requirements, but to culture, strategy, and long-term growth plans.

How do you find and assess candidates?

We don't rely on databases or job advertising alone. Our searches are driven by proactive market mapping, targeted outreach, and insight gained from long-standing sector networks. Candidates are assessed on capability, leadership style, cultural alignment, and long-term potential — not just CV fit — ensuring a robust and well-informed shortlist.

How do you approach confidential searches?

Confidentiality is fundamental to how we operate. Every search is handled with discretion, clear communication, and controlled market engagement. As your representative in the market, we protect your brand, manage messaging carefully, and ensure sensitive information is only shared when appropriate — safeguarding both your business and your candidates throughout the process.

What is your success rate in filling roles?

Our retained model is designed to deliver outcomes, not volume. Because we invest the time to fully understand the role, the business, and the wider context, we achieve a consistently high completion rate across our searches. More importantly, our focus is on long-term retention and impact, not short-term placement metrics.

What happens if a hire doesn't work out?

While our process is designed to minimise risk, we recognise that circumstances can change. In the rare event a placement doesn't succeed, we work closely with our client to address the situation and agree the most appropriate next steps. Our commitment is to the partnership and the outcome — not just the initial hire.

Testimonials - Irving Knight Group

Kerry Maye

Regional Sales Manager

Working with Joseph was a wonderfully positive experience from our first contact, through acceptance of my job offer. Joseph’s proactive and professional approach introduced me to a fantastic career opportunity, and I am forever thankful. Joseph is a catalyst for career progression and success!

Joseph Davey

Group CEO

Michael Wilson

Senior Account Manager

Working with Joseph was a seamless and positive experience from our first contact along with the various steps of the hiring process. Joseph was very proactive and set clear expectations of the role as he was very professional while keeping me informed of where the company was at following each r...

Joseph Davey

Group CEO

Guillermo Leal

Global Director of Pricing, US

I've worked with a few recruiters in the past but Oliver surprised me not only for his professionalism, excellent communication and people skills but also for his commitment that makes you feel that he cares about you and your success. It has been a great experience working with Oliver, he was ve...

Oliver Kiddy

Flavors & Fragrances

Andreia Sa

Director, Italy

I would like to sincerely thank Evan Ball for all the support throughout the process. He provided assistance at different stages and was consistently kind, attentive, and thoughtful in every detail—toward the client, the hiring company, and myself as a client receiving the service. This level of...

Ewan Ball

Food Ingredients & Biotechnology

Todd McBroom

District Sales Mgr, US

Great Experience!! This was my first time dealing with a recuiter and could not have been a better experience. Jack was extremely professional and personable. Highly recommend.

Jack Purnell

Material Handling & Automation

Brian Carpenter

VP Continous Improvement, US

Stewart was instrumental in helping me through this process and alleviating my concerns as I’ve been out of the workforce for quite some time.

Stewart Boyd

Construction Materials & Mining

Rania Metwall

Head of Sales, France

Would highly recommend working with Luca Dowdell. He helped me find the perfect job. Very professional, friendly and easy to work with.

Luca Dowdell

Lubricants, Oil & Gas

Jeff Borchardt

Director of Planning, US

Mr. Clay was a wonderful recruiter. He was communicative and helped keep me informed through the process. He also found a role that was perfectly suited for me. I am absolutely loving my team. The process from initial contact to placement was stress free on the recruitment side. Thanks for a wond...

Christopher Clay

Real Estate & Homebuilding

Joerg Schlagmann

Senior Global Manager

Great expert: supportive, challenging and always empowered for his customers and his work! Not more to say: just excellent!!

Joseph Davey

Group CEO

Anja Florbach

Digital & Commercial Excellence Manager

Thank you so much Joseph! You have given me a great support. It was really nice to be in contact with you and I think you have a great understanding and the skills, to bring the right people together.

Joseph Davey

Group CEO

Corinne Grice

Strategic Account Manager, US

Luca was an absolute gem to work with ! He reached out to me on linkedin with several different opportunities & was able to assist in navigating each option. He was key in getting me into a much more desirable role within my industry. Highly recommend!

Luca Dowdell

Lubricants, Oil & Gas

Michel Cas

Sales Manager, France

Incredibly human oriented executive search, candidates handled with great care and respect, precise and concise information about projects, just-in-time follow-up. I can only recommend Irving Knight as an unprecedented awesome experience compared to others.

Joseph Davey

Group CEO

Kaitlin Lammers

Account Manager

Oliver made the hiring process smooth from start to finish. He was consistently responsive, understanding, and supportive without any pressure. His guidance helped me feel confident at every step, and I am grateful for his role in connecting me with my current employer. I highly recommend working...

Oliver Kiddy

Flavors & Fragrances

Tim Mitchell

Plant Manager, US

Stewart did an amazing job representing me for a new opportunity.

Stewart Boyd

Construction Materials & Mining

Eduardo Valle

Development Mgr, US

This opportunity fell on my lap at the perfect time and the overall process with Christopher was great. It was a very smooth transition and he was there to help with any questions I had every step of the way.

Christopher Clay

Real Estate & Homebuilding

Rishi Sarkar

Environmental Process Engineer, US

Irving Knight helped place me with a company that I could have a positive impact on that aligned with my career goals. Cian O’Donnell made it a seamless effort acting as an agent between the company and I. Communications were clear, concise and very effective allowing us to come to a resolution q...

Cian ODonnell

CDMO & CRO

Jon Steele

CFO, US

Grace taught an old dog some new tricks! I had been in my previous position for 30 years. I loved my job for most of that time but I was ready for a change. From out of the blue, came a call from Grace Smith with Irving Knight. She had the perfect job for me - with no need for a relocation. Her ...

Grace Smith

Electronic Components & Products

Franz-Leo Nedo

Territory Sales Manager

Joseph is an expert in recruting people. He has in-depth practical knowledge and helpful by solving potential issues. I would always recommend Joseph in need of a new Job who wants to find suitable alternative for career movement quickly and without unnecessary hassle.

Joseph Davey

Group CEO

Christoph Snaga

Investment Manager, Germany

Christopher from Irving Knight handled the overall process well and we managed to get to a successful completion smoothly for the job I wanted! I would recommend working with Christopher if you are looking for a new position in real estate.

Christopher Clay

Real Estate & Homebuilding

Daniel Villanueva

Key Account Manager

Joseph is a dedicated professional and a stand up person to work with. His patience and his understanding certainly separate him from the rest. His tailored approach and his ability to listen to his clients make him a joy to work with. I have no doubt that if anyone is looking for services provid...

Joseph Davey

Group CEO