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

Lucas Quadflieg

Sales Manager, Netherlands

Good vibes on finding a new opportunity... I was contacted by Aidan Kerr for a position of Sales Manager Benelux. After an initial productive and insightful conversation, the next steps with the potential employer were quickly initiated. Everything fell into place, and the conversations felt as ...

Aidan Kerr

Chemicals

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

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

Dipen Shah

Account Manager, Canada

I was assisted by Aiden Kerr on getting a new job in the chemical industry. He was fantastic in terms of timing, communication, professionalism and explaining every part of the process. At no point I felt I had to figure the next step by myself. Set the expectations straight for the employer and ...

Aidan Kerr

Chemicals

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

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

Andrew Coutts

Director Global Strategy, US

First Class Service Emma shared details of a relevant opportunity and did a great job helping to manage lengthy negotiations with a prospective employer. I am pleased to say that negotiations were concluded to everyone’s satisfaction! Emma was knowledgeable, and provided excellent support throug...

Emma Conlin

Animal Health

Veronica Hagborg

Senior Director Global HR, Sweden

I have had the opportunity to co-operate with Joseph in a process and I found him very proactive in keeping me informed at all stages. He is professional, energetic and very convincing in a good way. Joseph is very good at assessing people and I strongly recommend him as an Executive Search partner.

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

Ashley Maclean

Systems Sales Engineer, South Carolina

Jack Purnell with Irving Knight was the best recruiter I’ve worked with - by far. He communicated clearly, was respectful of my schedule, and placed me with a company that checked every box I was seeking in my next role. I highly recommend Irving Knight Group, specifically Jack P! Thank you, Jack!

Jack Purnell

Material Handling & Automation

Tim Mitchell

Plant Manager, US

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

Stewart Boyd

Construction Materials & Mining

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

Nika Kuchaidze

Senior Continuous Improvement Chemist, US

It was a pleasure working with Joseph on transitioning to a position with a new company. Communication was prompt, open-and-honest, and clear through every stage of the process. He took the time to listen to questions and concerns and follow-ups were always consistent and thorough. This was ke...

Joseph Davey

Group CEO

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

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

Jane Scates

Packaging Engineer, US

Henry was a true professional, perfect attention to detail at every step of the process. Would definitely recommend!

Henry Spooner

Packaging, Paper, Recycling

Valeria Pozzi

Procurement Category Manager, Italy

Working with Oliver has been a real pleasure!His highly professionalism and transparency made me comfortable to consider a new career chapter and join a massively interesting reality. Without Oliver's attitude to present the project I might have not ended up with the same outcome. Thanks Oliver a...

Oliver Kiddy

Flavors & Fragrances

Vincent Dehousse

Head of Sales & Marketing, Netherlands

Great experience working with Cian from Irving Knight—professional, responsive, and genuinely supportive. Highly recommended!

Cian ODonnell

CDMO & CRO

Keith Parvin

Automation Division Director

I found Joseph to be extremely professional in every way when going through a recent recruitment process, always doing the things he promised he would do. Recommended.

Joseph Davey

Group CEO

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