Modular Search

The Challenge

Too much to deliver.

Not enough support?

  • You’re juggling business transformation, team restructures, and leadership hires
  • Your team is leaner than ever – but the expectations keep climbing
  • You need to move fast, but every hire has to be perfect
  • You’re being asked for more insight, more strategy, more control – with less time and fewer resources


And all this while trying to look calm, credible, and in control.

That’s why we created Modular Search

A smarter, more flexible way to get expert support exactly where it matters most.


We’ve unbundled executive search into

four standalone modules,

so you can choose what you need, skip what you don’t, and still get the same rigour and senior expertise we’re known for.


This isn’t “lite” search.

It’s precision support,

delivered by people who understand your industry, your role, and your pressures.

Data Intelligence

What if you had the talent insight before you needed it?


We map the market, benchmark your competitors, and show you who’s out there, what they’re earning, and what it will take to bring them in.


WHAT WE DELIVER


  • Map of relevant organisations and leadership structures
  • Verified talent data by key criteria
  • Talent mapping to support hiring, succession, or change
  • Longlist of up to 300 candidates (search dependant)
data-intelligence-module

Strategic Outreach

Discreet headhunting, done properly


We engage top talent confidentially, under your brand or anonymously; and deliver a longlist of pre-qualified, interested candidates without triggering speculation or risk.


WHAT WE DELIVER


  • Prioritised list of ~50 high-potential candidates
  • Agreed target profile and outreach criteria
  • Confidential outreach and early fit qualification
  • Longlist of aligned, engaged individuals for deeper evaluation
strategic-outreach-module

Assessment

Not just who can do the job, but who will thrive


We bring structure and objectivity to shortlist decisions with behavioural, cultural, and track record assessments.


WHAT WE DELIVER


  • Soft referencing to confirm performance and credibility
  • Cultural fit assessment tailored to your organisation
  • Review of track record and measurable impact
  • Evaluation of leadership style, behaviours, and core competencies
assessment-module

Selection

Avoid last-mile failure


This phase protects momentum at the point of decision, aligning expectations, managing risk, and using discreet, unnamed insight to support offer acceptance and smooth transitions.


WHAT WE DELIVER


  • Named & Unnamed referencing to validate credibility, leadership & delivery
  • Offer presentation with expectation alignment
  • Keep candidates engaged during notice periods
  • Final referencing to confirm fit and minimise risk
selection-module

The how

Built for HR and TA leaders who need control, not complexity

WHO IS THIS FOR

  • Lean TA teams who can’t cover everything at once
  • HR leaders needing to de-risk critical hires
  • Businesses that want to build pipelines, not just fill jobs
  • Anyone who’s ever thought: “There has to be a better way to do this”

THE TYPICAL QUESTIONS WE ARE ASKED

FAQ's

01

Can I combine modules?

Absolutely. Start with Mapping, then move to Outreach or Assessment. Use one or all modules, we adapt to your needs.

02

Will candidates know you’re representing us?

Only if you want. We tailor each approach to your confidentiality needs, ensuring GDPR-compliant outreach with the right discretion.

03

What if we already have an in-house TA function?

We support internal teams with specialist expertise, extra bandwidth, and fresh market insight to strengthen and streamline your hiring process.

04

Can we use this alongside an RPO or agency?

Yes. Many clients use Modular Search alongside RPO or agency support, especially when discretion, senior expertise, or market insight is needed.

05

Is this more cost-effective than a full search?

Often, yes. More importantly, it gives you control, you pay only for the support you need, exactly when you need it.

06

How do you ensure quality if the process is modular?

Each module is led by senior search professionals to full search standards. The difference lies in flexibility, never in quality.

07

Is this a lower quality version of search?

No. It’s a smarter model, high-quality search in focused modules, so you only pay for what you truly need.

08

Can we upgrade to a full search if needed?

Yes. If scope grows, we can seamlessly shift to full search, building on the groundwork already completed for smooth continuity.

Why Manners Maclean?

Why Manners Maclean?

Why Manners Maclean?

A magnifying glass with a person 's face in it.
Decades of Executive Search Expertise

Deep industry knowledge and a proven track

record of placing high-impact leaders.

A black and white icon of a map and a clock.
Bespoke Talent Mapping & Insights

Real-time data and intelligence to inform your

hiring strategy.

A black and white icon of two people and a globe.
Access to Unparalleled Networks

A global reach combined with a local market

understanding.

A black and white drawing of a molecule on a white background.
Proactive, Data-Led Approach

Helping you plan and build leadership pipelines,

reducing the risks of last-minute hiring.

A magnifying glass with a person 's face in it.
Decades of Executive Search Expertise

Deep industry knowledge and a proven track

record of placing high-impact leaders.

A black and white icon of a map and a clock.
Bespoke Talent Mapping & Insights

Real-time data and intelligence to inform your

hiring strategy.

A black and white icon of two people and a globe.
Access to Unparalleled Networks

A global reach combined with a local market

understanding.

A black and white drawing of a molecule on a white background.
Proactive, Data-Led Approach

Helping you plan and build leadership pipelines,

reducing the risks of last-minute hiring.

A magnifying glass with a person 's face in it.
Decades of Executive Search Expertise

Deep industry knowledge and a proven track

record of placing high-impact leaders.

A black and white icon of a map and a clock.
Bespoke Talent Mapping & Insights

Real-time data and intelligence to inform your

hiring strategy.

A black and white icon of two people and a globe.
Access to Unparalleled Networks

A global reach combined with a local market

understanding.

A black and white drawing of a molecule on a white background.
Proactive, Data-Led Approach

Helping you plan and build leadership pipelines,

reducing the risks of last-minute hiring.

Built for Today’s Talent Landscape

If you're exploring smarter, more flexible ways to secure leadership talent, we’d be pleased to discuss how Modular Search can support your team.

Contact Us

Contact Us

Contact Us