If you’re looking to partner with a recruitment company, understanding the importance of finding a reliable and trustworthy partner will make all the difference in your search. This is where Sheer Velocity comes in. We’re a retained search firm excelling in finding candidates for positions across various industries, including private equity groups and their portfolio-backed companies. With headquarters in Denver, Colorado, and additional offices in San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas, St. Louis, Boulder, Seattle, and Scottsdale, we have access to an extensive network of candidates and various resources that help us recruit the perfect candidate for your private equity-backed portfolio company.
Partnering with our private equity recruiters can be a powerful tool. It can save you time, effort, and resources in the hiring process. Below, we’ll outline more about what to expect when you partner with us, more about our team and processes, and more about search firms in general. Hence, you will have a better understanding of the benefits of utilizing our expertise.
What is a Private Equity Recruiting Company?
A private equity recruiter, like our Sheer Velocity team, specializes in sourcing and hiring talent for private equity firms and their portfolio companies. Our recruiters work with these firms to understand their hiring needs, identify potential candidates, and facilitate the recruitment process. We can also provide guidance on industry trends and best practices for attracting top talent in the private equity sector. We have a deep network within the industry and can connect highly qualified candidates with private equity firms.
What are the Advantages of Partnering With a Retained Search Firm?
There are different types of search firms. While they all fall under the “headhunter” category, there are some minor key differences between them. For example, a retained search firm, such as ourselves, helps companies fill executive-level positions with top-tier talent. We also provide a one-year guarantee, meaning we take the time to find you the right candidate. We never rush the process. However, a contingency search firm is slightly different – they typically only get paid once a successful candidate has been found but provide a 90-day guarantee. Therefore, the process can sometimes feel rushed and lead to low-quality hires.
There are many advantages to partnering with our retained search firm for your private equity recruitment needs, including:
- Access to Top Talent
We specialize in sourcing and attracting high-caliber candidates, often those who are not actively seeking new roles but are highly accomplished in their fields. Our extensive networks and sophisticated research capabilities allow us to identify executives with the precise skills and experience needed to thrive in private equity-driven environments.
- Tailored Recruitment Process
Unlike contingent recruiters, our retained search firm provides a highly customized and consultative approach. We take pride in investing a significant amount of time in understanding the unique needs of our private equity clients, the strategic goals of their portfolio companies, and their cultural dynamics. This ensures that the candidates presented are highly qualified and a strong cultural fit.
- Focused, Dedicated Effort
We work exclusively on a limited number of assignments at a time, allowing us to dedicate our resources and complete attention to your search. This focused effort translates into a more thorough vetting process, faster turnaround times, and ultimately, a higher success rate in securing top candidates.
- Confidentiality
Maintaining confidentiality during the hiring process can often be critical for our private equity clients, especially when hiring for leadership roles or managing sensitive transitions within their portfolio companies. Rest assured that we are adept at conducting discreet searches that protect the firm’s reputation and strategic plans.
- Expertise in Private Equity Dynamics
We have a specialized team with deep expertise in the private equity sector. They understand the unique challenges of hiring for portfolio companies, such as the need for leaders who can drive operational improvements, scale businesses, and deliver aggressive growth targets. This specialized knowledge ensures a more effective and efficient search process.
- Long-Term Partnerships
We view our relationships with private equity clients as long-term partnerships, meaning we are invested in the success of our clients and often provide ongoing support, such as leadership assessments, onboarding assistance, and succession planning. This collaborative relationship ensures alignment with the firm’s evolving needs over time.
- Higher Candidate Retention Rates
The rigorous vetting process employed by our retained search firm results in placements that are better suited for long-term success. Our commitment to finding the right fit – both in terms of technical skills and cultural alignment – has proven to lead to higher retention rates and reduced turnover costs.
Our Team’s Search Process is Highly Successful and Tailored to Your Needs
We help save you time, effort, and resources in the hiring process. But our partnership is more than just that.
Understanding Client Needs
The search process begins with an in-depth consultation to understand the client’s unique requirements. This step involves:
- Gaining insight into the organization’s goals, culture, and leadership style
- Analyzing the role’s strategic importance and defining the ideal candidate profile, including technical qualifications, leadership traits, and cultural fit
- Establishing clear expectations and timelines for the search process
Proactive Candidate Sourcing
Using our networks and research, we actively source candidates who meet our client’s criteria. We focus on publicly visible professionals and high-performing executives who may not be actively seeking new roles. Strategies include:
- Direct outreach to qualified professionals
- Leveraging referrals from trusted industry contacts
- Engaging candidates in discreet and confidential conversations
Rigorous Screening and Evaluation
To ensure only the highest-quality candidates are presented, we conduct a thorough evaluation process that includes:
- In-Depth Interviews: Assessing candidates’ technical skills, experience, and leadership capabilities.
- Behavioural and Situational Analysis: Using structured techniques to evaluate how candidates handle challenges and align with the company culture.
- Assessment Tools: Utilizing psychometric tests or leadership assessments to measure competencies, emotional intelligence, and decision-making abilities objectively.
Presentation of Shortlisted Candidates
After the evaluation process, our firm presents a shortlist of the most qualified candidates, complete with detailed profiles that include:
- Professional experience and achievements
- Leadership assessments and cultural fit analysis
- Recommendations based on the firm’s findings
Offer Negotiations and Closing
Once the client selects their preferred candidate, we assist with the following:
- Drafting and negotiating a competitive offer package that aligns with the candidate’s expectations and market standards
- Managing communication to ensure a smooth and positive hiring experience for both parties
- Addressing any concerns or barriers to acceptance
Onboarding and Follow-Up Support
To promote long-term success, we’ll provide post-hire support, including:
- Assistance with onboarding to ensure the candidate integrates seamlessly into the organization
- Regular follow-ups with both the client and the candidate to monitor progress and address any challenges
- Providing feedback and recommendations for improving future searches if necessary
Ready to Experience the Power of Partnering With Sheer Velocity?
For private equity firms, partnering with our retained search firm represents a strategic investment in securing the right talent to drive success. By leveraging our expertise, networks, and tailored approach, we enable private equity companies to make informed hiring decisions that align with their strategic objectives. In a competitive landscape where talent is a key differentiator, the value of this partnership cannot be overstated. Additionally, our hiring process is designed to deliver the highest-quality hires by combining our deep industry expertise and meticulous evaluation techniques with a personalized approach. Because of this, we’ve been recognized on the Hunt Scanlon PE Recruiting Power 100 List for the last five years.
If you’d like to learn more about working with our search firm, please contact us so our private equity recruiters can begin helping you with your search needs. We look forward to developing a lifelong partnership with you!
