3,500
Successful executive search and advisory projects
Our services
Executive search and leadership consulting specialists across the process, infrastructure and energy sectors.
Identify and attract high-calibre executives across technical and industrial sectors
By partnering with an executive search firm with a proven track record across the process, infrastructure and energy sectors - including specialty, continuous and advanced manufacturing, EPC, industrial services and construction - organisations can significantly expand their access to qualified leadership talent.
Leveraging deep sector expertise and extensive industry networks, businesses can engage high-calibre executives from both active and passive talent pools, improving their ability to meet strategic growth and transformation objectives.
Why work with us?
Airswift’s executive search and leadership solutions combine specialist expertise, global reach and deep industry insight, backed by one of the world's leading STEM workforce solutions providers.
Drawing on more than 45 years of experience, we help organisations identify and engage proven leaders across active and passive talent pools who can drive growth, transformation and project success.
We have a proven track record supporting private equity firms, PE-backed portfolio companies, and middle-market and mid-cap organisations, helping them access high-calibre executive talent through our extensive network and trusted global brand.
From board and executive appointments to talent mapping, leadership assessment and succession planning, we build leadership teams equipped to navigate change and create long-term value.
Our senior business partners and sector experts work closely with you to understand your challenges, define clear objectives and deliver tailored solutions.
Supported by a global network of subject matter specialists, our consultants provide expert guidance and scalable leadership solutions without the overheads of a large internal team.
Case study
Scaling technical workforce by 31% in just two years
- 73% of new hires placed by Airswift
- 26 senior, VP & C-Suite placements
- 48 total hires made
Background
8 Rivers, a leader in sustainable energy technology, received $100 million for global expansion but lacked internal recruitment resources to scale quickly.
Solution
Airswift provided a dedicated team that became an extension of their HR department, developing job descriptions, providing compensation data, and sourcing specialised technical talent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Airswift's executive search process work?
Our executive search team uses a variety of sourcing techniques to ensure maximum coverage of the active and passive candidate pool.
This includes a range of interpersonal and technology-focused approaches:
- Applicant tracking systems
- Candidate referral schemes
- Corporate website advertising
- Digital marketing (SEO/PPC)
- Email campaigns
- Job boards
- Networking events
- Social media
- Video campaigns
Key to our approach is the disciplined focus of our recruiters. When you need a Cost Engineer and a Construction Manager, you will be assigned different recruiters.
Each consultant is an expert in their vertical and understands the skills, terminology and desirable traits/qualifications for both roles.
This niche focus ensures a higher hit rate of suitable candidates for our clients.
Why do you charge upfront fees rather than contingency?
While contingency recruiters focus on volume and speed, Airswift takes a strategic, research-driven approach to finding technical talent. By charging an upfront fee, we commit dedicated resources to finding the best talent – not just the most available candidates.
Our engaged search approach allows us to:
- Dedicate significant research resources to each role
- Access passive candidates who aren't actively job seeking
- Provide comprehensive market intelligence
- Focus on quality rather than speed
- Deliver a significantly higher success rate than contingency recruitment
This model has proven particularly effective for specialised technical roles that require deep industry knowledge and thorough vetting processes.
How quickly can you typically fill specialised technical roles?
While timelines vary based on complexity, location, and technical requirements, our global infrastructure allows us to fill most technical roles significantly faster than industry averages. Our clients typically see:
- Standard technical roles: 4-5 weeks (industry average: 7-8 weeks)
- Specialised engineering positions: 6-8 weeks (industry average: 10-12 weeks)
- Executive technical leadership: 8-12 weeks (industry average: 16-20 weeks)
For clients with ongoing technical talent needs, we can establish talent pipelines that reduce these timeframes even further. Our "follow the sun" global workflow ensures responsiveness and reduces delays in international hiring processes.
What makes Airswift different from other technical recruiters?
Airswift stands apart from other technical recruiters in several key ways:
- Technical specialisation: Our recruiters understand the technical requirements of your roles and can effectively assess candidate qualifications
- Global infrastructure: With 60+ offices worldwide, we provide genuine local expertise in challenging locations
- Proven longevity: Our average 16+ year relationship with top clients demonstrates our consistent delivery
- Comprehensive service range: From individual placements to complete workforce solutions
- Industry-specific experience: Deep understanding of technical sectors, particularly in energy, engineering, and technology
- White-glove approach: Premium, high-touch service model rather than a technology-first platform
While many firms claim global reach, our physical presence in 60+ locations provides authentic local knowledge that software platforms can't replicate.
How do you ensure compliance in complex international markets?
International compliance is one of the most challenging aspects of global technical recruitment. Our approach includes:
- Local legal expertise: In-country teams who understand regional employment laws, tax regulations, and immigration requirements
- Continuous monitoring: Staying ahead of regulatory changes that might impact your technical workforce
- Due diligence processes: Comprehensive background checks tailored to local requirements
- Immigration support: Expert visa and work permit assistance for technical professionals
- Documentation management: Ensuring all necessary employment paperwork meets local standards
- Risk assessment: Identifying and mitigating compliance risks before they become issues
This comprehensive approach protects your organisation from the significant legal and financial risks associated with non-compliance in international technical hiring.
Our services
Talent Acquisition
Few issues are as critical to project delivery as the identification, on-boarding and management of productive workforces. Our highly experienced team behind our talent acquisition services work directly with clients to identify their hiring needs.
Employer of Record
Airswift can act as a fully integrated Employer of Record, working side-by-side with clients, taking the burden from in-house teams and managing the entire process on their behalf.
RPO & Managed Solutions
From recruiting and mobilising entire multi discipline teams, to integrating a technology focused approach and supply-chain management, our support teams take on as much of our clients’ workforce organisation burden as possible.
Workforce Consulting
Airswift has experience navigating the challenges of global expansion, managing international HR, tax and payroll challenges, finding niche and specialist talent, and restructuring and transforming organisations.
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