Chicago Executive Recruiters

Premier Chicago executive search firm helping businesses find their next great leaders

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Chicago

Chicago's Top Executive Search Firm

Keller Executive Search is widely recognized as one of the leading executive recruiters in Chicago. We specialize in finding transformational leaders for a wide range of industries and C-suite roles, including CEO, COO, and CFO positions.

Our headhunters in Chicago work with organizations of various sizes, from startups to Fortune 500 companies. They have a deep understanding of Chicago’s business environment and the complexities of hiring for executive leadership positions.

We tailor our search services to meet our clients’ unique needs, challenges, and corporate culture, making sure they get access to the right candidates. Our proven track record of successful placements, extensive experience, and partnership with NPAworldwide make Keller Executive Search one of the best executive search firms in Chicago.

The Chicago Executive Talent Market

There are 36 Fortune 500 headquarters in Chicago, which makes it the third-largest city in the US for major corporate headquarters. Boeing, Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, Baxter International, Allstate, and McDonald’s are some of the main companies that hire executives.

In the Chicago metropolitan area, there are more than 4.7 million jobs. The most demand for executive leadership is in financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, consumer goods, and professional services. Depending on the industry and the size of the company, the average pay for C-suite executives in Chicago ranges from $285,000 for a VP to more than $1.2 million for a CEO.

Our Chicago executive search service covers the whole city, from the Loop and River North to the West Loop and Magnificent Mile, as well as business centers in the suburbs like Naperville, Schaumburg, Oak Brook, and Evanston. We help people in Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, Will County, Kane County, and McHenry County.

Successful Placements in Chicago

Chief Financial Officer

Manufacturing Company

Chief Operating Officer

Healthcare Organization

Chief Technology Officer

Financial Technology Company

Chief Human Resources Officer

Consumer Goods Company

General Counsel

Financial Services Firm

Chief Executive Officer

Food and Beverage Company

Vice President of Supply Chain

Industrial Distribution Company

Chief Marketing Officer

E-Commerce Company

Chief Revenue Officer

Software as a Service Company

Our Executive Search Process

Chicago

During Keller Executive Search’s formative years, we quickly realized that a generic recruitment approach that only looks at qualifications and not leadership style or cultural fit rarely works for senior recruitment. This knowledge is the foundation of our current search method.

We use a transparent, partner-led approach that focuses on getting to know our client company’s culture, values, and leadership challenges, making sure candidates align with these elements for long-term success. We provide support throughout the entire recruitment process, from talent sourcing to onboarding.

Role Definition

Our recruitment consultants meet with the client, hiring managers, and important stakeholders to understand the specific needs of the business. They also define the role requirements, objectives, and salary range. With this information, we craft a comprehensive role scorecard for identifying top performers and making objective hiring decisions.

Research

We conduct in-depth market mapping to find out where individuals with key skills currently work, benchmark compensation, and gather data on industry trends. We use this metrics-based methodology to proactively identify and attract qualified executive talent, including active and passive candidates, which saves time and gives our client a competitive advantage.

Assessment

We go beyond basic resume screening, using data-driven strategies such as behavioral and competency-based interviews to find the best person for the job. Our consultants also leverage AI-powered recruitment tools to analyze, rank, and shortlist candidates, allowing us to focus on the top talent instead of wasting time manually sifting through resumes.

Presentation and Offer Management

Our executive recruiters compile a shortlist and detailed reports on the most suitable candidates for the position. We present these to the client, who has the final say on who they want to hire. To help the parties come to a close, our consultants remain available to give advice, answer questions, and address any issues that could hinder offer acceptance.

Beyond Placement

While ours primary goal is delivering executive search solutions, we also offer strategic leadership advisory and consulting services to help build sustainable talent pipelines and promote long-term retention. Some of our services include succession planning, risk and compliance management, and compensation and benefits consulting.

Keller Executive Search offers access to the top executive recruiters in Chicago. Contact us today to begin your search.

Our Executive Search Expertise

Chicago

Chicago’s competitive business landscape demands executive recruiters with an in-depth knowledge of local nuances. The city is a hub for corporate banking, private equity, wealth management, and fintech, as well as logistics, transportation, engineering, and technology.

Our team consists of dedicated professionals with nearly two decades of combined hands-on experience in executive search, representing a wide variety of industries. Their expertise allows us to provide leadership solutions to public, private, pre-IPO, and nonprofit organizations in various sectors.

Some Areas We Specialize In

  • Consumer and Retail Markets
  • Energy and Natural Resources
  • Engineering and Manufacturing
  • Financial Services and Investment
  • Healthcare and Life Sciences
  • IT, Technology, and Digital Innovation
  • Professional and Business Services
  • Public and Nonprofit Sectors
  • Real Estate and Construction

Examples of Roles We Recruit For

Keller Executive Search’s team excels at finding the right people for a range of high-level jobs. We cover the entire C-suite, including Chief Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officers, and Chief Operating Officers. We also help appoint vice presidents, board members, and directors. Our headhunters know that the right leader can drive organizational excellence, while a mis-hire can result in significant losses in productivity, resources, and revenue. That’s why we partner closely with companies to find the best fit.

Keep reading to discover our exclusive Insights below and get advice on various topics related to HR and recruitment.

Why Choose Keller Executive Search In Chicago?

Chicago

We know the importance of understanding a client’s organizational culture for a successful search, and strive to find individuals who will fit in with existing teams. Our expert consultants look beyond credentials to consider work ethic, emotional intelligence, and other aspects that make a great leader. We also keep searches inclusive and free from unconscious bias.

Keller Executive Search simplifies the executive search process with our vast network and industry expertise. We maintain transparent communication, acting as strategic advisors who provide regular, detailed progress reports and market intelligence. With our help, you can get the talent you need to achieve sustainable success.

Our Promise

Part of our mission is to protect user data when organizations put their trust in us. Each of our searches is conducted ethically, responsibly, and confidentially, with respect for the safety and privacy of our clientele. We follow strict non-disclosure agreements and we have an off-limits policy against poaching talent from our clients’ workforce.

Although we focus on finding the right person for our client, we acknowledge that circumstances can change. The chosen candidate may no longer be available for the role or fall short of expectations. We offer a 365-day replacement program for these situations, which allows us to find another suitable individual to fill the role.

Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.

Client Testimonials

"We were very impressed with Keller Executive Search's all-around approach. This is the second time we've worked with them, and they really know how to find the best people for the job."

- Mike J., Head of Recruitment

"We appreciate Keller Executive Search's commitment to getting to know our needs and how our business works. They keep sending us great candidates."

- David T., HR Director

"We trust Keller Executive Search and keep going back to them for their strategic approach to hiring. We owe a lot of our success to Keller's team, and we are very happy with the quality of the candidates they send us."

- Anita H., Senior HR Manager

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Executive Search and Recruitment?

Are Executive Recruiters Worth It?

What Happens if We Cannot Fill a Role?

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