We understand that finding, attracting, and retaining the right talent is crucial for the success of any business, especially for startup and scale-up companies. Culture fit, candidate experience, and transparency form the foundation of any successful recruitment process.
With 20 years of market expertise, we connect you with individuals who not only meet your needs but are also genuinely inspired by your vision, helping you achieve the impact and results that truly matter to you.
The Retained Search Process
Definition
Designing a compelling brief goes further than just the job description. We understand the DNA of our clients: the culture, vision, values, and even the challenges so we can authentically represent you in the market and attract the right candidates to your business.
Discovery
We proactively headhunt for every assignment. During a process, each candidate will have at least 2 rounds of interviews with us, before we present our shortlist. We consult with you at every stage, to ensure good communication and that expectations are aligned on both sides.
Decision
Momentum is key and when managed effectively, can differentiate you from the competition. Given we are recruiting high performers, there are often hurdles to overcome, such as counter-offers, but we anticipate these situations, preparing candidates and clients for every eventuality.
*808 Talent can also provide ad-hoc contingency recruitment services.
For more information, please contact us.
Testimonials
David O'Carroll
COO at Aurora Media Worldwide
As Aurora has grown, identifying exceptional talent that aligns with our position, values, and culture is crucial.
Partnering with 808 Talent, Ben leveraged his extensive network and deep understanding of the Sports Production ecosystem, helping us attract brilliant individuals into our team.
Whether you need a single strategic hire or to recruit multiple positions simultaneously, 808 Talent provides a tailored, consultative approach leveraging our expert headhunting skills to find the ideal candidates for your business.
We have more than 20 years of experience in running successful retained search campaigns across the globe.
Market Specialism
Our expertise spans the entire technology lifecycle of content, from acquisition to distribution. At 808 Talent, we partner with innovative companies specialising in areas such as Remote and Virtual Production, AR/VR, Graphics, Cloud Production Systems, MAM, Media Supply Chain, Orchestration, Content Preparation, AI, Metadata, Analytics, Content Discovery, AdTech, Transcoding, Video Distribution, Cyber Security, Playout, Streaming, OTT, FAST, and VOD.
In Sports Production, our competence covers Live Events, Production, Distribution, Contribution, Virtual Advertising, and Video Clipping. We also collaborate with elite sports technology vendors that provide cutting-edge video and data analysis solutions to professional teams, leagues, and federations worldwide.
Acquisition & Production
Video Delivery, Distribution, FAST & OTT
Content & Workflow Management
Sports Production
AI, Data & Metadata
Recent Search Projects
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What does retained search (or executive search) mean?Answer goes here.
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Director of Customer Support, The AmericasTechnologies: Content & Workflow Management Location: Boston, USA Type of business: Scale-up
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Managing Director, AmericasTechnology: Content & Workflow Management; AI, Data, & Metadata Location: New York, USA Stage of Business: Scale-Up
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VP of Business SolutionsTechnology: Media Supply Chain & AI Location: East Coast, US Stage of Business: Scale-up
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Technical ProducerTechnology: Sports Production Location: London, UK Stage of Business: Scale-Up
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Chief Product & Technology OfficerTechnology: Content & Workflow Management Location: Paris, France Stage of Business: Startup
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Sales Manager DACHTechnology: Media Supply Chain & AI Location: Germany Stage of Business: Scale-up
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Head of Global SalesTechnologies: Acquisition & Production and Content & Workflow Management Location: London Stage of Business: Start Up
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Strategic Account Manager, Southern EuropeTechnology: Content & Workflow Management; AI, Data, & Metadata Location: Paris, France Stage of Business: Scale-Up
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Regional Sales Manager DACHTechnologies: Content & Workflow Management | AI, Data & Metadata Location: Germany Stage of Business: Scale Up
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Solutions Architect, USATechnology: Content & Workflow Management; AI, Data, & Metadata Location: Miami, USA Stage of Business: Scale-Up
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Regional Sales Director, East CoastTechnology: Content & Workflow Management Location: New York Stage of Business: Scale Up
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Regional Sales Manager, AmericasTechnology: Content & Workflow Management Location: New York, USA Stage of Business: Scale-Up
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How do you ensure the candidates you present are the right fit?We undertake a thorough analysis of your company culture, role requirements, and team dynamics to ensure the ideal match. Our approach includes rigorous candidate assessments, from in-depth interviews and reference checks to psychometric testing where appropriate. During the Retained Search process, 808 Talent engages with each shortlisted candidate through 20-30 different touchpoints. This extensive interaction enables us to develop a deep understanding of their motivations, character, and suitability for your organisation.
-
What are the benefits of a retained search over contingency recruitment?Retained Search provides a more targeted and committed approach to recruitment. By dedicating specific resources to your search, we gain a thorough understanding of your company culture and needs, which results in higher-quality candidates and a more efficient hiring process. While contingency recruitment often relies on sourcing talent from a recruitment agency’s existing database, retained search goes further. It focuses on actively identifying and engaging the top candidates in the market through strategic headhunting, ensuring you secure the best fit for your specific requirements.
-
How long does the recruitment process typically take?While timelines can vary depending on the role and market conditions, our retained search process usually takes between 6-12 weeks from initial consultation to the offer accepted by the chosen candidate
-
What is your fee structure for a Retained Search?Our fee structure is designed to align with the stages of the recruitment process and typically comprises three key stages: Retainer Payment: This initial fee is required to commence the search and consultation process. It covers the detailed brief, candidate research, headhunting, and interviews. Shortlist Presentation Payment: An additional fee is payable upon delivery of an agreed shortlist of candidates, reflecting the progress and effort invested in identifying top talent. Final Payment: The concluding payment is due upon the successful placement of the candidate, marking the completion of the recruitment process. This structured approach ensures transparency and aligns our interests with your recruitment goals.
-
What is Retained Search?Retained Search is a partnership-driven recruitment model where we collaborate exclusively with our clients to secure the right talent for their most critical roles, be they strategic, revenue-generating, or managerial positions. Our process begins with a thorough consultation to gain a deep understanding of our client’s needs, company culture, and the specific requirements of the role. Equipped with this knowledge, we launch a targeted headhunting campaign, often complemented by a strategic advertising effort, to attract and engage the best possible candidates. Throughout the recruitment journey, we maintain close and continuous communication with both our client and the shortlisted candidates, ensuring a seamless and successful hiring experience.
Global Reach
What are you hiring for?
We connect leaders of innovative, progressive technology companies, with some of the brightest and talented minds in the industry from sales through to technology.
Leadership & Management
CEO COO CRO / CSO CTO CFO MD / GM Chief Product Officer CHRO / Chief People Officer
Sales & Business Development
S/VP Sales Sales Director Business Development Strategic Account Director Regional Sales Manager Account Manager Pre-Sales Solutions Architect
Marketing &
Product
CPO Head of Product Product Owner Product Marketing Product Manager Business Analyst CMO Head of Marketing Field Marketing Digital Marketing
Customer
Service
CCSO Vice President of Customer Success Customer Success Manager Head of Support
Professional
Services
Delivery Manager Program Manager Project Manager
Technology &
Software
CTO CIO Chief Security Officer Head of Technology Head of SW Development Head of QA Software Architect Solution Architect Scrum Master
Ben Swanton
Founder, 808 Talent
In this rapidly evolving global landscape of Broadcast & Sports Media Technology, attracting and retaining the right talent has never been more crucial.
Ultimately, it's the people who will shape the culture, drive performance, and determine an organisation’s success.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What does retained search (or executive search) mean?Answer goes here.
-
Director of Customer Support, The AmericasTechnologies: Content & Workflow Management Location: Boston, USA Type of business: Scale-up
-
Managing Director, AmericasTechnology: Content & Workflow Management; AI, Data, & Metadata Location: New York, USA Stage of Business: Scale-Up
-
VP of Business SolutionsTechnology: Media Supply Chain & AI Location: East Coast, US Stage of Business: Scale-up
-
Technical ProducerTechnology: Sports Production Location: London, UK Stage of Business: Scale-Up
-
Chief Product & Technology OfficerTechnology: Content & Workflow Management Location: Paris, France Stage of Business: Startup
-
Sales Manager DACHTechnology: Media Supply Chain & AI Location: Germany Stage of Business: Scale-up
-
Head of Global SalesTechnologies: Acquisition & Production and Content & Workflow Management Location: London Stage of Business: Start Up
-
Strategic Account Manager, Southern EuropeTechnology: Content & Workflow Management; AI, Data, & Metadata Location: Paris, France Stage of Business: Scale-Up
-
Regional Sales Manager DACHTechnologies: Content & Workflow Management | AI, Data & Metadata Location: Germany Stage of Business: Scale Up
-
Solutions Architect, USATechnology: Content & Workflow Management; AI, Data, & Metadata Location: Miami, USA Stage of Business: Scale-Up
-
Regional Sales Director, East CoastTechnology: Content & Workflow Management Location: New York Stage of Business: Scale Up
-
Regional Sales Manager, AmericasTechnology: Content & Workflow Management Location: New York, USA Stage of Business: Scale-Up
-
How do you ensure the candidates you present are the right fit?We undertake a thorough analysis of your company culture, role requirements, and team dynamics to ensure the ideal match. Our approach includes rigorous candidate assessments, from in-depth interviews and reference checks to psychometric testing where appropriate. During the Retained Search process, 808 Talent engages with each shortlisted candidate through 20-30 different touchpoints. This extensive interaction enables us to develop a deep understanding of their motivations, character, and suitability for your organisation.
-
What are the benefits of a retained search over contingency recruitment?Retained Search provides a more targeted and committed approach to recruitment. By dedicating specific resources to your search, we gain a thorough understanding of your company culture and needs, which results in higher-quality candidates and a more efficient hiring process. While contingency recruitment often relies on sourcing talent from a recruitment agency’s existing database, retained search goes further. It focuses on actively identifying and engaging the top candidates in the market through strategic headhunting, ensuring you secure the best fit for your specific requirements.
-
How long does the recruitment process typically take?While timelines can vary depending on the role and market conditions, our retained search process usually takes between 6-12 weeks from initial consultation to the offer accepted by the chosen candidate
-
What is your fee structure for a Retained Search?Our fee structure is designed to align with the stages of the recruitment process and typically comprises three key stages: Retainer Payment: This initial fee is required to commence the search and consultation process. It covers the detailed brief, candidate research, headhunting, and interviews. Shortlist Presentation Payment: An additional fee is payable upon delivery of an agreed shortlist of candidates, reflecting the progress and effort invested in identifying top talent. Final Payment: The concluding payment is due upon the successful placement of the candidate, marking the completion of the recruitment process. This structured approach ensures transparency and aligns our interests with your recruitment goals.
-
What is Retained Search?Retained Search is a partnership-driven recruitment model where we collaborate exclusively with our clients to secure the right talent for their most critical roles, be they strategic, revenue-generating, or managerial positions. Our process begins with a thorough consultation to gain a deep understanding of our client’s needs, company culture, and the specific requirements of the role. Equipped with this knowledge, we launch a targeted headhunting campaign, often complemented by a strategic advertising effort, to attract and engage the best possible candidates. Throughout the recruitment journey, we maintain close and continuous communication with both our client and the shortlisted candidates, ensuring a seamless and successful hiring experience.
