Retained Search
Retained Search for Construction & Housebuilding
For mid-senior to board-level appointments in construction and housebuilding where quality, depth, and accountability genuinely matter. Backed by 10+ years of specialist recruitment experience.
10+ years specialist construction recruitment experience
Filled roles where multiple agencies had failed
Honest, proactive communication throughout
Some roles are simply too important to rush or hand off to chance. When you need to appoint a Construction Director, a board-level executive, or a specialist senior professional who isn't going to show up on a job board, retained search gives you the depth, exclusivity, and focused attention that hire actually deserves.
What Is Retained Search?
Retained search is an exclusive partnership — you engage Kitson Associates as your dedicated recruitment partner for a specific role, and Becky gives it her full focus. She runs a thorough, proactive search rather than sitting back and waiting for CVs to land. Unlike contingent recruitment, where several agencies might be working on the same role with no real accountability, retained search means one partner, one process, done properly.
WORK HARD
We're committed to delivering the best possible outcome for every client and candidate.
DO THE RIGHT THING
We act with integrity, transparency and professionalism in everything we do.
BE HONEST
We believe trust and open communication are the foundation of every successful partnership.
When Does Retained Search Make Sense?
Not every role needs this level of rigour — and we'll always be honest with you about that. But retained search is the right call when:
The role is at director, C-suite, or board level — where getting it wrong has serious consequences
Previous agency efforts haven't delivered the right candidate
You need access to passive candidates who aren't actively looking
Cultural fit and leadership profile matter just as much as technical credentials
Confidentiality is essential throughout the process
You can't afford to compromise on speed or quality
How Kitson Associates Runs a Retained Search
Every retained search starts with a real conversation — not a checklist. Becky takes the time to understand your business, your team, and what a genuinely successful appointment looks like for you.
An in-depth briefing to get under the skin of your culture, leadership needs, and role specifics
Targeted direct search across Becky's established construction and housebuilding network
Rigorous screening, including psychometric testing and executive interview support where it's needed
A curated shortlist of qualified, referenced candidates — not a pile of speculative CVs
Full interview coordination and candidate preparation
Offer management and negotiation support
Post-placement check-ins to make sure the transition goes smoothly for both sides
You can read more about the full approach on our Our Process page, and see how this plays out in practice on our Case Studies page.
10+ — Years of specialist construction and housebuilding recruitment experience behind every retained search
Why Kitson Associates for Retained Search?
Becky Kitson has spent over a decade building genuine relationships across construction, housebuilding, finance, and healthcare. That network — combined with her honest, diligent approach — means she can reach candidates that job boards and generalist agencies simply can't get to.
As one client CFO put it: "Becky helped us very well to recruit a challenging position. She has been able to complete this process successfully where many have been unable to accomplish this." That's the retained search difference.
Independent and relationship-led — no incentive to push the wrong candidate forward
Deep specialist knowledge in construction and new build housebuilding
Honest communication throughout — you'll always know where things stand
Unique rebate terms available for added peace of mind
UK-wide reach from a specialist Nottingham base
For board-level and executive appointments, take a look at our Board and Executive and Executive Search pages to understand the full scope of senior hiring support on offer.
What You Get With a Retained Engagement
- Dedicated, exclusive focus on your role from day one
- Access to passive candidates who aren't visible on the open market
- Psychometric testing for shortlisted candidates
- Executive interview support
- Market insight on salary benchmarks and candidate availability
- Regular update calls or Teams meetings throughout the search
- Full confidentiality and discretion
Ready to talk through a critical hire? Head to our Employer Overview page to see the full picture, or go straight to Submit a Vacancy to start the conversation with Becky.
If you have a role that needs to be filled properly — not just quickly — retained search with Kitson Associates is built for exactly that.
FAQs
What is retained search and how is it different from contingent recruitment?
With retained search, you're engaging Kitson Associates exclusively for a specific role — and Becky commits her full focus to filling it. Contingent recruitment means multiple agencies working simultaneously, often with little real accountability. Retained search gives you deeper candidate screening, access to people who aren't actively job-hunting, and a clear single point of responsibility from start to finish.
What types of roles is retained search suitable for at Kitson Associates?
It's best suited to mid-senior, director, and board-level appointments in construction, housebuilding, and related sectors — roles like Construction Director, Technical Director, CFO, or CEO, where cultural fit is just as important as technical credentials and the cost of a wrong hire is significant.
How long does a retained search typically take?
It genuinely depends on seniority and what the market looks like at the time. Becky will give you an honest, realistic assessment right at the start — based on the specific role and your sector, not a generic timeframe. And throughout the process, you'll get regular updates so there's no guessing or radio silence.
Does Kitson Associates offer any guarantees on retained placements?
Yes — Kitson Associates offers unique rebate terms on placements. The specifics are discussed directly with each client to make sure the arrangement is fair and works for your situation. Reach out to Becky at hello@kitsonassociates.co.uk to talk through the details confidentially, with no pressure.
Can Kitson Associates find candidates who aren't actively looking for a new role?
Absolutely. Becky's network across construction and housebuilding runs deep, and she regularly places passive candidates — experienced professionals who aren't on job boards but are open to the right opportunity. That's one of the biggest advantages of a retained, relationship-led approach.
How do I start a retained search with Kitson Associates?
It's straightforward — submit a vacancy through the website or get in touch with Becky directly at hello@kitsonassociates.co.uk or 07564 853792. She'll set up an in-depth briefing to properly understand the role, your team culture, and your timescales before anything else begins.
Meta: Retained Search | Construction Recruitment | Kitson Associates — Kitson Associates offers retained search for mid-senior to board-level construction and housebuilding roles across the UK. Dedicated, exclusive, and accountable.
Retained Search for Construction & Housebuilding
Retained Search — Construction & Housebuilding
For mid-senior to board-level appointments in construction and housebuilding where quality, depth, and accountability genuinely matter. Backed by 10+ years of specialist recruitment experience.
Submit a Vacancy → /submit-vacancy · Talk to Becky → /contact
- 10+ years specialist construction recruitment experience
- Filled roles where multiple agencies had failed
- Honest, proactive communication throughout
Some roles are simply too important to rush or hand off to chance. When you need to appoint a Construction Director, a board-level executive, or a specialist senior professional who isn't going to show up on a job board, retained search gives you the depth, exclusivity, and focused attention that hire actually deserves.
What Is Retained Search?
Retained search is an exclusive partnership — you engage Kitson Associates as your dedicated recruitment partner for a specific role, and Becky gives it her full focus. She runs a thorough, proactive search rather than sitting back and waiting for CVs to land. Unlike contingent recruitment, where several agencies might be working on the same role with no real accountability, retained search means one partner, one process, done properly.
When Does Retained Search Make Sense?
Not every role needs this level of rigour — and we'll always be honest with you about that. But retained search is the right call when:
- The role is at director, C-suite, or board level — where getting it wrong has serious consequences
- Previous agency efforts haven't delivered the right candidate
- You need access to passive candidates who aren't actively looking
- Cultural fit and leadership profile matter just as much as technical credentials
- Confidentiality is essential throughout the process
- You can't afford to compromise on speed or quality
How Kitson Associates Runs a Retained Search
Every retained search starts with a real conversation — not a checklist. Becky takes the time to understand your business, your team, and what a genuinely successful appointment looks like for you.
- An in-depth briefing to get under the skin of your culture, leadership needs, and role specifics
- Targeted direct search across Becky's established construction and housebuilding network
- Rigorous screening, including psychometric testing and executive interview support where it's needed
- A curated shortlist of qualified, referenced candidates — not a pile of speculative CVs
- Full interview coordination and candidate preparation
- Offer management and negotiation support
- Post-placement check-ins to make sure the transition goes smoothly for both sides
You can read more about the full approach on our Our Process page, and see how this plays out in practice on our Case Studies page.
10+ — Years of specialist construction and housebuilding recruitment experience behind every retained search
Why Kitson Associates for Retained Search?
Becky Kitson has spent over a decade building genuine relationships across construction, housebuilding, finance, and healthcare. That network — combined with her honest, diligent approach — means she can reach candidates that job boards and generalist agencies simply can't get to.
As one client CFO put it: "Becky helped us very well to recruit a challenging position. She has been able to complete this process successfully where many have been unable to accomplish this." That's the retained search difference.
- Independent and relationship-led — no incentive to push the wrong candidate forward
- Deep specialist knowledge in construction and new build housebuilding
- Honest communication throughout — you'll always know where things stand
- Unique rebate terms available for added peace of mind
- UK-wide reach from a specialist Nottingham base
For board-level and executive appointments, take a look at our Board and Executive and Executive Search pages to understand the full scope of senior hiring support on offer.
What You Get With a Retained Engagement
- Dedicated, exclusive focus on your role from day one
- Access to passive candidates who aren't visible on the open market
- Psychometric testing for shortlisted candidates
- Executive interview support
- Market insight on salary benchmarks and candidate availability
- Regular update calls or Teams meetings throughout the search
- Full confidentiality and discretion
Ready to talk through a critical hire? Head to our Employer Overview page to see the full picture, or go straight to Submit a Vacancy to start the conversation with Becky.
If you have a role that needs to be filled properly — not just quickly — retained search with Kitson Associates is built for exactly that.
Submit a Vacancy → /submit-vacancy
FAQs
What is retained search and how is it different from contingent recruitment?
With retained search, you're engaging Kitson Associates exclusively for a specific role — and Becky commits her full focus to filling it. Contingent recruitment means multiple agencies working simultaneously, often with little real accountability. Retained search gives you deeper candidate screening, access to people who aren't actively job-hunting, and a clear single point of responsibility from start to finish.
What types of roles is retained search suitable for at Kitson Associates?
It's best suited to mid-senior, director, and board-level appointments in construction, housebuilding, and related sectors — roles like Construction Director, Technical Director, CFO, or CEO, where cultural fit is just as important as technical credentials and the cost of a wrong hire is significant.
How long does a retained search typically take?
It genuinely depends on seniority and what the market looks like at the time. Becky will give you an honest, realistic assessment right at the start — based on the specific role and your sector, not a generic timeframe. And throughout the process, you'll get regular updates so there's no guessing or radio silence.
Does Kitson Associates offer any guarantees on retained placements?
Yes — Kitson Associates offers unique rebate terms on placements. The specifics are discussed directly with each client to make sure the arrangement is fair and works for your situation. Reach out to Becky at hello@kitsonassociates.co.uk to talk through the details confidentially, with no pressure.
Can Kitson Associates find candidates who aren't actively looking for a new role?
Absolutely. Becky's network across construction and housebuilding runs deep, and she regularly places passive candidates — experienced professionals who aren't on job boards but are open to the right opportunity. That's one of the biggest advantages of a retained, relationship-led approach.
How do I start a retained search with Kitson Associates?
It's straightforward — submit a vacancy through the website or get in touch with Becky directly at hello@kitsonassociates.co.uk or 07564 853792. She'll set up an in-depth briefing to properly understand the role, your team culture, and your timescales before anything else begins.
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