Executive search and outplacement for manufacturers

The right leaders in.
A respectful way out.

Navexela finds the senior people your growth depends on and guides the people you part ways with into their next role. Headhunting and outplacement from one partner, for one fixed monthly retainer. No surprise placement fees.

One fixed monthly feeDirect approach of passive candidatesHiring and exits from one partner

Our team has led programmes and teams at

TeslaBMWBoston ScientificHondaJaguarLaborieKPN
Sound familiar?

Your people decisions are too important
to leave to chance

×
Key roles stay open for months

The plant director, quality lead or supply chain head you need is not applying. The good ones are not looking, so they have to be found.

×
Recruitment costs you cannot plan

Every hire comes with a percentage of the annual salary, invoiced when you least expect it. Budgeting for growth becomes guesswork.

×
A wrong senior hire costs a year

CVs look right, the interview goes well, and six months later you start again. Meanwhile the team and the numbers suffer.

×
Restructuring that damages trust

Letting people go is sometimes necessary. Handled badly, it hurts the people leaving, the people staying and your name in the market.

One partner for who comes in and who moves on. That is what we do.

Services

Headhunting and outplacement under one roof

Use one service or combine them in a single retainer. You always work with senior people who know manufacturing from the inside.

Senior executive leading a review with his management team

Executive Search

Direct search for board, director and senior management roles that make or break your plans.

  • Managing directors, COOs, plant and operations directors
  • Direct approach of passive candidates
  • In depth assessment, references and offer support
Engineer inspecting a precision component on an assembly line

Engineering & Specialist Search

The hard to find technical profiles that keep production, quality and supply chains running.

  • Quality, engineering and supply chain leads
  • Specialists for automotive, medtech and machinery
  • Candidates assessed in depth before you meet them
Career coach in a one to one conversation with an employee on the shop floor

Outplacement & Career Transition

Personal guidance for employees who leave, so they land well and your reputation stays intact.

  • One to one career coaching and CV support
  • Access to our network of hiring companies
  • Group programmes for reorganisations
Production team gathered around a planning board

Team Build & Succession

A talent plan for the next two years, so you hire ahead of growth instead of chasing it.

  • Organisation and succession planning
  • Multiple hires for new sites and ramp ups
  • Onboarding support for new leaders

Hiring or restructuring in the next 6 months? Let us talk before it becomes urgent.

Book a free talent call →
How the retainer works

From first call to the right person in place

A clear rhythm every month, so you always know what your retainer is delivering.

1
Week 1

Intake & talent plan

We learn your business, culture and open roles, and agree priorities for hiring and any transitions.

You get: role profiles, search strategy and a monthly plan.
2
Weeks 2 to 4

Search & shortlist

We map the market, approach the best people directly and assess them in depth before you meet anyone.

You get: a shortlist of candidates worth your time.
3
Every month

Place, onboard & transition

We run interviews and offers, support new leaders in their first months and coach departing staff to their next role.

You get: the right people in place and a smooth transition for those who leave.
Monthly retainers

One fixed fee per month. No placement surprises.

The fee is agreed up front, based on the number and seniority of roles and transitions. You know exactly what talent costs you every month.

Search Retainer

For companies with ongoing hiring needs

A dedicated search partner for your key vacancies, month after month.

  • Up to 2 active searches at a time
  • Direct approach of passive candidates
  • In depth assessment and references
  • Offer and onboarding support
Request a proposal

Talent Partner

Headhunting and outplacement combined

Your outsourced senior talent team. Hiring, succession and exits handled by one partner.

  • Multiple active executive and specialist searches
  • Outplacement for departing employees included
  • Succession and team planning
  • Onboarding support for new leaders
  • Monthly review with your partner
Discuss your retainer

Outplacement Retainer

For reorganisations and individual exits

Professional career transition for individuals or groups, for as long as you need it.

  • One to one coaching for every participant
  • CV, LinkedIn and interview preparation
  • Introductions to our hiring network
  • Progress reporting to HR
Request a proposal
Free Talent Scan

How future proof is your leadership team?

Answer 8 quick questions and see your Talent Score straight away. Takes about 2 minutes. Nothing is stored or sent.

1We can fill a senior vacancy within 3 months.
2For every key role, we know who could take over tomorrow.
3Our last three senior hires are still with us and performing.
4We know our recruitment costs for the coming 12 months.
5Strong candidates who are not actively looking know who we are.
6When people leave, we support them properly and part on good terms.
7We have a talent plan that matches our growth plans.
8Our managers have the time and skills to run a good selection process.
/ 24 points of 8 answered
0 to 10Your people risk is high. Key roles depend on luck and hiring costs are unpredictable.
11 to 17Solid, but exposed. One resignation or a slow search could hurt your plans.
18 to 24Strong foundations. A retainer makes it predictable and gives access to leaders who are not on the market.
Discuss my score with a partner →
Why Navexela

Why a retainer beats a recruitment agency

Typical recruitment agency
Navexela retainer
Fee model
A percentage of annual salary for every hire
One fixed monthly fee, agreed up front
Candidates
People who happen to be applying
Directly approached leaders who are not on the market
Industry knowledge
Generalist recruiters
Senior people with a background in automotive, medtech and industry
Exits and reorganisations
A separate outplacement provider
Included in the same partnership
The team

The partners on your retainer

A small senior team. You always know who is searching on your behalf.

Doug, Managing Partner at Navexela

Doug

Managing Partner

Works with leadership teams on strategy, sharper decisions and navigating change, so priorities turn into progress.

Jo, Operations Lead at Navexela

Jo

Operations Lead

Brings operational clarity and practical delivery systems that make execution predictable, week after week.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How does a monthly retainer differ from a placement fee?

With a placement fee you pay a percentage of the annual salary for every hire. With a retainer you pay one fixed amount per month for an agreed number of searches and transitions. Your costs are predictable and we are focused on finding the right person, not the fastest invoice.

What does the retainer cost?

That depends on the number and seniority of the roles and the size of any outplacement programme. After a free talent call you receive a written proposal with one fixed monthly fee. No hidden costs.

How quickly will we see candidates?

For most roles you meet the first qualified candidates within the first weeks of a search. Very senior or niche roles can take longer, and we tell you up front.

What exactly is outplacement?

Professional support for employees who leave your company: career coaching, CV and interview preparation and introductions to hiring companies. It helps people move on faster and protects your reputation with the team that stays.

Is everything confidential?

Yes. Searches for sensitive roles and reorganisations are handled with full discretion. Candidate and company information is never shared without consent.

Next step

Tell us which roles keep you up at night

Book a free 30 minute talent call. We discuss your open roles and any upcoming changes in your team, and you receive a retainer proposal with one fixed monthly fee.

Or email us at info@navexela.com. We work with a limited number of retainer clients at a time to guarantee senior attention.