Executive Recruiters in Toronto

Your Toronto recruitment agency

Lock Search Group is a leading recruiter connecting Toronto’s businesses with job seekers eager to bring their talents to the team. Our Toronto headhunters have extensive experience navigating the dynamic talent market in this vibrant city, and the employers we work with benefit from this expertise.

With a population of nearly 3 million, the city of Toronto is the financial capital of Canada, as well as one of its most diverse, multi-cultural centers. It’s the fastest growing area, not just in Canada, but across North America. This is particularly true when it comes to the technology industry. Over the past five years, Toronto has consistently produced more graduates than jobs, making it a “brain gain” destination for companies who are looking to recruit the best talent.

Of course, just because there are highly-skilled candidates in Toronto doesn’t mean they’re easy to find and hire. Partnering with a well-connected executive search and recruiting firm like Lock Search Group helps organizations find people who are a perfect fit for the culture and have the right experience and skills for the role. Our relationship-based recruitment approach and in-depth screening process gives us the edge in identifying top candidates in Toronto. If you’re facing a recruitment challenge, contact Lock Search Group today to find out how we can provide a solution.

  • map-markerTD Canada Trust
    Brookfield Tower
    161 Bay St.
    Suite 2435
    Toronto, ON M5J 2S1

Key economic sectors and challenges in Toronto

The economy in Toronto is as diverse as its population, and it’s a competitive city across major business sectors, with opportunities in a variety of industries. The city is one of the world’s leaders in aerospace, home to Canada’s second-largest aerospace cluster. Toronto also employs North America’s third-largest design workforce and is its second-largest financial center. Additional key economic centers include information technology and communications (ICT), automotive, food and beverage, biomedical and biotechnology, and education.

Lock Search Group’s recruiters have experience hiring team members for organizations across Toronto’s many sectors. Our client-centric focus and advanced recruiting technology mean we can deliver results despite the ongoing challenges of hiring qualified staff in the virtual age. We work with our clients’ HR teams throughout the candidate screening, interviewing, and onboarding process, serving as true partners for all of their staffing needs. Whether you’re hiring professionals in areas like accounting, marketing, and finance, or are seeking a new CEO or other executives, you can trust Lock Search’s expertise to deliver results.

Our success stories

Lock Search Group recruiters work across a
variety of practice areas

Why choose Lock Search Group

Track record of success

Since day one, our formula for success has been simple: care deeply, and deliver. We know that your next hire could be the one who changes everything for your team, and we pride ourselves on helping you close the deal with the talent who can take you to the next level.

Our founder’s entrepreneurial grit reaches from coast to coast, and you can expect the same delivery-driven, passionately-proven partnership in any one of the Lock team’s 12 offices. With consultants who boast average tenures of a decade or more, we’re not messing around –– we’re here to make the match that measures up.

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Leaders and listeners

What is your story, and what’s the story behind it? Our client-centric focus puts you and your specific goals firmly at the heart of our search process. We’re here to listen.

You’ll receive an individual action plan when you work with Lock, and we’ll be right on the same page every step of the way: what we will do, how you’ll see it happen, and when to expect results will all be clearly defined from the very beginning.

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Industry-savvy insiders

We’ve been building incredible teams at Lock since 1983. In that time, we’ve crafted a strong network of business leaders, decision makers, and influencers.

But that’s only half of the story. Our recruiters make genuine connections because they’ve lived their industries, and they understand the field’s unique nuances, needs, and subtleties from the inside out. No matter your business, the cutting edge is where you’ll find us.

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Lock offers a range of services to meet your business needs

Lock Search Group’s distinctive “contained” executive search model combines the thoroughness of traditional retained search with performance-based accountability to deliver exceptional C-suite and senior leadership talent. Our proven three-phase methodology, led by experienced Senior Consultants and backed by dedicated industry-specific recruitment teams, ensures comprehensive coverage of the executive talent market. We leverage our national network and extensive research capabilities to track industry movements, mergers, acquisitions, and leadership changes, providing clients with real-time market intelligence. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles ensures we source the absolute best available talent without bias, maintaining a fair and equitable search process. Our track record speaks for itself, with successful placements including Board Members, CEOs, CFOs, Presidents, and numerous Vice Presidents across multiple functions and industries.

Our Retained Search service establishes an exclusive partnership with organizations seeking to fill critical senior and mid-level positions through a comprehensive, priority-based approach. By dedicating our full resources and attention to your search, we conduct extensive market mapping and develop robust talent pipelines that ensure access to the highest caliber candidates. Our team provides regular progress updates and detailed market intelligence reports, keeping you informed throughout the entire search process. We manage everything from initial candidate assessment through final offer negotiation, ensuring a smooth and professional experience for both clients and candidates. This service includes post-placement integration support to ensure successful onboarding and long-term success of placed candidates.

Our Contingency Search service offers a flexible, success-based recruiting solution designed to efficiently fill professional and technical positions with qualified talent. Organizations benefit from immediate access to our extensive candidate database and network, with payment required only upon successful placement. Our streamlined recruitment process focuses on quick response times and efficient candidate presentation, making it ideal for time-sensitive placements and organizations with variable hiring needs. We handle all aspects of the recruitment process, from initial screening through offer negotiation, while maintaining the flexibility to work alongside other agencies if desired. This results-driven approach ensures we remain highly motivated to identify and secure the right talent for your organization while minimizing your upfront investment.

Partner with Lock Search Group

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Talk to a recruiting expert in Toronto

team member Ben Lamarche
Ben Lamarche
Managing Director
team member Jack Gawen
Jack Gawen
Managing Director
team member Michelle Belzile
Michelle Belzile
Recruitment Consultant
team member Glen Blackwell
Glen Blackwell
Vice President of Finance
team member Abigail Van Riesen
Abigail Van Riesen
Recruitment Consultant
team member Mike Davis
Mike Davis
Recruitment Consultant
team member Dave Dureno
Dave Dureno
Recruitment Consultant
team member Matt Frost
Matt Frost
Recruitment Consultant, Partner
team member Charles Warren
Charles Warren
Recruitment Consultant, Partner
team member Jason Springthorpe
Jason Springthorpe
Recruitment Consultant
team member Alexandra Ungureanu
Alexandra Ungureanu
Recruitment Associate
team member Martiquea Mclean
Martiquea Mclean
Hybrid Recruiter
team member Katie McLay
Katie McLay
Recruitment Associate

Frequently asked questions about recruiting in Toronto

Our focus is primarily on executive-level roles, including C-suite and board-level positions, as well as other senior leadership roles such as vice presidents, directors, and other high-level management positions.

We collaborate with clients to create a tailored strategy for sourcing top-tier talent. Our executive search proficiency enables us to pinpoint candidates with the appropriate qualifications and cultural alignment. Our results-oriented model is an effective approach that lowers risk and encourages efficient performance. We call it a “contained” model.

As a leading executive search firm, our practice areas are diverse and comprehensive, covering a wide range of industries and sectors. We specialize in executive search and talent acquisition services for the following industries:

  • Accounting & finance
  • Automotive
  • B2B technology
  • Beverage/alcohol
  • Biotechnology
  • Cannabis
  • Construction
  • Consumer packaged goods
  • Digital and artificial intelligence
  • Engineering
  • Food service
  • Hard goods
  • Human resources
  • Industrial
  • Information technology
  • Insurance
  • Legal
  • Life sciences
  • Manufacturing
  • Medical device
  • Operations
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Renewable energy
  • Retail
  • SaaS
  • Scientific clinical research
  • Supply chain and logistics

With our extensive expertise and knowledge in these industries, we are able to provide customized solutions to our clients’ executive search and talent acquisition needs. Our team of experienced professionals utilizes a data-driven approach to identify and attract the best talent in the market, ensuring our clients’ continued success and growth.

Our consultants adapt their recruiting process to the client’s needs. An initial meeting is held to allow both parties to establish their expectations. Once the contract is signed, several factors are taken into consideration, including the industry and the type of position. Our consultants work with their associates to find the best talent. Candidates are proposed to clients, interviews are organized and even the smallest details are taken care of as we accompany the client throughout the recruitment process until the final candidate is signed. Each mandate is different and therefore some mandates take longer than others. A position can be closed within a week or several weeks, depending on the position.

Retained search and contingency search are two executive search approaches.

Retained search is exclusive and customized, tailored to client needs with high confidentiality. The search firm commits to finding the best candidate and works closely with the client.

Contingency search is transactional, with payment only upon successful placement. This approach is often used for lower-level positions or for roles where there is a larger pool of potential candidates available.

Lock Search Group provides both services and tailors solutions to client needs. Our team has deep knowledge of executive search and is committed to helping clients achieve their talent acquisition goals.

An executive search firm and a recruitment agency are both involved in sourcing candidates for job openings, but there are some key differences in their approach and focus.

An executive search firm, also known as a headhunting firm, is typically engaged for senior-level and executive positions. They specialize in identifying and recruiting top-level talent for positions that require specialized skills and expertise. Executive search firms use a targeted and strategic approach, leveraging their extensive networks and industry knowledge to identify the best possible candidates for the role. They provide a high level of customization and exclusivity in their search process.

On the other hand, recruitment agencies typically focus on filling a large volume of positions across various levels within an organization. They use a more generalized approach to sourcing candidates, often utilizing online resources to identify potential candidates without customization.

At Lock Search Group, we have a rigorous and comprehensive approach to screening and assessing candidates. Our process typically involves the following steps:

Initial screening: We begin by reviewing resumes to determine whether a candidate meets the minimum requirements for the position. We also conduct initial phone screens to evaluate their communication skills, level of interest, and overall fit for the role.

In-depth interviews: For candidates who pass the initial screening, we conduct in-depth interviews through phone, online meetings or in person, to assess their experience, qualifications, and cultural fit.

Candidate presentation: Once we have completed our in-depth interviews, we present a shortlist of highly qualified candidates to the client for their consideration. We provide detailed profiles of each candidate, outlining their experience, qualifications, and fit for the role.

Assessments and reference checks: Depending on the role and level of seniority, we may conduct additional assessments such as personality tests or cognitive assessments. We also conduct thorough reference checks to validate the candidate’s experience and ensure that they have a track record of success in previous roles, as well as background criminal checks.

Overall, our approach to candidate screening and assessment is designed to ensure that we present the best possible candidates to our clients, while also providing a positive experience for the candidates themselves. We take a personalized and consultative approach, working closely with both clients and candidates to ensure a successful outcome for all parties involved.

At Lock Search Group, we believe that providing additional services beyond talent acquisition is crucial to delivering a comprehensive and successful recruitment experience for both our clients and candidates.

As a testament to this commitment, we offer interview coaching and onboarding support to further facilitate the success of our clients and their newly appointed executives. Our interview coaching provides guidance on techniques, questions, and effective communication, leading to better outcomes. Additionally, our onboarding support ensures a smooth transition and ongoing communication for success. We believe these services are vital to a comprehensive recruitment experience for clients and candidates.

Candidates working with Lock Search Group don’t need to pay a fee. Rather, they are considered potential candidates for the open positions and are evaluated based on their skills, qualifications, and fit for the role.

Lock Search Group can provide candidates with access to exclusive job opportunities, as well as personalized guidance and support throughout the hiring process. However, it is important to note that the final hiring decision ultimately rests with the hiring organization, and there is no guarantee of employment for candidates who work with executive search firms.

We stand behind the quality of our services and proudly offer a replacement guarantee period starting from the candidate’s start date. For specific details tailored to your unique contract, please reach out to your dedicated Lock Search Group Consultants. Your trust is our commitment, and we’re here to provide all the information you need.

We’re an executive search firm that values transparency and keeping our clients informed every step of the way. We provide weekly progress reports and encourage open communication to ensure a successful search. If needed, we work closely with clients to reassess and steer the search in the best direction. Our goal is to find the best candidate for our client and our commitment to communication sets us apart.

Companies that want assistance with hiring new talent can fill in the Looking to hire? section on our website Contact page. Candidates can click on Contact on our website and fill in the Looking for a career opportunity? section.

You will receive an email confirmation. Once your application is submitted, our associates will send your file to the consultant who specializes in the field you are looking for.

Please send us an email at info@locksearchgroup.com and we will be glad to update you. It may take some time to process your application if the type of position you are seeking is not available at the time you apply.