Hard Goods Recruiters | Hard Goods Executive Search

Your hard goods recruitment agency

Compliance, safety, brand integrity

The Hard Goods sector in North America consists of manufacturers, distributors, logistics providers, wholesalers, and retailers, supported by a complex global network of suppliers, all of whom are undergoing rapid technology change. Artificial intelligence (AI) at the retail level, robotics on the manufacturing and distribution side, and ICT for marketing and branding: each is impacting the recruitment of Hard Goods staff.

From building materials to electronics to appliances, sporting goods to apparel, and furniture to automotive, Hard Goods are intended to be durable and reliable – and increasingly, both smart and sustainable. Moreover, international competition dictates highly competitive pricing of the finished product. As recruiters, we are looking for candidates comfortable with innovation and disruption.

Top performers in the field are developing and fostering excellence in builder channels, while ensuring regulatory compliance, safety, and brand integrity of the product. Technology is helping to achieve those goals through automation, precise analytics, and improved customer experience.

We have built an extensive network of Sales and Marketing talent in the Hard Goods Sector and have added a wide range of functional expertise that includes Operations, Supply Chain Management, In-Store Activations, Market Research, and Financial Management. Our success has been particularly notable in working with manufacturers and large-scale hardware retailers, including franchised operations.

We fill a variety of hard goods roles

Brand Manager
Category Manager
Demand Planner

Director Consumer Insights
Director of Marketing
Field Sales Representative

Key Account Manager
Trade Marketing Manager
Vice President of Sales

What our clients say about our recruiters

The team rapidly understood our business and needs for this Senior position we had to fill. I also liked how they challenged some the requirements. We ended hiring the best candidate for the role. Thanks to Lock Search Group!

Patrick Jobidon

PenguinPickUp, President

We have worked with Lock for a number of roles. Each time they have quickly provided excellent candidates and were a true partner throughout the hiring process.

Sara Hamelin

Live to Play Sports Group Inc, Head of HR

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.

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.

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.

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.