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Executive Search
"A dedicated recruiting agency. They always know what their clients are looking for."
Development Manager, Nationwide Property Developer
of executive search business is retained.
of our candidates are referred to us exclusively.
of shortlists are delivered within 4 weeks of instruction.
Introducing our Executive Search team:
Introducing our Executive Search Team, where excellence meets leadership in global real estate recruitment. As specialists in recruiting senior director-level talent, our team is dedicated to shaping the future of the real estate sector on a global scale.
Our executive search professionals bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the real estate landscape, ensuring precision in identifying and securing senior directors who can drive your organisation's success.
GKR's commitment extends beyond traditional recruitment. We go above and beyond to forge connections that transcend borders, with an international network of industry leaders poised to dream big and achieve success.
Latest Executive Search Jobs
Head of Asset Management: Retained
- GKR was retained to assist with the search for a new Head of Asset Management.
- We were given a 10-week timeline to onboard the new starter in line with the predecessor's departure date, whilst offering a period for handover.
- We were tasked with a direct, pre-identified headhunt and additionally sourced a shortlist of three other suitable candidates.
- Having coordinated interviews for all candidates, the successful candidate was onboarded following their 2 months’ notice.
- We have subsequently placed two others from the interview process into the team.
Global Property Consultancy
Head of Acquisition – Retained Search
- GKR were retained with special mandate to secure a Head of Acquisition for a high growth private equity backed commerce business that had significant land requirement.
- Due to the nature of the business this presented a unique challenge in securing talent that would move away from tradition acquisition roles.
- We set out a process structure including personality testing with the successful candidate moving from a developer and embarking on the journey the client and GKR had laid out.
Commercial Business
We specialise in five key sectors
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Commercial
The commercial team provide permanent and contract services to leading property and construction consultancies in the Private & Public Sectors as well as developers, banks and funds.
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Residential
With experienced consultants and ex-property professionals in one team, they are market experts working with High Street Agents, Corporate giants, Developers and Investment Agencies.
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Property Management & Office Support
With first-hand experience in both roles, we represent Managing Agents, Facilities Services, High Street Agents, Student Accommodation providers, Investment Funds, Interiors & Design practices supplying property management and office support functions.
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Built Environment
The team have worked hard to develop long standing relationships with practices ranging in size, niche and specialism throughout the design and build industry delivering both permanent and professional interim/contract solutions.
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Finance & Investment
Our finance division is comprised of a specialist team placing individuals across development, investment, funds and advisory across the UK and Europe. Our clients span Finance & Accountancy, Private Equity, Debt, Property Companies, REIT’s and Advisory from Analyst to Director/Partner level.
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Head of Build to Rent - Exclusive Search
- GKR was instructed by the CEO to lead the search for a Head of BTR to lead a portfolio of award-winning developments.
- We worked closely with the client to assist them with the preparation of job descriptions and shared our market knowledge to ensure they competitively positioned themselves to attract the best talent.
- We then went to the market and presented our client with a shortlist of 5 candidates within one week of instruction, and coordinated three rounds of interviews.
- The successful candidate was onboarded three months later following their notice period.
Fast-growing Estate Agency
Portfolio Director - Exclusive Search
- GKR was instructed by the Head of Residential, JLL UK&I to secure Senior Portfolio Director on behalf of several of their BTR clients.
- Having conducted a market-mapping exercise with the client, they identified a shortlist of individuals for GKR to approach on their behalf.
- We successfully presented a shortlist of seven selected individuals and organised four first and second-stage interviews.
- The successful candidate was required to conduct a 6-month notice period; we supported JLL by offering our first-class aftercare services to ensure a smooth exit and onboarding.
International Real Estate Fund
Head of Sales - Exclusive Search
- GKR was asked to discreetly search for a Head of Sales for one of the most recognisable Agencies in London
- Due to the confidential nature of this search, approaches and conversations on behalf of the Client needed to be very targeted.
- Working in conjunction with the Talent Acquisition Team, GKR introduced a number of Candidates, along with internal considerations too.
- GKR successfully placed the Head of Sales, who was a long-term contact of the business, previously being a Hiring Client in their previous businesses.
International Residential Property Specialist
Business Development Manager - Exclusive Search
- GKR was exclusively instructed by Alliance Investments, to appoint a Business Development Manager for their growing London team.
- Alliance Investments is a leading property development company who offer investment opportunities throughout the UK.
- Headquartered in Manchester, Directors, Mallam Grant and Josh Steeples had the opportunity to grow a team to be based in the London office. Their first requirement was to appoint a Business Development Manager. Having struggled to find the right candidate through another recruitment agency, Alliance turned to GKR and proceeded dealings with Senior Consultant, Michael Cartmill.
- After gaining a comprehensive understanding of exactly what Alliance were seeking, we successfully placed a candidate within under three weeks of being instructed.
- Fast forward 4 months and it has proven to be a perfect match for both client and candidate as they thrive together.
Leading Property Development Company
Head of Sales - Retained Search
- GKR was retained to hire a Head of Sales on behalf of Solomon Investment Partners in their Chester Office.
- We worked closely with them to ensure they could attract a likeminded individual to strengthen their focus within the Property Investment Market.
- GKR provided a shortlist of recommended industry professionals curated via our referral network; a final candidate was selected following the second round of interviews.
- Due to a short notice period, the candidate was able to onboard swiftly and effectively having made some great progress already.
Fast-growing Property Investment Consultancy
Head of Residential/HR Manager - Exclusive Search
- GKR was instructed by the Head of Residential/HR Manager of Northacre to secure a Completions Manager for their Broadway and no1 Palace Street luxury developments.
- Speaking through the requirements in detail with the HR Manager, we were instructed exclusively on the role looking to build on our previous success in placing a Lettings Manager.
- The talent pool was relatively small we successfully presented a shortlist of 3 selected individuals and organised first and second-stage interviews, the search was concluded quickly.
- The successful candidate was immediately available and started one week after being offered the job fulfilling the urgent need for this hire.
Leading Premium Property Developer
How can we help?
At the heart of executive recruitment, we take immense pride in our instrumental role of placing senior-level talents within top-tier property businesses.
Our commitment to excellence is underscored by our discreet collaborations with key decision-makers, including CEOs, COOs, CFOs, Partners, Associates, and Regional Directors.
The confidential nature of our engagements allows us to cultivate trusted relationships, ensuring that our placements seamlessly align with the strategic visions and unique needs of our clients.
With a focus on delivering exceptional leaders, we navigate the intricate landscape of executive appointments, empowering property businesses to thrive in a competitive and dynamic market.
Common Questions
With a proven track record in executive search within real, we bring expertise to successfully place leaders in key executive roles, aligning with your organisational vision. Read our Case Studies to learn more.
Through in-depth consultations, we tailor our executive search to align candidates with your company's unique needs, culture, and strategic goals, ensuring a perfect fit.
Our executive search services stand out due to our in-house industry expertise, personalised approach, and commitment to finding the perfect fit for both clients and candidates. With a 100% success rate, our retained business partnerships benefit from a seamless service.
We offer comprehensive support, including interview preparation, negotiation assistance, and onboarding guidance. Our goal is to facilitate a seamless transition into your new executive role.
While timelines may differ, our primary objective is efficiency. Generally, the executive placement process spans two to six months, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of opportunities and a smooth integration into executive careers.
Meet the executive search team:
Anu Deb
Tastefully designed with sophisticated interior features.
Anu joined GKR in 2014 with an ambition to expand GKR's business support recruitment services; coming from property herself, Anu grasped the responsibility quickly and now works with the industry's biggest and most successful property brands. With a family history in catering, it’s no wonder Anu is also quite the chef herself!
Grant Kaveney
Boasting an enviable position and state-of-the-art outdoor braai.
Back in 2010, after successfully scaling a recruitment business from South Africa, Grant launched GKR to transform the property recruitment landscape. When he’s not building the business, you’ll find him fishing, cheering on Liverpool, or proudly flying the South African flag. Oh, and did we mention he’s a surprisingly talented beatboxer?
Rose Lock
Offering extremely quick connections and an exceptional energy rating.
Rose joined GKR in 2018, having worked in property in both the UK and Spain over the last 20 years. Her tenacious attitude has driven fantastic results quickly as she has expanded our property management network. Rose is an OG vegetarian with the wildest office-snack combinations you will ever have heard of.
Lee Riley
A perfect example of period property with luxuriously fitted carpets.
After working in the property sector for almost seven years himself, Lee joined GKR in 2015 to support the growth of our residential department. He’s a self-declared Asian food addict, historically pooch-obsessed, with his very own fur-baby.
Peter Wallis
Impressive views across London following an upper-floor extension.
Peter joined our business support recruitment team in 2019, taking on the responsibility and growth of all marketing needs within the real estate sector. When not chasing recruitment fees, he’s most likely chasing gains, or his newest addition to the family!
Michael Woda
Distinctive features throughout and striking white render.
Michael joined GKR as one of our first key hires in 2014, bringing eight years’ experience in property working for leading residential agencies in London. If not in the office hoping for a hole-in-one, you’ll likely find him on the course – aye! Michael launched our Edinburgh office in 2024, and is now recruiting across the North West UK market.
Our clients
