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Our Methodology

Most Recruiters Have a Process. We Have a
Hiring Operating System.

Three proven frameworks; 6S, 6F, and 6E, all working together to deliver guaranteed hiring outcomes across every role, every sector, and every geography. No guesswork. No recruiter-by-recruiter variation. Just a repeatable system that works.

Talk to us about a critical search

97%

right-first-time

12-18 mo

guarantees

60 +

countries delivered

25+ yrs

in business

The Recruitment Industry Has a
Risk Problem

Companies outsource critical hiring decisions to vendors who carry zero accountability. The result is predictable: mis-hires, inflated costs, delayed projects, and leadership gaps that stall execution.

Everyone claims the same thing

Most recruitment firms talk about being “data-driven,” “AI-enabled,” or “partners.” The market has converged around the same claims. When everyone says the same thing, nothing is differentiated — and nothing is trustworthy.

Companies absorb all the risk

Guarantees are short or non-existent. Processes are inconsistent. Fit is subjective. And when hires fail, businesses pay the price in lost time, productivity, and momentum — while recruiters move on to the next fee.

No model delivers the full picture

Traditional executive search is too slow, too opaque, and too rigid. Embedded and RPO models solve for cost, not quality. Boutiques have expertise but can’t scale or guarantee outcomes. The market isn’t short of recruiters. It’s short of accountability, precision, and guaranteed outcomes.
That's why we built something different

A Human-Led System Built for
Guaranteed Results

Not software. Not a platform. A human-led operating system — powered by expertise, structured methodology, and accountability. Three interconnected frameworks that ensure every hire is delivered with precision.

6S

The Search Process

6F

The Fit Methodology

6E

The Embedded Framework

6S

How We Find and Secure the
Right Candidates Systematically

Six structured stages that ensure every search is executed with rigour and transparency. No guesswork. No shortcuts. A repeatable process that delivers consistent results regardless of role, sector, or geography.

01

Scoping

We align with all stakeholders to define the role, the context, and what success looks like — before the search begins.
02

Scorecarding

We build a detailed scorecard covering skills, experience, competencies, and cultural fit — so every candidate is evaluated against the same criteria.
03

Sourcing

We use market intelligence, forensic search techniques, and global networks to identify candidates — including passive talent who aren’t actively looking.
04

Selecting

We rigorously assess candidates against the scorecard, presenting only those who meet the bar — typically 3-5 qualified candidates, not a stack of CVs.
05

Securing

We manage the offer process, counter-offer risk, and candidate expectations to ensure your preferred candidate accepts and commits.
06

Satisfying

We stay engaged post-placement to support onboarding and ensure both client and candidate are set up for long-term success.
Learn more about 6S
6F

How We Assess Whether a Candidate
Will Thrive Not Just Survive

Technical skills get candidates into the process. But long-term success depends on motivation, values, and circumstances. Our 6F methodology ensures candidates are aligned with your organisation’s culture, expectations, and growth trajectory. This is why our hires stay.

01

Fit

Does the candidate align with your company culture, values, and ways of working? We assess beyond the CV to understand how they’ll integrate.
02

Freedom

What level of autonomy does the candidate need to thrive? We match their expectations with the reality of the role and your management style.
03

Family

What personal circumstances might affect the candidate’s commitment or mobility? We have honest conversations so there are no surprises.
04

Fulfilment

What does the candidate need to feel challenged and engaged? We ensure the role offers what they’re looking for — not just a title bump.
05

Fortune

What are their compensation expectations and financial drivers? We ensure alignment before you invest time in final interviews.
06

Future

Where does the candidate want to be in 3-5 years? We assess whether your organisation can offer the trajectory they’re looking for.
Learn more about 6F
6E

How We Deliver Embedded Recruitment With
Structure and Accountability

Six structured stages that ensure every search is executed with rigour and transparency. No guesswork. No shortcuts. A repeatable process that delivers consistent results regardless of role, sector, or geography.

01

Expectations

We align on goals, scope, timelines, and success metrics before we start — so everyone knows what good looks like.

 

02

Engagement

We define how we’ll work together: communication rhythms, reporting cadence, stakeholder access, and escalation paths.
03

Execution

Our embedded recruiters run the 6S search process and 6F fit methodology for every hire — bringing consistency and rigour to high-volume recruitment.
04

Efficiency

We track time-to-hire, cost-per-hire, and process bottlenecks — continuously improving to deliver more value over time.
05

Enablement

We build capability, not dependency. Knowledge transfer, process documentation, and upskilling your internal team are part of how we work.

06

Experience

We measure candidate and hiring manager experience throughout — because how you hire affects your employer brand and offer acceptance rates.

Learn more about 6E

One System. Three Layers.
Guaranteed Outcomes.

SD Search or SD Exec

A single critical hire

We run the 6S process to find candidates, with 6F running in parallel to assess motivational and cultural fit. The result: a shortlist of candidates who are qualified, motivated, and aligned — not just available.
6S
6F

SD Exec

Executive search

The same 6S process, with deeper leadership profiling and internal candidate benchmarking. 6F ensures the leader you hire isn’t just capable — they’re committed for the long term. That’s why we offer an 18-month guarantee.
6S
6F

SD Embedded

An embedded recruitment partnership

We wrap the engagement in 6E to ensure accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement. Inside that, our recruiters execute 6S and 6F for every hire — so you get the rigour of retained search at the pace of embedded delivery.
6S
6F
6E
Book a conversation

The Results Of A
System That Works

When you remove guesswork and build in accountability, outcomes change.

97%

right-first-time

The majority of our clients hire from the first shortlist we deliver.

12-18 mo

guarantees

We stand behind every hire — longer than any competitor.

60+

countries delivered

The same methodology, adapted for local markets, everywhere you need to hire.

25+ yrs

refined

This isn’t a new framework. It’s a proven system, continuously improved over nearly three decades.

Three ways to work with us. All powered by the same methodology

Whether you need one hire or a hundred, the system adapts to fit.

SD Search

Exclusive & Retained

Milestone search with a 12-month guarantee and shortlists delivered in weeks, not months.
Learn about SD Search
SD Exec

Executive Search

VP to C-suite hires that shape your future. Leadership profiling, internal benchmarking, and an 18-month guarantee that traditional exec firms won’t match.
Learn about SD Exec
SD Embedded

Embedded Recruitment

Dedicated recruiters in your team, running our methodology at scale. Typically 40% more cost-effective than equivalent search volume.
Learn about SD Embedded

Proven Across
Four Specialist Sectors

The methodology is consistent. The market knowledge runs deep.

Industrial & Engineering

Manufacturing, automotive, electronics, semiconductors, robotics, defence, aerospace and automation.
See Industrial & Engineering

Energy & Infrastructure

Oil & gas, power & utilities, renewables, construction, data centre infrastructure, testing & inspection.
See Energy & Infrastructure

Life Sciences & Process Industries

Pharmaceuticals, biotech, medical devices, chemicals, food & beverage, FMCG production and process manufacturing.
See Life Sciences

Advanced Technologies

IoT, connected devices, software, AI/ML, , SaaS, robotics, automation, sensors, data, analytics, digital transformation and IT services.
See Advanced Technologies

Resources & Insights

Expert perspectives on hiring, talent strategy, and building exceptional teams.

5 min read

Industry 5.0: How Human-Machine Collaboration is Shaping the Future of Work

5 min read

Why Leadership Alignment is the Game-Changer for Business and Team Performance

5 min read

The Role of HR in Shaping Culture: From Good to Great

E-Books       • 12 guides

In-depth guides on hiring excellence

Webinars       • 8 recordings

Expert sessions on talent strategy

View all resources

Ready to see what a real
hiring system looks like?

Let’s talk about how our methodology applies to your hiring challenges. We’ll show you the process, the proof, and what makes it different.

Book a conversation
Learn more about our Hiring Operating System
Solutions Driven
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