Finding the leaders you need for what comes next

We’re executive search experts that understand your specific needs as a small or medium-sized business.

Sharon and Julianna from Olive Searhc discuss executive search in a meeting booth
Sharon and Julianna from Olive Searhc discuss executive search in a meeting booth

The leadership hiring needs of SMEs are overlooked

That’s what we believe. The global firms aren’t interested and the recruitment agencies that help you build your teams don’t understand the nuance of what you need from your senior management to C-suite.

We created Olive Search to solve these recruitment problems for businesses that fall into this space. Whether your headcount is 5 or 500, whether you’re ambitious about growth or focused on strategic delivery, we understand the challenges you face.

Sharon Alred, Founder

“I've spent two decades in the SME space, and I've learned that great leadership here looks different to the corporate world. It's about pace, adaptability and knowing how to build something rather than maintain it. At Olive, that's exactly who we find, leaders who deliver in the reality of an SME environment.”

 

The way we work is built around SMEs

  • Curiosity

    Ask questions, interrogate the brief, get to know the people you’re working with. Our curiosity feeds our strategic approach and relationship with you.

  • Courage

    The best results come when we challenge the thinking and bring new ideas to the discussion, adding value that wasn’t even asked for.

  • Excellence

    This one’s simple for us - do what you say you will and do it really well.

  • Growth

    Raised with a growth mindset, we’re always working to improve, so we remain at the cutting edge of how to help your business scale successfully.

  • Ownership

    We understand the responsibility that comes with representing your brand. We own that and champion your needs across all of our searches.

Functions we specialise in

Three women sitting around a white conference table in a modern office. One woman is smiling, another is talking, and the third is listening. There is a large flat-screen TV on the wall and a window showing a city street outside.
A group of people in a modern office space attending a presentation. A man standing next to a whiteboard with sticky notes and writing, holding a mug. Others seated, some using laptops, listening attentively. The office has brick walls, large windows, and ceiling lights.

HR & People

Marketing

Placeholder
An indoor business meeting with five people seated around a conference table, viewed through glass walls. The room has large windows with city views, and there are mounted screens and lighting fixtures.

Operations

Strategy

Let’s collaborate on your search

If you’re an SME in the UK looking to recruit impactful talent at the top level of your business, let’s talk.