Our SME Focus
From boutique practices making key leadership hires to established firms planning Partner succession, we work exclusively with SME consultancies and understand the requirements in owner-managed businesses.
Built environment headhunting
Placing built environment specialists
within the UK’s private consultancy sector.
Urban Search is a strategic headhunting and recruitment company working alongside our partner business, B E Civils Recruitment. Together, we deliver on senior searches for planning, development, building and construction consultancies.
01 / ABOUT US
Specialist Search.
Senior People.
Long-term impact.
Through extensive networks and a deep understanding of the private consultancy sector, we identify and secure technically capable, commercially astute professionals from Associate level through to Equity Partner.
Our approach is built on targeted search, market intelligence and trusted industry relationships. We access high-calibre professionals who are often not actively seeking new opportunities and are rarely reached through conventional recruitment channels.
Long-Term Partnerships
We build long-term partnerships by understanding each client’s growth ambitions, hiring needs and challenges, ensuring every hire makes a meaningful impact and supports business growth.
Commercial Impact
Commercial competence is expected. We identify individuals who can strengthen client relationships, secure work, develop teams and contribute to business growth.
02 / OUR SECTORS
Deep coverage across the development consultancy market.
Urban Search & B E Civils Recruitment provide strategic search solutions for leadership, technical and commercially focused appointments.
01
Town Planning
Senior professionals who shape development outcomes, influence stakeholder decisions and secure planning success for private-sector consultancies across the UK.
02
Building Surveying
Experienced leaders who bring technical authority, commercial judgement and client confidence, strengthening service delivery and long-term relationships.
03
Transport Planning
Senior specialists combining analytical expertise with commercial awareness to support complex infrastructure schemes and unlock new business opportunities.
04
Structures & Infrastructure
Professionals who provide technical leadership on complex projects while contributing to team development, client engagement and sustainable business growth.
05
Cost & Commercial
Commercial professionals who drive cost efficiency, manage financial risk and deliver strategic value across complex projects, contracts and business operations.
03 / APPOINTMENTS
Built around the senior hires that move consultancies forward.
From ownership and business strategy through to discipline leadership and client development, we support appointments that have a genuine commercial impact.
Typical appointments
Partners & Equity PartnersSet business strategy, lead key client relationships and drive long-term commercial growth and ownership performance.
Group Directors & Discipline LeadsOversee service lines or regional teams, shape business direction and ensure financial and operational performance.
DirectorsLead teams and projects while developing client relationships, winning work and contributing directly to commercial success.
Associate Directors & Senior AssociatesManage key accounts and projects, support senior management, contribute to business development and team leadership.
Associates & PrincipalsLead project delivery and smaller teams while building client relationships and progressing towards greater commercial responsibility.
Searches
Succession planningSecure future leadership by replacing or preparing key individuals for continuity, stability and long-term performance.
Regional office launchesAppoint senior leaders to establish and grow new offices, build client relationships and expand local market presence.
New service offeringsBring in experienced specialists to develop and lead new technical disciplines or consultancy services.
Technical leadershipFill critical gaps with senior hires who provide technical authority, guidance and delivery confidence.
M&A and integration supportIdentify experienced leaders to stabilise, integrate and align teams, clients and operations around acquisitions or mergers.
04 / SOLUTIONS
Two search models.
One objective.
Every appointment is different. We offer tailored search solutions based on the strategic importance, complexity and confidentiality of your hiring requirement.
Contingent Search
Non-prioritisedA flexible route for businesses that want targeted access to our network without an upfront commitment.
- No upfront cost
- Fee payable only on successful hire
- Non-exclusive search
- Access to our active candidate network
- Targeted outreach to relevant profiles
Retained Search
PrioritisedA fully embedded hiring partnership for strategically important, complex or confidential appointments.
- Dedicated, prioritised search
- Candidates submitted exclusively to you
- Direct headhunting of passive, high-performing candidates
- Full market mapping and talent intelligence
- Fully embedded hiring partnership
- Weekly updates & bi-weekly check-in calls
05 / CONTACT US
Looking for your next senior hire - or your next opportunity?
Whether you’re a consultancy seeking your next senior hire or a senior professional exploring new opportunities, we welcome a confidential initial conversation via Teams, phone or in person (South East only where applicable). We can also provide references demonstrating our track record and industry expertise.