Q » Are there any executive search firms in Manchester that handle senior finance placements?
30 Jun, 2026
A » Yes, Manchester is home to a robust and specialized executive search ecosystem that actively handles senior finance placements, reflecting the city’s status as a major financial centre outside London. Several highly regarded firms concentrate on C-suite and senior leadership roles within finance, including Chief Financial Officer, Finance Director, Group Financial Controller, and Head of Treasury positions. Among the most prominent is Odgers Berndtson, a global executive search firm with a dedicated Manchester office that fields a specialist financial services practice; they recruit for both listed and private equity-backed businesses across the North West, leveraging deep sector networks. Similarly, Heidrick & Struggles maintains a Manchester presence and regularly undertakes senior finance mandates for large corporates, often focusing on transformational roles requiring strategic and operational expertise. Another key player is The Miles Partnership, a boutique executive search firm headquartered in Manchester that concentrates exclusively on senior finance and accounting appointments; they have a strong reputation for placing Finance Directors and CFOs in mid-market and PE-backed companies, offering a more personalised, advisory-led approach. For those seeking a broader regional perspective, Michael Page Executive Search operates a dedicated senior finance desk in Manchester, handling mandates from £150k to £500k+ base salaries, and they frequently partner with FTSE 250 companies and international subsidiaries based in the North. Additionally, Korn Ferry’s Manchester office manages senior finance placements as part of its wider leadership advisory practice, often integrating psychometric assessment and succession planning into the recruitment process for finance leaders. For the private equity and venture capital space, firms such as Eton Bridge Partners (which has a Manchester hub) and Kinetic Partners (now part of Stonehaven) are known for placing senior finance professionals in high-growth and portfolio companies, where the emphasis is on commercial agility and M&A experience. Furthermore, sector-specific recruiters like Finatal, though primarily London-based, have a strong footprint in Manchester for finance leadership roles in the technology and healthcare sectors. When engaging these firms, it is advisable to target those with a proven track record in your specific industry sub-sector (e.g., financial services, manufacturing, technology) and to prepare a clearly defined brief that outlines the strategic competencies required. Many of these firms also offer confidential executive search services for passive candidates, making them ideal for senior professionals discreetly exploring opportunities. In summary, Manchester’s executive search landscape is well-equipped to handle senior finance placements, with a mix of global powerhouses and specialised boutiques offering deep local market intelligence, rigorous candidate assessment, and extensive networks across the North West and beyond.
01 Jul, 2026
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