Williams Executive Search, Inc

The firm is nationally recognized for its successful approach to recruitment and has been recognized by Forbes as one of the nation's top executive search firms.

Industries and organization types served

Williams Executive Search partners with organizations across a wide range of industries and sectors, including but not limited to:

• Technology companies
• Manufacturing and industrial businesses
• Service businesses
• Healthcare organizations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Financial services and benefits organizations
• Real estate, construction and commercial development
• Food manufacturing and distribution
• Software and technology-enabled services
• Alternative investment and private equity–backed companies
• Senior living and senior services organizations
• Education- and scholarship-focused foundations

Clients range from regional organizations to large national enterprises.

Typical roles and levels

The firm specializes in senior-level and executive roles, including but not limited to:

• C-suite positions (e.g., CEO, CFO, CHRO, President)
• Executive vice presidents and senior vice presidents
• Vice presidents and directors
• Board members for corporate and nonprofit boards

Representative completed searches include executive roles in finance, human resources, manufacturing and operations, sales, and nonprofit leadership.

Client service philosophy

• Partnership-based approach: clients work directly with Williams Executive Search throughout the engagement.
• Limited number of engagements to ensure each search remains a priority.
• All members of the team are involved in all aspects of each search.
• Emphasis on clearly understanding each client's critical business objectives and organizational culture.

Standard retained search process

Williams Executive Search typically follows a structured, multi-stage process for retained searches. Key steps include:

1. Initial stakeholder meeting

• Engagement letter signed.
• Position profile developed in collaboration with client stakeholders.
• Plans developed for the interview process (who, when, where).
• Coordination of calendars for anticipated interviews.
• First installment payment due at this stage.

2. Search activity (research and candidate development)

• Strategic implementation of the search.
• Sourcing and prospecting of qualified candidates.
• Ongoing weekly updates to the client.
• Qualified candidates interviewed and assessed by Williams Executive Search.
• A slate of candidates is introduced for client consideration.
• First round interviews coordinated.
• Plans solidified for second-round interviews.
• Talent assessments scheduled if requested by the client.
• Second installment payment due during this phase.

3. Conclusion of search

• Development and presentation of an offer (including who will present it, when and how).
• Reference and background evaluations.
• Identification of the executive's start date.
• Final installment payment due at this stage.
• Follow-up and follow-through with both client and placed executive.

Time frames

While specific timelines may vary by search, the standard process outline references the following general phases:

• Initial client meeting and setup: approximately days 1–30.
• Active search activity: approximately days 31–60.
• Conclusion of search and placement: approximately days 61–90.

Geographic reach and candidate access

Williams Executive Search conducts searches locally, regionally, nationally and, when appropriate, internationally. The firm strategically targets qualified candidates and can work with individuals interested in relocation.

Focus on diverse candidate slates

The firm works with clients to understand their diversity objectives and develop strategies to support them. Williams Executive Search aims to present diverse candidate slates and has an increasing number of diverse placements.

Repeat clients

Many clients engage Williams Executive Search for multiple searches over time, reflecting long-term relationships and the firm's focus on supporting the growth of high-performing executive teams.

Office address 1650 West End Blvd., Suite 100 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 United States

Main phone number 952-767-7900

Business hours

• Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday: Closed
• Sunday: Closed

Hours are as published on the website's contact page.

General contact guidance

• For organizations seeking help with an executive search, the contact form on the Contact Us page can be used to outline how the firm may be of service.
• Executive candidates interested in opportunities should use the dedicated Candidates page to submit their resume.

• Candidates can submit their resume through the Candidates page on the firm's website.
• An email address and resume upload are required.
• Resumes are reviewed, and the firm will be in touch with candidates who are a potential fit for specific searches.

Candidate focus

Williams Executive Search primarily works on senior-level and executive roles (e.g., C-suite, vice president, director, and other leadership positions) for organizations across a variety of industries.

External career resources (as published on the site)

The firm's website lists external resources that may be useful for executive-level job seekers, including:

• General employment and career development sites.
• Executive-level networking platforms.
• Salary calculators, cost-of-living guides and relocation resources.
• Business, finance, and technology news and research sources.
• Minnesota-focused job boards and business publications.
• Recommended books on executive job search and career management.

Note

Some listed external websites or resources may require subscriptions or may change over time.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.