General manager
Finch conducts retained searches for general managers who can run a business or division with full accountability for results.
Professional & office recruitmentExecutive search in Toronto and the GTA
Finch runs retained, confidential searches for general managers, vice-presidents, plant managers, clinic directors and branch managers.
A leadership hire affects every person who reports to that role, and the cost of getting it wrong shows up in lost staff, stalled growth and months of disruption. Senior candidates are rarely browsing job boards, and the best of them expect a discreet, professional approach. Finch conducts executive searches for owner-managed businesses, growing companies, manufacturers, clinics and multi-location organizations across Toronto and the GTA, from North York and Vaughan to Mississauga, Markham and Durham.
Our searches are retained, which suits leadership hiring: the fee is agreed per position and paid up front, so the search gets dedicated, focused attention. We start by understanding your business, the mandate for the role, the team it leads and what success looks like. We then identify and approach candidates directly, assess them in depth and present a shortlist of suitable leaders. We coordinate interviews, support you through the offer and follow up after the start date.
Why leadership roles call for executive search
01
The strongest leaders are already employed and performing well, so they must be identified and approached directly rather than waiting for applications.
02
Many leadership searches are confidential, especially when replacing an incumbent, and an open job ad could unsettle staff, customers or competitors.
03
Senior candidates present polished stories, so assessing real results, judgement and leadership style takes structured interviews and thorough referencing.
04
A leader who thrived in a large corporation may struggle in an owner-managed business, and an entrepreneurial leader may find a large structure frustrating.
How we screen executive & leadership candidates
- Leadership results in comparable roles, including growth, turnaround, cost control or team-building outcomes they personally drove
- Experience at a similar scale, ownership structure and industry to your organization
- Leadership style and how they build, develop and hold teams accountable
- Financial and operational judgement, including budgeting, profit-and-loss responsibility and reporting
- Detailed references from former managers, peers and direct reports, gathered with discretion
Where we recruit executive & leadership professionals
We run executive & leadership searches for employers across Toronto and the GTA, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Oshawa and Pickering, and for employers across Canada.
Roles we fill
Executive & leadership roles we recruit for
Vice-president
Finch runs retained searches for vice-presidents who can lead a function, shape strategy and deliver results alongside your executive team.
Plant manager
Finch recruits plant managers who lead safe, efficient and well-run manufacturing and processing facilities.
Clinic director
Finch recruits clinic directors who can lead clinical and administrative teams while keeping the clinic compliant, organized and financially healthy.
Branch manager
Finch recruits branch managers who run profitable locations, lead strong local teams and represent your company in their market.
Chief financial officer (CFO)
Finch runs confidential, retained searches for CFOs who can lead finance, work with your board and lenders, and help ownership make better decisions.
Chief operating officer (COO)
Finch conducts discreet, retained searches for COOs who can run operations day to day while the CEO or founder focuses on strategy, customers and capital.
Chief technology officer (CTO)
Finch runs confidential, retained searches for CTOs who can set technical direction, lead engineering teams and explain technology decisions to a board.
How it works
How an executive & leadership search works
Consultation
Tell us about the role, your team and your timeline. We agree on a retainer and fees tailored to the position.
Retainer & search
Your retainer starts the search. We advertise, source and screen candidates for you.
Shortlist & interviews
You meet only suitable candidates. We arrange every interview.
Hire & follow-up
We manage the offer and check in after your new hire starts.
Retainer-based recruiting. Fees are tailored to every position, and a retainer up front starts your search.Book a consultation
Executive & leadership recruitment: questions employers ask
Can you keep our executive search confidential?
Yes. Confidential searches are common at the leadership level. We can recruit without naming your organization in advertising, approach candidates directly and only disclose your identity once a candidate has been screened and shows serious interest. We agree on the level of confidentiality with you at the outset and handle every conversation accordingly.
Why does Finch work on a retainer for executive roles?
A retainer commits both sides to the search. It lets us dedicate time to research, direct outreach and in-depth assessment instead of sending whichever résumés arrive first. The fee is agreed per position based on its requirements and paid up front to begin, so you know the cost from the start and get a focused, thorough search.
Do you recruit leaders for small and mid-sized businesses?
Yes. Owner-managed and growing businesses often reach a point where they need their first general manager, operations leader or second-in-command. These roles need someone comfortable with hands-on work and close collaboration with an owner. We look for candidates who have succeeded in similar settings, not only in large corporate structures.
Google reviews
What our clients say
“Over the last four years, Finch Employment helped me find both long and short term assistants for my real estate business. The quality of personnel they matched me with has been unparalleled in regards to other recruitment firms. I am happy to recommend their services across all industries.”
“Finch Employment is a very reliable and professional company. My experience with them was very positive, and the process was quick and well organized.”
“Thank you for your professional approach. Because of Finch Employment’s support, our gym got a very skillful massage therapist.”
Related professional & office recruitment
Tell us about your executive & leadership opening
Tell us who you need. A Finch recruiter will call you back within one business day to talk through the role and retainer.
Call 416-551-6111Office visits by appointment only