ThinkingAhead Executive Search recently expanded to add a practice that focuses on the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) sector. Led by the the expertise of Brandon Henshaw, the ACE practice leverages industry-specific expertise to help firms find and retain top talent, from the C-Suite to sales roles and individual contributors.
Unique Challenges in the ACE Market
The ACE industry faces specific challenges when it comes to talent acquisition. One major hurdle is a highly competitive talent market where counteroffers and retention strategies are critical. Unlike other sectors that have embraced remote work, construction often requires on-site roles, which can limit the candidate pool to specific geographical areas. Broader economic uncertainty creates more hiring challenges, as companies in the construction sector monitor interest rates and political changes, impacting hiring decisions.
Talent Progression in Architecture, Construction, and Engineering
The ACE sector also has a unique career progression path that differs from many other industries. Many high-level roles, such as superintendents and project managers, evolve through experience rather than traditional education pathways, with career advancement dependent on firm size and project scope. For instance, professionals in smaller companies may move quickly into project management roles, while larger firms often follow a tiered progression system.
Balancing Candidate and Company Expectations
Construction recruitment today is both candidate- and company-driven. While good talent is in high demand, loyalty has increased among experienced professionals since COVID-19, with many opting to stay with firms that supported them through the pandemic. This sense of loyalty poses a challenge when attempting to encourage top talent to consider new opportunities.
Our team is well-versed in these nuances and understands the importance of identifying candidates with the right tenure and adaptability for each role. Additionally, we know that top talent is drawn to opportunities that offer stability, growth potential, and significant project involvement, such as high-profile or large-budget projects that can elevate a project manager’s career.
Why work with an ACE specialized recruiter?
Our unique executive search approach sets us apart. We prioritize building meaningful relationships, engaging closely with clients to understand the scope of their needs and the longevity of each role. We maintain strong connections within the construction field, allowing us to make over a thousand calls weekly to engage with industry talent actively. This targeted approach enables us to present the best candidates, aligning their goals with our clients’ long-term needs.
