MLC Executive Search

Leadership decisions shape
organisations for years.

A specialist public-service search practice, not a generalist firm. We focus entirely on the senior appointments that determine how public services are run, drawing on deep sector knowledge, a specialist network and absolute discretion to find the right leaders for the public and not-for-profit sectors.

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Why MLC

"We do one thing: appoint senior leaders into public service. That focus is what separates us from generalist search firms and it is what clients rely on for the appointments that matter most."

Who we are

A specialist public-service search practice with deep sector knowledge and discretion.

Our consultants combine sector expertise, rigorous methodology and a specialist network built over 17 years across the public and not-for-profit sectors. Independently and privately owned, we answer only to our clients and the standard of the appointment, with no commercial pressure to push a candidate that does not fit.

What we deliver

We are trusted with critical public-service leadership appointments, where the wrong hire carries real consequences for services and communities.

01 Permanent executive appointments
02 Non-executive and board roles
03 Critical and hard-to-fill leadership hires
04 Executive interim assignments

Where we work

Sector depth across public service.

We place senior leaders across the public sector and into the functions that keep organisations running, supported by a specialist network in each area.

NHS and health

Provider trusts, ICBs and national bodies.

Local government

Councils, combined authorities and arms-length bodies.

Education

Trusts, colleges and higher education.

Central government

Departments, agencies and public bodies.

Within these sectors we appoint operational, finance, commercial and digital leadership, from director level to chief executive and board.

How we work

Rigorous search across the full market, not a contacts book.
Deep understanding of organisational and political context.
Inclusive, transparent and trusted processes.

Our Approach

A meticulous process at every stage.

From initial consultation to onboarding, we take a tailored, results-driven approach, assessing your organisation's culture and goals before a single candidate is approached.

Client Expectations

Planning meeting to deep dive into the organisation and profile.

Market Research

Mapping the market and targeted advertising.

Executive Search

Identifying talent, conducting thorough preliminary interviews and background checks.

Shortlisting

Creating a longlist, further assessments, and a refined shortlist for interview.

Interviews

Client-led interviews with shortlisted candidates.

Offer & Onboarding

Offer management and structured onboarding support.

Diversity

Diversity is the cornerstone of innovation.

Our commitment to inclusive recruitment goes beyond attracting a wide range of candidates. It is about building diverse leadership teams that are more resilient, creative and effective, with every voice heard and valued in our process.

48%

of our 2024 placements were from the Global Majority

53%

of our 2024 placements were female

12%

of our 2024 placements had a registered disability

Our Team

Finding extraordinary people requires extraordinary people.

Our consultants are sector specialists with long track records and the trusted networks that come with them, so clients deal directly with people who know their market and their candidates.

Pete Marshall

Chief Executive Officer

Pete has specialised in placing executive HR professionals into the NHS since 2007. There isn't a comparable consultant in the industry with his level of experience and depth of knowledge of the NHS.

[email protected] 07930 153 672

Adrian Watts

Managing Director

Adrian joined MLC in 2023. He prides himself on developing a truly diverse network of candidates and works hard at sourcing talent from wider sectors.

[email protected] 07816 290 865

Tom Porter

Associate Partner, Local Government

Tom leads executive search assignments across local government, bringing a strong network of senior candidates and a rigorous approach to matching leadership talent with client requirements.

[email protected] 07951 795 790

Testimonials

Trusted by the people we place and the organisations we serve.

"MLC, I just wanted to record how brilliant you have been throughout this whole campaign. You have been so supportive, encouraging and thoughtful, ensuring that I am kept informed at regular intervals. I couldn't have possibly succeeded in securing the role without your help. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Melinda Johnson

COO, Ofgem

"Throughout my NHS journey, Adrian provided invaluable support, demonstrating a deep understanding of both my career goals and the NHS market trends. What stood out to me the most was their dedication and commitment to ensuring that the roles available on the market were truly the right fit."

Lei Wei

Chief Finance Officer, Homerton Healthcare

"I have known and worked with MLC for several years. They have supplied several exceptional individuals to support the Workforce Programme. MLC have a good grasp of the NHS environment, coupled with their in-depth understanding of the skills and abilities of candidates, which puts them in a strong position to match those with the requirements of their clients."

Lorissa Page

Chief People Officer, South West London ICB

"The whole team at MLC have been impressive and are now a real asset to the national NHS programmes. In over 20 years as an HR professional this is without doubt the best search experience I have ever had. I have no reservations in recommending them as an outstanding partner."

Steve Hodder

HR Director, NHS England

Make the right appointment

Tell us the role you need to fill. We will bring the sector knowledge and specialist network to find the right leader.