Retained Search: Building an Architecture Function from the Ground Up

Delivering four specialist Architects in under six weeks, combining retained search with deep market intelligence to de-risk a critical transformation phase.

Architecture growth challenges

A newly appointed Head of Architecture was tasked with building an entirely new function from scratch.

The business required immediate capability uplift, but there was:

No existing architecture team structure
No defined role clarity across Enterprise and Solution domains
Urgency to scale quickly without compromising quality
Limited visibility into the available architecture talent market

The challenge wasn’t just hiring — it was designing the right structure and securing the right blend of capability from day one.

Objectives:

Hire four Architects, each with a distinct focus area
Gain detailed market insights and mapping across the architecture landscape
Create clarity around role definitions and team structure
Deliver a seamless, well-managed process from definition through to onboarding
Reduce hiring risk while building a long-term foundations

How we delivered

Strategic Role Definition: Conducted two in-depth consultations with the Head of Architecture to clarify gaps, define capability requirements, prioritise hiring order, and refine job descriptions.
Detailed Market Mapping: Completed comprehensive market mapping across all four roles. Delivered a transparent tracking spreadsheet outlining:
Who was contacted
Through which channel
Candidate response and availability
This provided full market visibility and informed decision making.
Targeted Search & Network Leverage: Leveraged deep architecture networks, referrals and LinkedIn Recruiter to identify high-calibre Enterprise and Solution Architects.
High-Touch Screening & Shortlisting: Conducted thorough face-to-face interviews with all suitable candidates, delivering curated shortlists aligned to technical depth, stakeholder capability, and long-term fit.
End-to-End Process Management: Coordinated interviews, managed detailed stakeholder feedback, and handled all offer negotiations to ensure a smooth and consistent candidate experience.

Key hires & skills uplift

Enterprise Architect
Solution Architect – Data
Solution Architect – Integration
Solution Architect – Infrastructure

Business impact & results

All four roles placed within 4–6 weeks
Exceptional feedback from both client and candidates
Full transparency into the architecture talent market
Reduced hiring risk through structured retained search methodology
Long-term team stability; all hires remained with the organisation for a significant tenure.

John is, without a doubt, among the most diligent, capable and professional recruiters I have worked with. Method placed me in my current role; the result of 6 months of working through new organisational structures, changing positions descriptions and the shifting security landscape. It was an exceedingly complex placement that was handled exceptionally. Throughout that time, John was active, meticulous and engaged; ensuring that I was always aware of expectations, responsibilities and next steps.

Because of this experience, I've connected Method with a number of colleagues and connections, and have no hesitation to do so publicly. John is dedicated and directed, and sees the value is building relationships long-term, and I encourage anyone curious about any of his roles to reach out to discuss them.

- James Kotsias, Head of Cyber & Architecture