Senior & Executive Search in Technology — Finding the Right Leaders in UK & Ireland

Not long ago, tech professionals were considered to be more of an option. They existed in a hidden corner of offices, only responsible for keeping the systems running and making sure everyone had internet access. 

Now, this job role is one of the most important hires for any company looking to survive in this hyper-digital world. Tech staff are no longer just overseeing the servers and systems. They are shaping the future, helping companies navigate digital transformation and building future proof business strategies.

But hiring top technology leaders today isn’t just about checking off a list of qualifications and certifications. In business hubs like London, Manchester and Dublin, finding the right person to lead the tech arm of your business has become a real challenge and a matter of survival.

Companies today are competing for a very limited pool of experienced candidates available, and the demands of the role have shifted dramatically in the past few years.

Within the following pages, we'll discuss how you can navigate this search for seniors and executives in technology to find the best tech brains to lead you into the future.

In 2025, What is a Technology Executive?

The titles vary,  you’ll see everything from Chief Technology Officer, Senior Technology Specialist and Chief Information Officer to Chief Digital Officer, Head of Engineering or even Chief AI Officer. But the core responsibility is the same: use technology to move the business forward.

So, what is a technology executive's mission?

These leaders are expected to handle everything from cybersecurity and cloud strategy to data governance and digital product development. They’re expected to understand compliance, manage global teams, communicate clearly with boards and still keep their finger on the pulse of emerging tech.

And, more often than not, they’re the ones bridging the gap between technical experts and business stakeholders. That ability to influence, explain and align people across the company is often more important than any technical skill on its own.

Demand Is Growing & the Numbers Back It Up

There’s no shortage of openings for Senior Information Technology Specialists. According to the CTO Academy Report, 40% of global companies have a CTO on the executive team. That’s a sharp increase over previous years and a clear sign that businesses are prioritising tech leadership in boardroom decisions.

The data space is heating up, too. A 2020 research found that 67% of businesses have hired a Chief Data Officer,  proof that analytics and data governance are now viewed as core functions.

But while demand is strong, the supply of top-tier candidates remains limited. DevsData reports that acceptance rates for senior tech roles in the UK and Ireland have dipped below 6%, meaning many companies will need to work much harder to secure the right person for the job.

Why More Companies Are Turning to Executive Search Firms

Given the level of competition, it’s no surprise that more organisations are leaning on specialist executive search firms. These aren’t your typical recruiters. The best firms don’t just post ads or scroll LinkedIn. They maintain deep networks, keep tabs on who’s open to new opportunities (quietly), and often know when a strong candidate might be ready for a move before the candidate does themselves.

Executive search can also help clarify what the company actually needs. It’s not uncommon for a business to start out thinking they want a CIO, when what they really need is a CPTO –  someone who brings both tech and product experience.

A strong search partner can help unpack all of that early on, which can prevent a lot of wasted time and costly misfires later.

What Really Happens During an Executive Search?

Executive search isn’t just about flipping through resumes or shooting off a few LinkedIn messages. It’s way more nuanced than that.

It kicks off with refining the brief, not just what the job title says, but what the role actually needs to deliver over the next 6, 12, maybe even 18 months. This early clarity often shifts the entire direction of the search. You’d be surprised how often the role morphs once you start asking the right questions.

Then comes the groundwork. Mapping the market, figuring out who’s out there (especially the folks who aren’t actively looking) and doing the legwork to understand each of them. For some roles, that might mean digging into structured interviews, behavioural insights or technical deep-dives. Sometimes all three.

But when it comes to senior tech roles, the big variable is culture. Sure, you want someone with the right skillset. But are they the right fit? Can they work with, or even challenge, your existing leadership without blowing everything up? Have they walked through a firestorm like this before and come out stronger on the other side?

You won’t find those answers on a CV. That’s where a good search partner earns their stars, by uncovering the stuff that doesn’t show up on paper.

Next, you'll be looking to search for a technology executive search firm that actually understands how the tech world works. Not every recruiter gets it. Executive search technology firms vary a lot, so make sure you’re checking ones with experience in this space. A good technology executive search team can deliver the right candidate to your doorstep.

A Firm Doing It Right 

Fruition Group, based in Leeds, is one of the top technology executive search firms. We aren’t the biggest agency out there, but we’ve built a strong reputation for quality and long-term placements,  especially in senior roles where cultural fit and strategic alignment are just as important as technical knowledge.

Fruition works closely with both clients and candidates to understand not just the job description, but the story behind the hire. Why is the role open? What does the company need to accomplish in the next 12 months? Who on the board will the new leader be working with? These are the kinds of questions that help shape better outcomes.

We’ve placed tech leaders in both startups and large corporations across the UK and Ireland. If you’re looking for a tech executive search firm, feel free to reach out to our team.