The phrase "retained search" refers to a type of hiring process for senior-level positions where a company hires a specialized recruiting firm to conduct a thorough and exclusive search for the most suitable candidate. Full definition
You're not likely to run into a lot of retained search firms when you are coming out of school or leaving a postdoc. (sciencemag.org)
Great retained search partners work their sources the way a great reporter does. (tgsus.com)
Unlike a resume writer who might have been a recruiter 10 or 15 years ago, she continues to work in retained search and has the pulse of today's hiring managers. (kellydonovan.com)