Managers you won't find on job sites
Fast Forward Solutions (FFS) is a Polish boutique direct search and headhunting agency specializing in the recruitment of sales managers, IT leaders, and executives. We don’t wait for applications— we actively reach out to the best professionals in the industry, including those who aren’t currently looking for a job. A shortlist is ready in 2–4 weeks.
projects completed
's effectiveness in 3 weeks
specialists in the contact database
Direct Search isn't just about recruiting through job postings.
It's about actively seeking out the best talent—before the competition does.
What is Direct Search?
Direct Search is a proactive approach to sourcing candidates in the market —our headhunters identify and reach out to top professionals who do not apply for job openings on their own. Unlike traditional recruitment based on job postings, we directly target highly qualified experts, many of whom are currently employed by our competitors.
We operate with precision, not on a mass scale. We create a market map of 100–200 potential candidates and select the group of the most promising individuals. We don’t provide a list of resumes; instead, we deliver a carefully curated shortlist of 3–4 vetted finalists who are a perfect fit for your organization.
When should you choose Direct Search?
Four situations where standard ads aren’t enough, and where timing and precision are critical to business success.
You're building a sales team
You need a Head of Sales or a Sales Manager with a proven track record in your industry. The best candidates don’t browse job listings—we’ll find them and get them interested in your offer.
You're entering a new market
Are you looking for a Country Manager or Business Development Manager with knowledge of the local market and an established network of contacts? Direct Search gives you access to candidates who have already proven themselves in similar roles.
Are you hiring for IT?
You won’t find Engineering Managers or Data Engineers with the right technical skills through standard job postings. We reach out to them directly, discreetly, and effectively.
You need discretion
You are replacing the current manager or hiring for a new position without informing the market. Direct Search guarantees complete confidentiality—no job postings, no public disclosure of the recruitment process.
Partnership with Fast Forward Solutions
Six specific benefits you get when you choose Direct Search from FFS instead of standard recruitment.
Access to passive candidates
We reach professionals who don’t browse job listings —they’re often the best in their field, and competitors will never find them through job ads.
Shortlist in 2–4 weeks
You won’t waste time sifting through hundreds of resumes—we’ll present you with 3–4 vetted finalists within 2–4 weeks of the project’s launch. 90% of our projects are successfully completed within 3 weeks.
Full confidentiality
We handle all projects with the utmost discretion. Your reputation in the market and the continuity of your business operations are our top priority.
Market overview: 100–200 candidates
For each project, we identify 100–200 potential candidates, review their experience, and select those who are the best fit for your organization.
Recruitment guarantee
If a candidate leaves during the guarantee period, we will restart the recruitment process at our expense, regardless of the reason. No hidden costs, no negotiations.
Flexible pricing models
Choose the option that works best for you: a percentage of your annual salary (16–22%) or a fixed amount. We provide a custom quote for each project following an initial consultation.
The managers we've found are building our clients' companies
Behind every Direct Search project lies a real business need —and a client who has placed their trust in us. See how CEOs, founders, and HR managers evaluate our work once their new leaders have joined the organization and started delivering results.
Our recruitment process
Precise, fast, and discreet executive search. We don’t post job ads—we reach out directly to the best candidates.
Analysis of business needs and context
We begin every project by gaining a thorough understanding of the business objectives and the specifics of the role. We analyze the organizational culture and develop a profile of the ideal candidate, taking into account their competencies and how well they align with the management style.
Search strategy
We develop a customized Direct Search strategy that includes market mapping, identifying target companies, and determining outreach channels. We combine industry expertise with AI tools to focus our efforts on the right candidates.
Market mapping — 100 to 200 candidates
We identify key leaders and experts, many of whom work for competing organizations. We map the market and select a group of the most promising candidates who meet the criteria.
Direct contact and initial assessment
We reach out directly to selected candidates, presenting the project in a confidential and engaging manner. We assess their motivation, skills, and willingness to make a change—building the trust needed for an open conversation.
Calibration with the customer
We present the first 3–5 candidates so that we can align our expectations and confirm the direction of the search. We discuss market insights, salary levels, and trends—helping you make informed decisions.
Selection and recommendation of the shortlist
We conduct in-depth interviews—both video calls and in-person meetings. We assess experience, management style, and cultural fit. We present a shortlist of 3–4 finalists with a clear recommendation.
Reference checks and background checks
We conduct background checks and reference verifications, ensuring complete confidentiality and reliability. We assist clients in negotiating employment terms through to the signing of the contract.
Onboarding and post-hire feedback
We remain actively involved during the first few weeks of the new leader’s onboarding. We gather feedback and ensure that the candidate is settling into the organization as you had hoped.
We don't publish ads. We reach the best candidates directly—before the competition does.
— The Direct Search Philosophy at Fast Forward Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often before starting a partnership.
Both methods involve directly reaching out to passive candidates, but they differ in the scope of positions they cover. Executive Search focuses on recruiting board members and top-level executives (CEO, CFO, CMO). Direct Search covers a broader spectrum—from managerial and specialist roles to key positions such as Head of Sales, Engineering Manager, Country Manager, or Business Development Manager. It is a faster, more flexible process that maintains the quality and confidentiality of Executive Search.
Typically, the entire process takes 2–4 weeks from the start of the project to the presentation of the shortlist. Fast Forward Solutions achieves a 90% success rate within 3 weeks. The timeline depends on the specifics of the position and the availability of candidates.
Our fee is typically 16–22% of the candidate’s annual gross salary or a fixed amount determined on a case-by-case basis. Fast Forward Solutions operates on a success fee model—you pay only after the candidate is hired. We price each project individually following an initial consultation.
Yes—Direct Search is ideal for companies that don’t have their own recruitment departments or that need assistance in recruiting specialists with specific skills. Thanks to our boutique approach, we tailor the process and collaboration model to the size and needs of the organization, regardless of its scale.
If a candidate leaves during the guarantee period—regardless of the reason (whether initiated by the employee or the employer)— we will restart the recruitment process at FFS’s expense. No additional fees, no negotiations.
Yes, complete confidentiality is standard practice for us. We handle all aspects of the process—from identifying candidates to contacting them—with the utmost discretion. In the case of replacement hiring, we ensure full anonymity and data protection for both the client and the candidates.
We combine recruitment expertise with a genuine understanding of business —many of our consultants have previously held managerial roles in sales, marketing, and IT. We identify 100–200 candidates, present a shortlist of 3–4 finalists, and achieve a 90% success rate within three weeks.