Vision
Recruitment Engineered For The Cardiovascular Devices Industry
Vertical Search provides Executive Search services to Cardiovascular Device start-ups and scale-ups in the US and Europe for strategically important, often sensitive leadership appointments, typically Board through to Director level across all business functions as well as full Commercial and Field Clinical team builds.
Our singular focus on Cardiovascular Medical Devices enables us to have a deep understanding of this unique space, the technologies, the businesses, the skillsets and most importantly the people.
When you speak to Vertical Search we get it. We quickly grasp your clinical need, we understand how your device works, we know the development and clinical milestones, the regulatory pathways, the fundraising lifecycles, the potential acquisition partners as well as the challenges of transitioning from a start up R&D focused organisation to one scaling manufacturing and commercial operations.
Understanding the context, means better, deeper conversations, stronger relationships and instant credibility when we engage with someone new. Ultimately it means a faster Search, a more focused shortlist, engaged and prepared candidates and a smoother process with better outcomes.
Vertical Search partners long term with our clients and we act as extensions of their business in the market, advising on all aspects of talent, leadership and team building
We believe we are different. It is not just recruitment for us, we are here to serve the Cardiovascular Device ecosystem that we are a part of. We act as a connector across the network; introducing leaders, innovators and investors to foster collaboration, help gain access to capital and share knowledge in an effort to accelerate the development, commercialization and availability of these important breakthrough technologies.
We understand Cardiovascular Devices — but more importantly, we understand you: your technology, your mission, and the challenges that come with each stage of growth. That insight allows us to identify, engage, and secure the business-critical talent who won’t just fill roles, but will help you drive the business forward and achieve your next milestones.
About
Focus
Geographic Coverage
Focus
At Vertical Search each consultant is solely and uniquely focused on supporting Start Up and Scale Up companies in a specific area of Medical Devices.
This niche focus enables a complete understanding of Clients technology, development, clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones, funding cycles and talent challenges.
Fit
Geographic Coverage
Focus
Our clients need talent that have the right skills, experience and leadership qualities but can also hit the ground running and deliver instant value—often from a particular therapy area or niche.
Our deep specialisation means we understand these nuances; it enables us to articulate our Client’s opportunity to the market with accuracy an
Our clients need talent that have the right skills, experience and leadership qualities but can also hit the ground running and deliver instant value—often from a particular therapy area or niche.
Our deep specialisation means we understand these nuances; it enables us to articulate our Client’s opportunity to the market with accuracy and passion. It encourages the volume and depth of candidate engagement.
It means increased stakeholder confidence in the validity of the Search process and the robustness of the eventual appointment.
It means we succeed where other less focused firms can struggle.
Expertise
Geographic Coverage
Geographic Coverage
We focus on leadership positions typically; Board and C-Suite through to VP, Director and Manager as well as full team builds across all business areas including:
Clinical Affairs, Operations, R&D, Regulatory, Quality, Marketing, Sales, Medical Affairs, Training & Education, Therapy Development, Field Clinical Support, Market Access and Reimbursement.
Geographic Coverage
Geographic Coverage
Geographic Coverage
Vertical Search is headquartered in London and operates across Europe and in the US . To date more than 50% of the searches we have successfully completed have been US based.
It means you can work with the same trusted Search partner on multiple roles, across multiple locations.
Relationships
Relationships
Relationships
We are deeply imbedded in the Medical Device Networks that we serve.
We are present at the key US and European Conferences engaging across all levels of our network from Leaders and Investors, to those in critical customer facing roles.
We prioritise long term relationships built face-to-face, the only way you can truly read someone’s p
We are deeply imbedded in the Medical Device Networks that we serve.
We are present at the key US and European Conferences engaging across all levels of our network from Leaders and Investors, to those in critical customer facing roles.
We prioritise long term relationships built face-to-face, the only way you can truly read someone’s personality, sense their cultural fit and get a feel for their leadership style.
Strategy
Relationships
Relationships
We operate as an extension of our client's business and are agile enough to adapt our approach when needed because we understand that every company is different and each role is different.
Communication, candour and calibration throughout the Search process is our promise and ensures our clients get the shortlist they are expecting and ca
We operate as an extension of our client's business and are agile enough to adapt our approach when needed because we understand that every company is different and each role is different.
Communication, candour and calibration throughout the Search process is our promise and ensures our clients get the shortlist they are expecting and can successfully hire the best available candidate every time.
Terms
Relationships
Results
We operate on a retained search model, our commercial terms are straightforward and cost effective.
In the unlikely event a candidate leaves or is terminated we offer a second shortlist and free replacement.
Results
Relationships
Results
We have a success rate of 97% on our first attempt and and a repeat business rate of over 80%.
Equally important, we track retention rate; 95% of all candidates we placed are still in their positions 12 months on.
These figures demonstrate the importance and value of our specialized approach.
Meet the vertical search team
Stuart McKay - Founder, CEO - Cardiovascular Devices
Stuart founded Vertical Search in 2023 with the ambition to build and scale a laser focused MedTech Search Practice. He set up the business to support innovative, well backed, high-growth start up and scale up Medical Device companies..
His personal focus is on Cardiovascular devices.
Before founding Vertical Search Stuart set up the Medical Devices Executive Search Practice at London based search firm Hunter Life Sciences. He has over 17 year of experience in complex Search across various industries. Relationships, curiosity and trust built over time are the traits that underpin his success across multiple industries.
His core skills are evaluating leadership and collaboration styles to assess cultural fit, understanding complex requirements, identifying candidates with difficult to find, highly specialised skillsets and engaging with people who aren’t actively looking for a new role.
In addition to the core Search fundamentals Stuart provides a consultative, value add, advisory approach to his clients. Leveraging his knowledge and a deep understanding of his network in cardiovascular medical devices to make strategic introductions at leadership level with individuals and businesses who have complimentary technologies and experience.
Focusing on the future leaders of today and tomorrow, he works with high potential talent as well as experienced leaders across the US and Europe.
Acting as a disrupter to an antiquated market, he pro-actively builds relationships internationally with Executive and Non-Executive professionals, through strategic introductions, attending industry conferences including EuroPCR, TCT, New York Valves, HRS, ESC, ACC, CSI and London Valves and hosting roundtable events.
