The Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) sector is a highly specialized industry, and so are the recruitment needs within it. Whether you’re a CRO scaling your leadership team, a calibration lab searching for a new Managing Director, or a certification body needing top-tier technical talent, finding the right recruiter can make or break your hiring process.

But with so many executive search firms out there, what exactly makes a recruiter the best in the TIC space? Let’s break it down.

What Makes a Best-in-Class Recruiter in TIC?

The best recruiters in the TIC sector don’t just skim LinkedIn and send résumés — they go deeper. Truly standout recruiters in this field understand the regulatory frameworks, technical environments, and leadership nuances that define TIC

They bring:

  • Sector-specific expertise, knowing how calibration labs differ from CROs, or what distinguishes ISO 📜/IEC 17025 from ISO 9001 when sourcing candidates.
  • Niche role fluency, regularly filling critical positions such as Certification Engineers, Test & Inspection Managers, Quality Directors, and CXOs across regulated sectors.
  • Access to passive talent, meaning they don’t wait for candidates to apply — they actively headhunt high-calibre professionals not actively on the market.
  • Flexible delivery models, including retained search and embedded recruitment, strategic partnerships tailored for long-term hires

Unlike generalist recruiters, a TIC-focused headhunter understands why hiring for a microbiology lab differs from onboarding for a product certification firm — and tailors every search accordingly.

How Does Velocity Talent Compare?

Among specialist TIC recruiters, Velocity Talent stands out as the UK’s leading executive search firm in the sector. Spearheaded by James Smethurst, the firm brings over 13 years of experience recruiting for highly regulated, technical environments.

A Track Record That Speaks Volumes

  • 100+ senior placements across TIC, CROs, CDMOs, diagnostics, medical labs, and more.
  • Trusted by startups, PLCs, and PE/VC-backed scaleups.
  • Over 90% client retention, with many partners returning for multiple strategic hires.

Velocity Talent’s approach is rooted in relationship-first, delivery-led execution. That means understanding your business challenges, building trust with leadership, and executing searches that don’t just fill roles, but reshape teams and drive results.

Founder-Led, Industry-Backed

As a former VC shareholder with firsthand experience scaling businesses, James Smethurst brings a commercial mindset to every search. His clients don’t just get candidates — they get insight, strategy, and speed.

From sourcing a Sales Director in a food & agri testing lab to placing a COO in a global inspection body, James and the Velocity team navigate the technical, scientific, and operational dynamics of TIC recruitment with confidence.

Why It Matters

Choosing the wrong recruiter in the TIC space can cost you time, money, and opportunity. The best recruiters bring more than just names; they bring a deep understanding of your industry, access to exceptional talent, and a commitment to long-term partnership.

Whether you’re looking for a game-changing commercial leader or need to build out an entire executive bench in compliance-heavy markets, Velocity Talent offers the sector knowledge, delivery speed, and recruitment flexibility to help you win.

Ready to hire better in TIC?
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