Once reserved for large companies and senior management positions, executive recruitment now touches nearly all sectors of the Quebec economy.
With labor shortages, digital transformation, and an aging workforce, companies are increasingly turning to specialized firms to find rare talent.
Steady Growth Since 2010
According to industry estimates, the number of specialized executive search firms in Quebec has more than doubled since 2010.
Year Estimated Number of Firms 2010 75 to 120 2015 100 to 160 2020 140 to 220 2025 150 to 300This growth is particularly evident in Montreal, where corporate headquarters, technology companies, and financial institutions are concentrated.
Why Are Companies Increasingly Using Executive Search Firms?
Several factors explain this increase:
- difficulty in recruiting specialized profiles;
- competition among employers;
- increased confidential recruitment;
- importance of LinkedIn and passive recruitment;
- mass retirements.
Executive search firms allow for the approach of candidates who are already employed and not actively seeking a job.
The Most Active Sectors
The industries that most utilize executive search firms in Quebec include:
- information technology;
- finance;
- engineering;
- manufacturing;
- construction;
- healthcare.
The most sought-after positions include IT directors, vice presidents, specialized engineers, and plant managers.
An Industry That Continues to Evolve
Executive recruitment is also becoming more specialized. We are seeing the emergence of firms dedicated to:
- artificial intelligence;
- cybersecurity;
- startups;
- non-profits;
- entrepreneurial succession.
The Quebec market is thus following a global trend where executive search firms are becoming true strategic partners for companies.
