About
Engaged Headhunters
Engaged Headhunters is an executive search firm based in Virginia Beach, VA, specializing in healthcare, technology, finance, and manufacturing leadership placement. Founded in 2022 by a U.S. Navy veteran with 17 years in recruiting.
Founded in 2022 by a recruiter with 17 years of industry experience, we deliver specialized executive search and high-impact staffing searches across the global landscape.
Executive Summary
What is Engaged Headhunters? Engaged Headhunters is a specialized executive search and staffing firm based in Virginia Beach, VA. We partner with top-tier organizations in healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and finance to identify, vet, and place transformational leaders.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- Founded in 2022 by a recruiter with 17 years in the work and a U.S. Navy background.
- Specialized focus on acquiring passive, high-impact leadership talent outside of traditional job boards.
- A relationship-driven search approach designed to close the gap between corporate vision and talent execution.
How did the firm start?
Engaged Headhunters was born from a singular realization: that the traditional recruitment model was broken. We observed a gap between corporate vision and talent execution, a gap that could only be closed through proven methods and relationship-focused approach.
Technical Edge
“By combining 17 years of recruiting expertise with advanced AI-powered sourcing, we've eliminated the 'guesswork' from executive placement.”
What we deliver
What principles guide a search?
Principles that guide every search and define every partnership.
Precision Matching
We don't just fill positions. We architect leadership transformations by precisely matching exceptional executives with organizations poised for greatness.
Relationship Excellence
Our success is built on enduring partnerships, not transactions. We invest deeply in understanding both our clients' cultures and our candidates' aspirations.
Accountable Results
We measure our success by yours. Every placement is backed by a strong commitment to delivering measurable impact and long-term fiscal value.
Where can I read about completed searches?
Write-ups of completed searches are on the case studies page.
Read case studiesJAMES
Pemberton
James Pemberton is a U.S. Navy veteran with 17 years in recruiting who founded Engaged Headhunters to solve a problem he observed firsthand: the executive search industry was built on reactive job-board dependency, not proactive talent strategy. His methodology, Build Don't Beg, replaces passive candidate sourcing with a research-first outreach model that identifies and engages passive leaders who are not actively looking - the candidates who make transformational hires.
Before founding Engaged Headhunters, James built his recruiting career across healthcare staffing, technology placement, and executive retained search. His military background drives the firm's approach to accountability: every search has defined milestones, transparent communication, and rigorous calibration standards. He has personally overseen placements in C-suite, VP, and Director-level roles across healthcare, technology, finance, and manufacturing verticals nationwide.
“Executive search should feel like a strategic partnership, not a vendor transaction. We don't send you a stack of resumes and wait. We deliver a shortlist of people who will transform your organization.”
James Pemberton - Founder & CEO
Which industries do we search?
Deep vertical expertise across global critical industries.
Executive Search
C-suite and board-level leadership transformations.
EXPLORE DEPTHHealthcare
Clinical excellence and health system leadership.
EXPLORE DEPTHTechnology
CTO, engineering, and digital infrastructure.
EXPLORE DEPTHFinance
CFO, banking, and fintech leadership.
EXPLORE DEPTHManufacturing
Operations, plant, and supply chain leadership.
EXPLORE DEPTHStaffing Solutions
Scalable project and interim leadership.
EXPLORE DEPTHWhat is the firm here to do?
“To be the definitive bridge between visionary organizations and exceptional talent, creating lasting partnerships that drive
lasting success.”
What do people ask about the firm?
Who founded Engaged Headhunters?
James Pemberton founded Engaged Headhunters in 2022. He is a U.S. Navy veteran with 17 years in recruiting. The 300+ career placements date from 2009, across his career, not from the firm’s founding year.
What does a search cost?
The fee is typically 15 to 30% of first-year salary depending on role scarcity, search difficulty, and level. Candidates are not charged.
How do I start?
Hiring leaders start a confidential search. Experienced specialists book a confidential career call.
Ready for a confidential career call?
The first conversation is private. Nothing is shared with an employer without your permission.
Confidential · No obligation · Response in 24 hrs