01.
Define your non-negotiables
We get specific about the capability required, the type of person you are looking for, the experience that is needed and the environment the person will be joining.
SPECIALIST SEARCH FOR THE ROLES OTHERS CANNOT REACH
What we cover
We find the specific expertise that modern sport increasingly runs on.
- Data, analytics and insight
- Performance, sports science and medicine
- Technology, product and engineering
- Digital, content and audience growth
- Commercial specialists: sponsorship, partnerships and rights
- Finance, legal and governance
- Brand, marketing and CRM
- Sustainability, EDI and social impact
If the search feels too niche for a standard recruiter, it is usually one for us.
SERVICES — SPECIALIST SEARCH
THE ROLE MAY SIT BELOW THE BOARD. THE DIFFICULTY OFTEN DOES NOT.
Some roles are hard to fill because only a handful of people can genuinely do them. It may be a head of data science, a performance lead who understands both the numbers and the changing room, or a commercial specialist who knows what rights are worth.
Specialist Search is for roles where the market is small, the experience is hard to judge from a CV and the best person is unlikely to be actively looking. We combine technology-led research with direct conversations to identify, assess and secure the right person.
How we find people others miss
A simple process that works every time
ONE CONNECTED SPORTS ECOSYSTEM
Where ICP works
- Clubs, leagues and federations
- Rights holders and ownership groups
- Performance, medical and elite sporting environments
- Stadiums, venues, events and live experiences
- Sports media, broadcast, production and content
- Fan engagement, digital publishing and OTT platforms
- Sports technology, data, analytics and innovation
- Women’s sport
These sectors align with ICP’s six-practice-area structure and its definition of modern sport as a connected ecosystem rather than a set of silos.
CASE STUDY - BAY COLLECTIVE
HEAD OF DATA & TECHNOLOGY
Working with Bay Collective, ICP recruited a Head of Data & Technology for a high-profile role that attracted strong interest. The search began with a targeted longlist of relevant candidates, giving Bay Collective a clear view of the market from the outset.
The volume and quality of interest meant careful management was essential. ICP screened and assessed candidates, managed communication throughout the process and filtered the field against the experience and capability the role required.
We stayed close to every stage, keeping the process organised for Bay Collective and candidates informed. The result was a successful appointment from a competitive and carefully managed search.
TESTIMONIAL
“Their process is honest, rigorous and commercially focused, with clear communication and a strong understanding of the sport and technology landscape. They consistently deliver high-quality people, and I would have no hesitation in recommending them to others in my network.”
TESTIMONIAL
“Their understanding of the data, technology, and football landscape enabled them to quickly grasp both the technical requirements and the wider context of our needs. The process was highly streamlined, focused, and well managed throughout, ultimately giving us access to a strong and relevant talent pool.”
TESTIMONIAL
“ICP Search have supported projects for me on several occasions, always bringing a trusted, highly professional and well-managed search process. Their delivery is consistently excellent, and I would wholeheartedly recommend Gary and the team across football, sport and the wider purpose-led sector.”
TESTIMONIAL
“Having been appointed as CEO of Freeman’s Event Partners through an ICP Search process, I experienced first-hand the quality, clarity and care Gary and the team bring to senior appointments. Their process is exceptionally well run and delivers the right outcomes for clients and candidates alike.”
TESTIMONIAL
“Having known Gary for many years, including through my time with Team GB, I have always valued the trust, discretion and professionalism he brings to every conversation. ICP Search run an excellent process: clear communication, realistic expectation-setting and a successful outcome in a short timeframe.”
TESTIMONIAL
“During my transition from the BBC, Gary and the ICP Search team were an exceptional source of support and guidance as I considered my next steps. They combined a highly professional, well-connected approach with genuine care, discretion and a clear understanding of the sports-media landscape.”
TESTIMONIAL
“NEP has partnered with ICP Search for many years on a range of mid- to senior-level appointments. Gary and the team have earned our trust through a consistently strong process, niche market understanding, clear communication and high-quality delivery. I would have no hesitation in recommending them.”
TESTIMONIAL
“ICP Search impressed me with the quality of its process, its understanding of the sport and sports-media markets, and the trust Gary and the team built throughout our work together. They are thorough, well connected and highly effective at identifying the people who can genuinely strengthen an organisation.”
TEAMS WE HAVE SUPPORTED
