Who We Are

Built for the Trades

Ironstead Search Partners was founded on a simple belief: the people who build, make, and engineer the world deserve a recruiting partner who actually understands their work.

Our Story

Our Story

Ironstead was founded by recruiters who spent years working inside construction, manufacturing, and engineering firms before moving into talent acquisition. We've read blueprints, walked job sites, and sat in production meetings. That experience shapes how we evaluate candidates and how we talk to clients.

We started Ironstead because we saw a gap: most staffing firms treat skilled-trades and technical hiring like any other search. We don't. We know the difference between a superintendent who can run a $5M project and one who can run a $50M one. We know what a plant manager needs to inherit a struggling facility. That specificity is what our clients hire us for.

Depth Over Volume

We'd rather send you two candidates worth interviewing than ten who aren't. Every submission is a deliberate recommendation.

Industry Fluency

We speak your language. Our recruiters have real backgrounds in the sectors we serve — not just keyword searches.

Honest Communication

We tell you what we know, what we don't, and what the market actually looks like — even when it's not what you want to hear.

Long-Term Fit

A placement that doesn't stick isn't a win for anyone. We focus on fit, not just fill.

Our Process

How We Work

01

Intake & Discovery

We start by understanding the role, the team, and the culture — not just the job description. The more context we have, the better the match.

02

Targeted Search

We go beyond job boards. Our network is built from years of industry relationships, and we actively recruit passive candidates who aren't looking but should be.

03

Rigorous Vetting

Every candidate is screened for technical competency, career trajectory, and cultural alignment before we make an introduction.

04

Supported Placement

We stay involved through the offer, onboarding, and beyond — because a great hire is only great if it sticks.

Let's Work Together

Whether you're looking to fill one critical role or build out an entire team, we're ready to help.