They are heads down delivering a major programme, trusted by their board, and not scrolling job boards on a Tuesday night. So when a critical commercial or operational role opens up, the candidates who apply are, by definition, the ones available rather than the ones you actually want.

That is the case for proactive search. You map the market, identify the handful of people genuinely capable of the role, and approach them directly with a reason to listen. It takes longer than posting an ad. It also gets you the person who moves the project, not just the person who needed a move.

If you are hiring at director level this year, start with who is right, not who is available.