About Us

Welcome to HeadHunters NW, your partner for executive recruiting in the Global Defense, Small Arms, Shooting Sectors. With decades of experience, we excel in identifying and placing top-tier talent in organizations that have specialized regulations and requirements.

HeadHunters NW has been partnering with companies across all industries for over 20 years, providing high-level executive search services. Our network extends across the United States and globally. With extensive experience and ongoing training, we stay up-to-date on the specific nuances, regulations, and needs of the global defense, small arms, and shooting sectors. We are well-versed in understanding what motivates candidates in their career decisions, crafting competitive compensation packages, managing relocation, and navigating market conditions.

  • Fortune 500 corporations 

  • Venture and private equity groups 

  • Family-owned businesses 

  • Non-profits 

Private Equity

Managing and raising capital is not enough to drive profits. Talent is crucial and competition for the best talent is fierce. HeadHunters NW delivers precise talent exactly when you need it, from understanding pre-investment due diligence to new executive leadership and BOD roles.

Publicly Traded

Navigating shareholder pressure, activism, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns requires experience and expertise. The ‘Street’ demands results. HeadHunters NW’s proven track record of discreetly delivering top-tier talent worldwide empowers you to navigate challenges with confidence. Whether you’re a global conglomerate with multiple divisions or a single headquarters, we excel in cross-functionality to get the buy-in you require for success.

Venture Capital

Hyper-growth requires specialized leadership. We identify, recruit, and secure top-tier talent from early acquisition stages to liquidity events and beyond. Leverage our global experience to strengthen your investment with the best CEO, C-suite, and board-level leadership.

Privately Held

Every company, regardless of size, needs excellent talent to drive profitability. Whether you’re choosing your first CEO or enhancing your team, we offer scalable solutions tailored to your pace and needs.

100% Guaranteed Results

Retained searches guarantee high-quality talent and average less than 90 days to placement.

Candidates are guaranteed for six months per contractual agreement.

We communicate with you and the new hire throughout the entire process to track success and ensure expectations are met.

Our Process

Our comprehensive method ensures a seamless and efficient talent acquisition journey, delivering top-tier candidates tailored to elevate your business success. 

  • Acquisition Technology

    Our cutting-edge talent acquisition technology identifies candidates poised to make a significant impact on your business all while optimizing recruitment costs.

  • Project Management

    Experience a seamless onboarding process with access to a wealth of valuable resources, constructive feedback reviews, transparent contracts, and continuous support through our collaboration with your hiring team.

  • Screening Tools

    Utilizing thorough research, interviews, and reference checks, we meticulously uncover potential red flags, presenting only the highest-caliber candidates for your consideration.

  • CRM Software

    Efficient relationship management tools enable effective communication, allowing us to assess, predict, and proactively resolve any potential issues.

  • Video Integration

    Enhance the hiring process with recorded interviews that contribute to more accurate assessments. Observation through video integration aids in determining the best-fit candidates.

Associations

HeadHunters NW actively supports key industry organizations to ensure the continued success and expansion of our network.

Shaylene Keiner, President

Shaylene Keiner is the President of HeadHunters NW, a firm she established in 2004. She has extensive experience in both publicly held and privately owned global recruiting firms. The agency specializes in the global defense, small arms, shooting sectors, showing a deep commitment to their unique culture and legacy. With over two decades as an executive recruiter, Shaylene anticipated the evolving marketplace amid changing administrations and economic shifts.

The firm excels in identifying talent within and outside these sectors, demonstrating an agile and proactive approach. Partnering with esteemed brands in global defense, small arms, shooting sectors is a source of pride, and providing top-tier talent to drive the progress and success of these specialized sectors is considered a critical mission.

Shaylene maintains a proud belief in the sanctity of the U.S. Constitution and considers herself a steadfast patriot.

George Washington

Let’s Talk Today For An Informed Tomorrow

Our Clients

Meet the Team

  • "As a global company headquartered abroad, we needed an executive recruitment firm that could meet our domestic and international demands. We doubled our team with high-performing professionals who are a good fit with our industry and corporate culture. While there have been very few new employees who have not fit, HeadHunters NW has been fast to address issues and replace them as needed."

    Paul Lemke, GM RUAG Ammotec USA

  • "She not only has successfully placed highly talented people in key positions, but most importantly, she worked collaboratively with our team, communicated progress regularly, and delivered results effectively and timely."

    Deb Kenney, VP HR & Administration, NSSF

  • "The diverse skill set and their depth of knowledge provide the biggest advantage for their clients. In my 21 years of working in the outdoor industry, I have never met a more dialed-in person...she knows the industry, product, companies, and who's-who at all levels. Her ability to stay connected on the latest news and trends is remarkable."

    Jeff Stawiarski, VP Sales & Marketing, L3Harris / EOTech

  • "Headhunters NW has assisted us in recruiting some of our most effective staff members, all who have not only the skills and experience we required to continue to grow our business but have also possessed the most important attribute of fitting in with our culture."

    Monika Leniger-Sherrat, GM, Nightforce Optics