Lock Search Group’s Calgary recruiters understand the city’s evolving job market. Calgary’s job market is shaped by an energy sector in transition and one of Canada’s fastest-growing tech ecosystems, creating high demand for engineers, data specialists and clean-tech professionals while unemployment remains quite low. Operating across Alberta, we navigate provincial labour regulations and salary benchmarks so Calgary employers stay competitive province-wide.
We connect top talent with leading companies across various industries, from tech to sustainable development. Our team is adept at helping businesses navigate the challenges of digital transformation and find the right people to drive growth. This ability to stay ahead of emerging trends and meet the city’s dynamic needs is what makes us one of Calgary’s leading employment agencies, with a proven track record of connecting employers with the personnel they need for their jobs.
As Calgary aims to become an innovation hub, our recruitment services adapt to changing requirements. We offer tailored recruitment and talent-acquisition solutions for companies expanding their teams and professionals seeking new opportunities. Our approach combines proven methods with innovative techniques, identifying candidates who both have the critical skills for today’s workforce and are a match for the employer’s company culture. Our headhunting expertise ensures businesses can access the skilled individuals necessary for success.
Lock Search Group’s deep understanding of Calgary’s employment landscape makes us a valuable partner in this competitive market. Our network and local insights enable effective recruitment strategies. We build long-term relationships, facilitating placements that contribute to Calgary’s growth. Trust our recruiters to help unlock the city’s potential, whether you’re expanding your business or seeking your next career move in this thriving city.
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403-234-8503Calgary is often called the Energy Capital of Canada, home to many of the country’s largest energy firms as well as various companies involved in the extraction, refining, and distribution of oil and gas. Our search consultants place drilling engineers, project managers and sustainability leaders who steer organizations through energy-transition projects and evolving regulations.
But this isn’t the only sector where Calgary job seekers will find opportunities. Alberta’s rich natural resources have long given Calgary a strong agriculture sector, while its strategic location makes it a hub for the transportation and logistics industries. The city is also growing as a technology center, home to innovative startups as well as established firms. We recruit product managers, software developers and data scientists who accelerate innovation for Calgary’s high-growth tech companies.
Add in the strong financial services and manufacturing sectors and it’s easy to see why Calgary has one of the most dynamic economies in Canada.
Lock Search Group’s recruiters have experience hiring exceptional candidates for organizations across the many sectors driving Calgary’s economy. We deliver personalized recruiting solutions that align our clients’ business needs with candidates’ goals, drawing on our deep knowledge of Calgary’s hiring landscape to consistently identify the exact right person for the roles we fill. We partner with your human resources department to streamline talent acquisition—from role scoping and employer branding through candidate screening, interviews and onboarding. Whether you’re seeking professionals in areas like finance, engineering, or accounting, or you need a new CEO or other executive leader, Lock Search has the expertise to deliver results. Our goal is lasting employment success: 92 percent of professionals we place in Calgary remain with their employer after two years.
Lock Search Group is Calgary’s leading executive search and headhunting partner, delivering retained, performance based results for boards and C-suite leadership teams across Alberta. Our contained retained search model unites the rigor of traditional executive recruiter methodology with clear accountability metrics to secure chief executive officers, chief financial officers, chief operating officers, chief technology officers and presidents for corporations, private equity portfolio companies and energy transition ventures in Calgary. Senior consultants with succession planning expertise steer a three-phase process that maps the entire executive talent landscape, monitors mergers, acquisitions, leadership moves and board appointments, and provides clients and Calgary Economic Development stakeholders with real-time market intelligence. Sector specific search teams draw on national and international networks to identify passive leaders critical to the city’s energy, technology and financial services clusters. Every shortlist is benchmarked against diversity, equity and inclusion indicators to guarantee an unbiased selection process. Successful placements include board directors, chief executive officers, chief financial officers and vice presidents across manufacturing, oil and gas, software, clean technology and financial services.
Our Retained Search service establishes an exclusive partnership with organizations seeking to fill critical senior and mid-level positions through a comprehensive, priority-based approach. By dedicating our full resources and attention to your search, we conduct extensive market mapping and develop robust talent pipelines that ensure access to the highest caliber candidates. Our team provides regular progress updates and detailed market intelligence reports, keeping you informed throughout the entire search process. We manage everything from initial candidate assessment through final offer negotiation, ensuring a smooth and professional experience for both clients and candidates. This service includes post-placement integration support to ensure successful onboarding and long-term success of placed candidates.
Our Contingency Search service offers a flexible, success-based recruiting solution designed to efficiently fill professional and technical positions with qualified talent. Organizations benefit from immediate access to our extensive candidate database and network, with payment required only upon successful placement. Our streamlined recruitment process focuses on quick response times and efficient candidate presentation, making it ideal for time-sensitive placements and organizations with variable hiring needs. We handle all aspects of the recruitment process, from initial screening through offer negotiation, while maintaining the flexibility to work alongside other agencies if desired. This results-driven approach ensures we remain highly motivated to identify and secure the right talent for your organization while minimizing your upfront investment.
Recruiting in life sciences demands expertise in rapidly evolving fields like genomics, precision medicine, and biotechnology, where sourcing candidates with advanced scientific credentials and niche technical skills—such as regulatory compliance or clinical trial management—is critical. Success hinges on understanding specialized terminology, tracking innovations in areas like cell therapy and AI-driven drug discovery, and navigating a competitive talent pool for roles spanning executive leadership to highly technical positions in regulated environments.
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Recruiting in the consumer packaged goods sector demands expertise in navigating digital transformation, including e-commerce and data-driven omnichannel strategies, while balancing traditional sales and marketing roles with emerging needs in sustainability, supply chain innovation, and private label development. Success requires targeting professionals adept at adapting to shifting consumer behaviors, direct-to-consumer models, and cross-functional collaboration across diverse sub-sectors like food tech, beverage, and retail.
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Recruiting in the industrial sector requires navigating a broad spectrum of technical and operational roles, from skilled trades and supply chain specialists to engineers and data-driven innovators, while addressing the rapid integration of automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Success hinges on understanding niche industry demands, cross-functional collaboration needs, and the evolving balance between traditional industrial expertise and emerging digital competencies in a resource-driven global market.
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B2B recruitment requires identifying professionals with specialized technical expertise and refined soft skills like negotiation and strategic communication, while navigating a competitive talent pool where candidates must understand both client industries and evolving technological demands. Success in this sector hinges on accessing niche skill sets across diverse verticals—from AdTech to insurance technology—and matching candidates who combine sector-specific knowledge with the ability to bridge complex business-to-business relationships.
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Recruiting in technology requires navigating a highly competitive landscape where demand for specialized skills in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure spans industries beyond traditional tech sectors, intensifying talent scarcity. Effective recruitment hinges on understanding evolving technical expertise, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and the ability to assess niche capabilities in fast-paced environments where innovation outpaces candidate supply.
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Recruiting in accounting requires balancing technical expertise in areas like regulatory compliance and financial reporting with cultural alignment, as candidates must adapt to evolving technologies and industry-specific challenges such as tax law complexity and audit transparency demands. Success hinges on sourcing both active and passive talent who demonstrate not only proficiency in specialized roles—from controllers to financial analysts—but also the soft skills to navigate organizational dynamics and drive long-term strategic financial health.
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The automotive sector’s rapid evolution driven by autonomous systems, electrification, and advanced safety technologies necessitates recruitment strategies that prioritize candidates with expertise in ICT, AI, and interdisciplinary mechatronics integration. Recruiters must navigate a dynamic landscape of OEMs, tiered suppliers, and dealership networks, focusing on roles bridging technical innovation with operational leadership to meet demands for next-generation vehicle development and digital transformation.
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Recruiting in the beverage and alcohol industry requires expertise in navigating evolving consumer trends like plant-based innovations, premiumization, and sustainability-driven packaging, while targeting talent skilled in data-driven marketing, supply chain optimization, and cross-functional leadership. Success hinges on understanding niche demands such as non-alcoholic product development, regulatory compliance, and global market expansion strategies tied to shifting consumption patterns.
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Biotechnology recruiting requires deep expertise in rapidly evolving scientific disciplines such as genetic engineering, bioinformatics, and pharmaceutical development, where demand for niche technical skills like digital drug discovery and medical robotics often outpaces available talent. Success hinges on balancing rigorous technical vetting with cultural alignment, as roles demand both specialized expertise—from DNA sequencing to regulatory compliance—and adaptability to innovations in sustainability, automation, and personalized medicine.
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Recruiting in construction increasingly prioritizes expertise in sustainable practices, green technologies, and advanced digital tools like AI and robotics, driven by climate-conscious projects and smart infrastructure demands. The sector faces acute shortages in skilled trades and specialized roles, requiring recruiters to balance technical proficiency with adaptability to evolving compliance standards and cross-functional collaboration needs in large-scale projects.
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Recruiting in digital and artificial intelligence demands expertise in emerging interdisciplinary technologies like machine learning, robotics, and big data analytics, requiring recruiters to identify candidates who can innovate in complex fields such as medical robotics, neurotechnology, and autonomous systems. This specialization involves sourcing talent for roles ranging from AI ethics compliance and quantum computing research to human-centered UX design, while anticipating how evolving tools like generative AI might reshape industry needs.
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Engineering recruitment requires navigating a complex landscape of specialized disciplines from mechatronics to nanotechnology, where demand for technical expertise often outpaces supply due to rapid technological advancements and industry-specific regulatory requirements. Success hinges on understanding niche skill sets across sectors like robotics, nuclear systems, and biomedical innovation while addressing candidates’ priorities for cutting-edge projects and cross-disciplinary collaboration in a competitive talent market.
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Recruiting in finance requires balancing technical expertise in areas like regulatory compliance and financial analysis with cultural alignment, particularly for private equity and venture capital firms managing portfolio companies. The sector demands adaptability to emerging technologies and diversity initiatives while navigating competitive talent pipelines for specialized roles ranging from risk management to C-suite leadership.
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Recruiting in the food service sector requires identifying candidates who can navigate evolving consumer demands around health and sustainability while driving innovation in areas like supply chain optimization, data-driven product development, and digital customer engagement strategies. Specialized roles demand expertise in balancing operational efficiency with technological adoption across manufacturing, hospitality, and distribution landscapes to maintain competitive advantage in a rapidly transforming industry.
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The hard goods sector faces rapid technological transformation across retail AI, manufacturing robotics, and digital marketing, requiring recruiters to identify candidates adept at navigating innovation while maintaining strict compliance, safety standards, and cost-effective production in durable goods markets. Success hinges on sourcing professionals with hybrid expertise in builder channel development, supply chain optimization, and data-driven analytics to balance sustainability demands with the pressures of global competition in hardware and durable consumer goods industries.
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Recruiting in the Human Resources sector requires a nuanced understanding of evolving roles that blend strategic business alignment with administrative expertise, including compensation structures, diversity initiatives, and employee relations. Success hinges on identifying professionals adept at leveraging data-driven workforce planning, navigating complex labor regulations, and designing competitive benefits packages to attract top talent in a dynamic employment landscape.
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Recruiting in information technology requires deep expertise in rapidly evolving technical domains like cybersecurity, AI, and data science, necessitating recruiters to balance niche technical proficiency with an understanding of cross-industry applications. Success hinges on identifying candidates who blend specialized skills in areas like cloud infrastructure or UX design with adaptability to emerging technologies, while navigating a competitive landscape that spans multinational enterprises, agile startups, and transformative digital initiatives.
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Canadian manufacturing recruitment faces evolving challenges from sustainability demands and global competition, requiring expertise in both traditional operational roles and emerging fields like automation and AI-driven supply chain optimization. Success in this sector demands deep understanding of industry-specific technological advancements and access to professionals who balance quality production with environmental stewardship and cost efficiency.
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Recruiting in the medical device sector demands expertise in emerging technologies like AI-driven diagnostics, robotics, and software-as-a-medical-device (SaMD), while navigating a competitive landscape for candidates skilled in regulatory compliance and commercialization. Success hinges on identifying professionals who bridge technical innovation with commercial acumen, particularly in specialized areas such as personalized medicine and supply chain optimization, where industry advancements outpace talent availability.
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Recruiting in the insurance sector requires balancing traditional industry expertise with emerging technological fluency, as InsurTech innovations, AI integration, and predictive analytics reshape roles like underwriting and claims management. Success hinges on identifying candidates with hybrid skills in risk assessment and digital tools while navigating a competitive market for specialized professionals who understand evolving regulatory frameworks and global operational demands.
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Recruiting in the legal sector demands expertise in navigating specialized fields such as corporate compliance, intellectual property, and environmental law, where candidates must balance deep regulatory knowledge with adaptability to evolving digital tools like AI-driven research platforms. Success hinges on aligning technically proficient candidates with firms undergoing rapid transformation, while addressing competitive talent shortages exacerbated by increased corporate transactions and cross-border legal complexities.
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Operations recruitment has evolved significantly with digital transformation, requiring expertise in emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and data-driven supply chain strategies while maintaining core competencies in production optimization and quality assurance. The field now demands recruiters who can identify candidates adept at balancing traditional operational frameworks with innovative customer experience enhancements and lean manufacturing principles in a rapidly changing industrial landscape.
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Recruiting in the pharmaceutical industry requires deep expertise across diverse roles, from laboratory-based research and development to clinical trials management, regulatory affairs, drug manufacturing, and pharmaceutical sales[1]. The field is experiencing robust growth with a 14% projected increase in career opportunities, particularly in emerging areas like AI-driven drug discovery, personalized medicine, antibody development, DNA sequencing, and medical robotics, making it essential to identify candidates who can drive innovation while navigating complex regulatory requirements.
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Private equity and venture capital recruiting requires identifying professionals who can navigate both investment strategy and operational leadership, particularly for portfolio companies in specialized sectors where investors may lack direct industry expertise. Successful recruitment hinges on deep financial acumen, cross-industry knowledge, and the ability to source candidates who combine strategic vision with hands-on execution capabilities across diverse business stages.
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Recruiting in the renewable energy sector requires expertise in bridging cutting-edge technical innovation with rapidly evolving sustainability demands, as organizations seek professionals skilled in emerging fields like hydrogen energy, carbon capture, and AI-driven energy systems. Success hinges on identifying candidates who combine traditional engineering competencies with adaptability to digital transformation, while navigating a highly competitive market shaped by global decarbonization goals and shifting regulatory landscapes.
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Retail recruiting has become increasingly focused on digital transformation expertise, driven by accelerated shifts to online platforms and omnichannel strategies, requiring candidates skilled in e-commerce, AI-driven analytics, and consumer behavior adaptation. Success demands recruiters with deep industry networks, technological fluency to assess digital capabilities, and the ability to identify leaders who can navigate evolving retail ecosystems spanning physical stores, digital marketplaces, and emerging technologies.
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Recruiting in the SaaS sector requires adaptability to rapid technological shifts and remote work dynamics, emphasizing expertise in onboarding distributed teams while ensuring alignment with evolving digital branding and customer experience priorities. The field demands recruiters with deep technical acumen and national networks to identify talent capable of driving subscription-based solutions in competitive, fast-paced markets like e-commerce and telehealth.
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Recruiting in scientific and clinical research demands expertise in sourcing specialists for AI-integrated drug development, genomic sequencing, and regulatory compliance, where technical precision and cross-disciplinary collaboration are critical. The field requires balancing rapid technological advancements with stringent ethical standards, while addressing shortages in roles requiring hybrid skills in data science, biotechnology, and clinical trial management.
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Recruiting in supply chain and logistics requires addressing critical talent shortages in a sector driving 750,000+ Canadian jobs, while targeting specialized roles like supply chain analysts and logistics directors with certifications (CSCP, APICS) across manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and tech-driven industries. Success demands balancing technical expertise with adaptability to digital transformations like AI integration while navigating sector-specific challenges in global sourcing, distribution networks, and evolving sustainability requirements.
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Since day one, our formula for success has been simple: care deeply, and deliver. We know that your next hire could be the one who changes everything for your team, and we pride ourselves on helping you close the deal with the talent who can take you to the next level.
Our founder’s entrepreneurial grit reaches from coast to coast, and you can expect the same delivery-driven, passionately-proven partnership in any one of the Lock team’s 12 offices. With consultants who boast average tenures of a decade or more, we’re not messing around –– we’re here to make the match that measures up.
What is your story, and what’s the story behind it? Our client-centric focus puts you and your specific goals firmly at the heart of our search process. We’re here to listen.
You’ll receive an individual action plan when you work with Lock, and we’ll be right on the same page every step of the way: what we will do, how you’ll see it happen, and when to expect results will all be clearly defined from the very beginning.
We’ve been building incredible teams at Lock since 1983. In that time, we’ve crafted a strong network of business leaders, decision makers, and influencers.
But that’s only half of the story. Our recruiters make genuine connections because they’ve lived their industries, and they understand the field’s unique nuances, needs, and subtleties from the inside out. No matter your business, the cutting edge is where you’ll find us.
Our focus is primarily on executive-level roles, including C-suite and board-level positions, as well as other senior leadership roles such as vice presidents, directors, and other high-level management positions.
We collaborate with clients to create a tailored strategy for sourcing top-tier talent. Our executive search proficiency enables us to pinpoint candidates with the appropriate qualifications and cultural alignment. Our results-oriented model is an effective approach that lowers risk and encourages efficient performance. We call it a “contained” model.
As a leading executive search firm, our practice areas are diverse and comprehensive, covering a wide range of industries and sectors. We specialize in executive search and talent acquisition services for the following industries:
With our extensive expertise and knowledge in these industries, we are able to provide customized solutions to our clients’ executive search and talent acquisition needs. Our team of experienced professionals utilizes a data-driven approach to identify and attract the best talent in the market, ensuring our clients’ continued success and growth.
Our consultants adapt their recruiting process to the client’s needs. An initial meeting is held to allow both parties to establish their expectations. Once the contract is signed, several factors are taken into consideration, including the industry and the type of position. Our consultants work with their associates to find the best talent. Candidates are proposed to clients, interviews are organized and even the smallest details are taken care of as we accompany the client throughout the recruitment process until the final candidate is signed. Each mandate is different and therefore some mandates take longer than others. A position can be closed within a week or several weeks, depending on the position.
Both executive search firms and recruitment agencies support talent acquisition in Calgary’s competitive job market, but they differ in scope and methodology.
Retained search is exclusive and customized, tailored to client needs with high confidentiality. The search firm commits to finding the best candidate and works closely with the client.
Contingency search is transactional, with payment only upon successful placement. This approach is often used for lower-level positions or for roles where there is a larger pool of potential candidates available.
Lock Search Group provides both services and tailors solutions to client needs. Our team has deep knowledge of executive search and is committed to helping clients achieve their talent acquisition goals.
An executive search firm and a recruitment agency are both involved in sourcing candidates for job openings, but there are some key differences in their approach and focus.
An executive search firm, also known as a headhunting firm, is typically engaged for senior-level and executive positions. They specialize in identifying and recruiting top-level talent for positions that require specialized skills and expertise. Executive search firms use a targeted and strategic approach, leveraging their extensive networks and industry knowledge to identify the best possible candidates for the role. They provide a high level of customization and exclusivity in their search process.
On the other hand, recruitment agencies typically focus on filling a large volume of positions across various levels within an organization. They use a more generalized approach to sourcing candidates, often utilizing online resources to identify potential candidates without customization.
At Lock Search Group, we have a rigorous and comprehensive approach to screening and assessing candidates. Our process typically involves the following steps:
Initial screening: We begin by reviewing resumes to determine whether a candidate meets the minimum requirements for the position. We also conduct initial phone screens to evaluate their communication skills, level of interest, and overall fit for the role.
In-depth interviews: For candidates who pass the initial screening, we conduct in-depth interviews through phone, online meetings or in person, to assess their experience, qualifications, and cultural fit.
Candidate presentation: Once we have completed our in-depth interviews, we present a shortlist of highly qualified candidates to the client for their consideration. We provide detailed profiles of each candidate, outlining their experience, qualifications, and fit for the role.
Assessments and reference checks: Depending on the role and level of seniority, we may conduct additional assessments such as personality tests or cognitive assessments. We also conduct thorough reference checks to validate the candidate’s experience and ensure that they have a track record of success in previous roles, as well as background criminal checks.
Overall, our approach to candidate screening and assessment is designed to ensure that we present the best possible candidates to our clients, while also providing a positive experience for the candidates themselves. We take a personalized and consultative approach, working closely with both clients and candidates to ensure a successful outcome for all parties involved.
At Lock Search Group, we believe that providing additional services beyond talent acquisition is crucial to delivering a comprehensive and successful recruitment experience for both our clients and candidates.
As a testament to this commitment, we offer interview coaching and onboarding support to further facilitate the success of our clients and their newly appointed executives. Our interview coaching provides guidance on techniques, questions, and effective communication, leading to better outcomes. Additionally, our onboarding support ensures a smooth transition and ongoing communication for success. We believe these services are vital to a comprehensive recruitment experience for clients and candidates.
Candidates working with Lock Search Group don’t need to pay a fee. Rather, they are considered potential candidates for the open positions and are evaluated based on their skills, qualifications, and fit for the role.
Lock Search Group can provide candidates with access to exclusive job opportunities, as well as personalized guidance and support throughout the hiring process. However, it is important to note that the final hiring decision ultimately rests with the hiring organization, and there is no guarantee of employment for candidates who work with executive search firms.
We stand behind the quality of our services and proudly offer a replacement guarantee period starting from the candidate’s start date. For specific details tailored to your unique contract, please reach out to your dedicated Lock Search Group Consultants. Your trust is our commitment, and we’re here to provide all the information you need.
We’re an executive search firm that values transparency and keeping our clients informed every step of the way. We provide weekly progress reports and encourage open communication to ensure a successful search. If needed, we work closely with clients to reassess and steer the search in the best direction. Our goal is to find the best candidate for our client and our commitment to communication sets us apart.
Companies that want assistance with hiring new talent can fill in the Looking to hire? section on our website Contact page. Candidates can click on Contact on our website and fill in the Looking for a career opportunity? section.
You will receive an email confirmation. Once your application is submitted, our associates will send your file to the consultant who specializes in the field you are looking for.
Please send us an email at info@locksearchgroup.com and we will be glad to update you. It may take some time to process your application if the type of position you are seeking is not available at the time you apply.
Our talent acquisition framework combines Calgary-specific labour-market data with personalised candidate engagement so every hire meets both technical and cultural expectations. The process unfolds in five stages:
We offer complimentary résumé reviews and one-to-one job-interview coaching for shortlisted candidates. Our consultants refine résumé structure, highlight relevant accomplishments and conduct mock interviews so you present confidently and align with employer expectations.
According to Calgary Economic Development, the city generated more than 4 000 new tech roles and saw continued growth in energy-transition projects in 2024. This economic momentum increases competition for specialised talent; our data-driven recruitment strategies help employers secure scarce skills before the market moves.
