C ClaySearch
AI-Native Executive Search

Find AI leaders who
actually ship.

Most AI hires fail because companies hire for hype, not execution. We specialize in placing Heads of AI, AI Engineering leads, and technical executives who build real AI systems.

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0% retention rate after 2 years
0 days to first candidate slate
0% of AI leaders leave due to scope mismatch
0 avg cost of a failed senior AI hire
The Problem

90% of AI leadership hires are set up to fail.

Wrong scope. Wrong signal. Wrong timing. We fix all three before the search begins.

Wrong scope

Companies hire "Head of AI" when they need an ML engineer. Or hire an IC when they need an executive. We help you get the scope right before you search.

Wrong signal

Resumes full of "AI transformation" mean nothing. We evaluate candidates on shipped systems, production scale, and team-building track records.

Wrong timing

Most companies aren't ready for the hire they think they need. Our assessment shows you where you actually are—and what to do next.

For Employers

Calibrate the org before you run the search.

Our AI Org Design Assessment is a 15-minute diagnostic for founders, CEOs, and CTOs. It evaluates your executive ownership, workflow maturity, talent density, and operating cadence—then tells you whether you need a new hire, a reorg, or better enablement.

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Questions We Answer

Before you hire.

  • Do we need a Head of AI, or better operating ownership?
  • Should we hire an AI PM, engineering lead, or enablement owner first?
  • Is the team under-skilled, under-led, or working on the wrong things?
  • Are we ready to scale AI—or still proving value?
Roles We Place

AI leadership that actually builds.

Head of AI / Chief AI Officer

Executive-level ownership across AI strategy, product, engineering, and organizational change. Reports to CEO or CTO.

AI Engineering Lead

Technical leadership for ML infrastructure, model deployment, and production AI systems. Builds and scales the engineering org.

AI Product Lead

Translates AI capabilities into shipped products and measurable business outcomes. Bridges research and go-to-market.

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Our Process

Retained search, done right.

We work on a small number of searches at a time. Every engagement gets senior partner attention.

1

Scope the role

Define what you actually need, not what you think you need

2

Source deeply

Tap our network of proven AI builders and operators

3

Assess rigorously

Evaluate on shipped systems, not conference talks

4

Close with conviction

Guide offers and onboarding for lasting success

0%
retention rate
Read case studies →
"ClaySearch understood our AI maturity better than we did. They didn't just find us a Head of AI—they helped us realize we needed to restructure first. The hire they eventually placed has been transformational, and more importantly, he's still here two years later building real products."
JS
James Sullivan CTO, Series B Fintech
For Candidates

Join our network before roles go live.

The best opportunities never hit job boards. We maintain a curated network of AI leaders and match them to retained searches before roles are publicly posted. Submit your profile and get on our radar.

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Why Us

Search with conviction.

  • We've built AI teams. We know the difference between demo engineers and production builders.
  • Org design assessment included. Know if you need a hire—or a different structure.
  • Retained search only. We're invested in your outcome, not transaction volume.
  • 48-hour candidate profiles. Speed without sacrificing signal.

Ready to find your AI leader?

Start with our AI Org Design Assessment, or talk to us about your search. We'll tell you honestly what you need.

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