About Core Search
Engineering and technical appointments within advanced manufacturing.
Core Search is a specialist engineering and technical search partner to advanced manufacturers across Oxfordshire, the Midlands and the UK. We identify, engage and secure the permanent engineering and technical people that innovation-driven manufacturers struggle to hire.
Our story
Core Search was founded by Izabela Cooper, who has worked in recruitment since 2006. For years she recruited permanent engineers alongside the temporary staffing business she built, Staffed, working closely with manufacturers across Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and the Midlands.
As that permanent work grew, it needed its own focus. In October 2025, it became Core Search: a separate business dedicated to permanent engineering, technical and leadership appointments within advanced manufacturing.
Why we work the way we do
Engineering talent is scarce, and the people manufacturers most want to hire are rarely looking. Sending CVs from job boards does not solve that.
So we do not send CVs and hope. We challenge the specification when it needs challenging, map the live market before we search it, advise honestly on what the talent pool looks like, and headhunt the people who never answer adverts.
What you can expect from us
Honest advice
We tell you what the market looks like, what people earn and when a brief needs to change, even when it is not what you want to hear.
Technical depth
We test candidates on the work itself before you meet them, so your interview time is spent on the right people.
Discretion
We approach people carefully and keep confidential searches confidential, for clients and candidates alike.
A focused specialism
We work only within engineering and advanced manufacturing, so we know the roles, the skills and the people.
Candidates treated properly
Candidates hear from us, get honest feedback and are never put forward without their agreement.
Commitment to the finish
We manage the offer, notice period and counter-offer, and stay in touch through the first months.
Izabela Cooper
Founder and Managing Director
Izabela has recruited since 2006 and holds an MA. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Recruitment Professionals (FIRP) and holds the Certificate in Recruitment Practice (Cert RP).
She founded Staffed, which supplies temporary manufacturing and engineering staff, and Core Search, which handles permanent and leadership appointments. Both businesses work with manufacturers across Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, the Midlands and nationally.
The Core Search family
Core Search and Staffed are sister businesses. Core Search focuses on permanent and leadership appointments. Staffed supplies temporary staff for manufacturing, engineering and warehouse operations.
Clients who need both work with one family of businesses that already knows their site, their people and their standards.
Where we work
We are based in the Midlands and work across Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, the West Midlands, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and the Motorsport Valley corridor. We recruit nationally, and we visit clients at their sites.
Explore what we do
Sectors
Motorsport, automotive and EV, aerospace and defence, automation and robotics, testing and validation, and specialist manufacturing.
Disciplines
Eight disciplines, from CNC and controls to quality, supply chain and projects.
Leadership search
Confidential searches for engineering, operations and manufacturing leaders through to director.
Let us talk about your next hire
Tell us what you are trying to hire and we will tell you honestly what the market looks like.
Core Search is a trading name of Coretech Talent Limited, registered in England and Wales, company number 16771896.