Board Advisory & Consultancy Services
Senior Expertise Without the Commitment of a Permanent Hire
Our Board Advisory & Consultancy service is designed for fresh produce businesses that need access to senior expertise, but do not necessarily require a full-time appointment.
This may include appointing a non-executive director, building an advisory board, engaging a sector specialist for a defined project, or bringing in a consultant to support a specific period of growth, change or transition.
We use the same research-led, specialist approach that underpins our executive search work, but tailor the process around more flexible, advisory and part-time arrangements.
Rather than relying only on referrals or existing networks, we map the relevant market and identify individuals with the right sector knowledge, leadership credibility and practical experience that makes an immediate impact.
When Board Advisory & Consultancy Support Can Help
This service is particularly valuable when your business needs senior expertise, but a permanent hire is not the right solution.
You may be:
• Entering a new market or geography
• Scaling internationally
• Preparing for investment, succession or sale
• Strengthening governance or board capability
• Navigating operational or commercial change
• Reviewing your leadership structure
• Needing specialist sector knowledge for a defined project
• Looking for independent challenge from someone who understands fresh produce
• Building an advisory board around your existing leadership team
• Seeking part-time senior support before committing to a permanent hire
In a sector as specialised as fresh produce, the right advisor can bring years of practical experience, relevant networks and informed perspective, without the cost or commitment of a full-time executive appointment.
Why LCR International?
Fresh produce is a specialist, relationship-led and highly complex global sector.
The best advisors, consultants and non-executive directors are not always visible on the open market, and many are not actively looking for new opportunities. They need to be identified, approached and engaged in the right way.
At LCR International, we understand the sector, the leadership landscape and the nuances of appointing senior talent across growers, breeders, exporters, suppliers, ag-tech businesses and fresh produce investors.
Our global network and research capability allow us to identify individuals with the right combination of sector experience, strategic judgement and cultural fit.
We do not simply introduce well-known names. We help you understand who is available, who is relevant, and who can genuinely add value to your business.
Areas We Can Support
Commercial & Market Expansion
Senior commercial advisors, export specialists, retail experts and market entry consultants who can support growth, customer strategy and international expansion.
Operations & Supply Chain
Experienced operational leaders who understand complex growing, packing, logistics, procurement and supply chain environments.
Technical, Quality & Food Safety
Specialists who can advise on global quality standards, technical leadership, food safety, compliance, retailer requirements and continuous improvement.
Board & Governance
Non-executive directors, chairs and advisors who can strengthen board capability, provide independent challenge and support long-term decision-making.
People, Culture & Organisational Design
Senior HR and organisational advisors who can support leadership structure, succession planning, workforce strategy and cultural change.
AgTech, Innovation & Sustainability
Advisors with experience in agricultural technology, innovation, sustainability, breeding, data, automation and future-focused food production.
Our Process
01. Initial Briefing
We start with a detailed briefing to understand your business, the challenge you are trying to solve and the type of support required. This includes the level of involvement, expected time commitment, required expertise, location, language requirements, fee structure and whether the role is advisory, consultancy-based, non-executive or fractional.
02. Market Mapping
We conduct targeted market research to identify individuals with the right sector experience, credibility and relevance to your business. This may include senior leaders currently operating in the sector, former executives, independent consultants, non-executive directors, advisors or specialists from adjacent industries.
03. Confidential Approaches
We approach relevant individuals discreetly and professionally, positioning the opportunity in a way that reflects your business, the advisory need and the level of commitment required.
04. Qualification & Assessment
We assess each individual’s experience, availability, motivation, advisory style and suitability for the specific challenge. For consultancy and advisory appointments, fit goes beyond experience. Judgement, communication style, pace, flexibility and the ability to add value quickly are all critical.
05. Shortlist Presentation
We present a focused shortlist of suitable advisors, consultants or non-executive directors, including clear insight into each person’s background, relevance and availability. Where useful, we can also provide market insight on compensation expectations, day rates, advisory fees or likely engagement structures.
06. Interview & Selection Support
We help coordinate conversations, manage feedback and support both sides in clarifying scope, expectations and ways of working.
07. Engagement Structure
We support the final stages of the process, helping to align expectations around scope, fee structure, time commitment, deliverables and next steps.
A Research-Led Approach to Advisory Talent
Many advisory appointments are made through informal networks.
That can work, but it can also limit the talent pool and lead businesses back to the same familiar names.
Our approach is different.
We bring the structure, research and discipline of executive search to board and consultancy appointments. This means clients gain a clearer view of the available market, stronger confidence in the individuals selected and a more objective basis for decision-making.
For fresh produce businesses, where sector knowledge matters and the talent pool is often narrow, this level of visibility is critical.
Who We Work With
We support fresh produce and agribusiness organisations globally, including:
- Growers
- Breeders
- Exporters
- Importers
- Packhouses
- Fresh produce brands
- AgTech businesses
- Investors and family-owned businesses
- Private equity-backed food and agriculture companies
- Businesses expanding into new crops, regions or markets
Our focus is simple: helping fresh produce businesses access the leadership expertise they need to make better decisions, solve complex challenges and support future growth.
Strengthen Your Board, Advisory Team or Specialist Capability
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about our Board Advisory & Consultancy Services.
Executive search is typically used when a business is hiring a permanent senior leader into the organisation. Our Board Advisory & Consultancy service is designed for businesses that need senior expertise on a flexible basis. This could include a non-executive director, board advisor, specialist consultant, fractional leader or project-based expert.
Yes. We can support searches for Non-Executive Directors, Chairs, Advisory Board Members and Board Advisors within the fresh produce and wider agribusiness sector. We help define the requirement, map the relevant market, approach suitable individuals and support the selection process.
Yes. We can identify consultants for specific commercial, operational, technical, food safety, sustainability, supply chain, HR, organisational design or market expansion projects. This is particularly useful when a business needs specialist expertise, but not a permanent hire.
Fresh produce is our core specialism, and in most cases, direct sector experience is highly valuable. However, depending on the challenge, we may also consider leaders from adjacent sectors such as agriculture, food production, FMCG, ag-tech, supply chain, ingredients, horticulture or international trading environments.
Yes. This service is often the right option when a business needs senior expertise before committing to a permanent appointment. Engagements can be structured in a variety of ways depending on your needs, including fixed consultancy projects, day-rate arrangements, monthly retainers, non-executive director appointments and fractional leadership roles. This allows you to access specialist expertise in a way that is flexible and aligned with your business requirements.
Yes. We can help identify and introduce individuals who bring complementary expertise across commercial, operational, technical, financial, governance, sustainability or international growth areas. This can be particularly valuable for founder-led, family-owned, investor-backed or fast-growing fresh produce businesses.
