1 TO: City Council
FROM: Andrew Vialpando, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Susan Kamada, Deputy City Manager / Admin. Services Director MEETING DATE: November 4, 2025
SUBJECT: Agreement with Bob Murray and Associates to Provide Executive Recruitment Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Bob Murray and Associates for Executive Recruitment Services for Public Works Director.
BACKGROUND
From time to time, the City utilizes the services of an executive recruitment firm to recruit for high level executive positions in the organization. Executive recruitment firms offer resources that are beyond what the City can provide, such as access to a nationwide pool of qualified candidates, 24/7 access to candidates for questions, and executive-driven advocacy for the City’s interests.
The position of Public Works Director is currently vacant and should be filled as soon as possible.
DISCUSSION
Staff recommends that the City retain the services of a consulting firm with executive recruiting experience to attract, evaluate, and recommend top candidates for the Public Works Director position. After receiving and reviewing several proposals from various recruiting firms, staff is confident that Bob Murray and Associates have the necessary skills and expertise to successfully recruit a new Public Works Director. Bob Murray is a recruitment firm with over 34 years of experience in recruiting executive level talent.
Bob Murray and Associates has successfully filled various executive level positions for over 100 local government agencies and special districts throughout the state. Their work
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Item No. 7f
2 includes executive and mid-management recruitment. Bob Murray and Associate’s recruiters possess the knowledge and experience to assist the City in identifying, targeting, and recruiting highly qualified candidates for the City of Lomita. Their team is composed of experienced executive recruiters and former public-sector executivesprofessionals who are passionate about public service and attuned to current trends in government leadership. With over 34 years of experience and a network of more than 40,000 professionals and organizations, they’ve built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional candidates and achieving repeat success with their clients.
Should the City Council approve the attached agreement, Bob Murray and Associates is ready to commence the process of searching for a Public Works Director immediately. It is anticipated the recruitment process will take approximately 13 to 16 weeks to complete.
If the City is unsuccessful in finding a replacement candidate, Bob Murray and Associates will work to find a new slate of candidates at no added cost, except reimbursable expenses as described in the pricing proposal. Additionally, should the incumbent leave the position or be terminated from employment within 12 months of hire due to performance issues, Bob Murray and Associates will commit to conducting an additional one-time executive search to identify a replacement and only charge reimbursable expenses as described in the pricing proposal would be incurred.
FISCAL IMPACT
Consultant costs to conduct an executive recruitment for the Public Works Director are not to exceed $27,000. This fee includes all professional services and expenses, including brochure development and design, advertising, printing and shipping, associated consultant travel if required, and background. Sufficient funding is appropriated in the Adopted Budget.
VISION, MISSION, VALUES, AND STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
The City’s Vision, Mission, and Values set the standard for the organization, establish priorities, uniformity and guidelines; and provide the framework for policy decision making. The Strategic Outcomes were implemented to provide a pathway to achieving the City’s Vision. This item aligns with Strategic Outcome No. 6: High Performing Organization – Strengthening City services through innovation and excellence.
OPTIONS
Approve recommended action.
3 ATTACHMENTS
1. Professional Services Agreement
2. Exhibit A - Proposal from Bob Murray and Associates
Approved by:
___________________
Andrew Vialpando
City Manager
Prepared by:
__________________________
Susan Kamada, Deputy City Manager / Administrative Services Director