C-level executive search for consequential leadership hires
Founder-led retained search for leadership hires where the decision affects the next stage of the business. We align decision makers, reach passive candidates, and assess evidence before the final choice.
“Mihai understood exactly the profile we needed at every level. Fast, structured, and no handoffs.”
Published SaaS executive-search outcome
A CMO shortlist in three weeks for a Series B SaaS company
The appointed CMO helped increase marketing-sourced pipeline by 60% year over year in the first year. The search combined a defined leadership scorecard, direct outreach, and structured assessment before final interviews.
Read the CMO search case studyExecutive search or focused headhunting?
Use executive search when the hire is a leadership anchor and multiple decision makers need a shared evidence base. Use focused headhunting when the brief is clear and speed is the priority.
| Feature | Headhunting Speed & precision | Executive Search Depth & alignment |
|---|---|---|
| Speed to shortlist | 10 business days | 2-4 weeks |
| Role complexity | Critical roles | Leadership anchor |
| Stakeholder alignment | Minimal | Deep calibration |
| Assessment depth | Structured | Extended + references |
| Scorecard | ||
| Offer support |
More alignment, deeper assessment
- Stakeholder calibration across decision makers
- Leadership evidence checks and behavioral assessment
- Deeper reference conversations
- Onboarding success criteria definition
The Executive Search process
A deeper, more consultative approach for leadership hires.
Stakeholder alignment
We calibrate with all decision makers on role outcomes, must-haves, and culture fit.
Market mapping
A focused map of target companies, relevant competitors, and the talent pool.
Extended assessment
Behavioral interviews, leadership evidence checks, and comprehensive scorecards.
Close & onboard
Offer negotiation support and onboarding success criteria.
Leadership roles we fill
Executive search for high-impact positions across digital-first companies.
Chief Marketing Officer
VP of Growth
Head of Product
Chief Revenue Officer
VP of Engineering
Chief Operating Officer
Executive search fees
Executive search is typically priced at 10% to 15% of the placed candidate's first-year base salary. The rate depends on role seniority, search complexity, and scope. All engagements are retained.
C-suite, VP, and Director roles. Rate varies with search complexity and scope. Includes stakeholder calibration, extended leadership assessment, and deep reference conversations.
Typically payable at kickoff, with the balance usually due on contract signature. Exact terms are agreed in writing before work begins.
A 3 to 6 month replacement period applies where a candidate does not work out because of poor performance or culture alignment. See the full fee terms or book a 30-min founder call to discuss your specific role.
What you pay for an executive search
Concrete dollar examples by role level. Use this as a working estimate before we confirm the engagement letter.
Executive search is structured as a retained engagement. Typically, 30% to 50% of the agreed fee is paid at kickoff and the remaining balance is due on contract signature. The retained model gives us the mandate to dedicate full research capacity to your role, conduct deeper stakeholder alignment, and run a rigorous assessment.
See our recruitment fees for the full terms. For a wider industry view, read how much executive search costs in 2026.
Detailed fee examples by role
Indicative fee ranges for common executive search engagements. Final fee is agreed in writing before the search begins.
| Role | Base salary | Rate | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head of Marketing / CMO | $200,000 | 10% – 15% | $20,000 – $30,000 |
| VP of Growth | $220,000 | 10% – 15% | $22,000 – $33,000 |
| Chief Revenue Officer | $280,000 | 10% – 15% | $28,000 – $42,000 |
| CEO (small company) | $250,000 | 10% – 15% | $25,000 – $37,500 |
| VP of Product | $230,000 | 10% – 15% | $23,000 – $34,500 |
Where a search lands inside the 10 to 15 percent band depends on the number of stakeholders involved, how niche the requirement is, the geography of the search, and how compressed the timeline is. A confidential CRO replacement with a board interview loop sits at the higher end. A repeat engagement with a clear scorecard and a single decision maker sits at the lower end. The kickoff payment is part of the total fee, not in addition to it.
What the fee covers
A clear scope upfront so you know exactly what is part of the engagement and what sits outside it.
What is included
- Stakeholder calibration with all decision makers
- Deep market mapping across target companies
- Direct outreach to passive senior candidates
- Shortlist of 3 to 6 vetted leadership candidates
- Structured scorecards and leadership evidence checks
- Extended reference conversations with former reports and peers
- Offer negotiation and counter-offer management
- 3 to 6 month replacement period, with terms agreed in writing
What is not included
- Job board advertising or sponsored listings
- Third-party psychometric or personality testing platforms
- Candidate relocation, visa, or immigration costs
- Travel for in-person board or panel meetings
- Executive coaching or post-hire leadership development
- Compensation benchmarking studies beyond the role at hand
Where any of these are required, we can recommend specialist partners or scope them as separate work before kickoff so the engagement letter stays clean.
What makes executive search different from headhunting
Both involve direct outreach and structured assessment. The difference shows up in depth, time, and who is in the room.
Longer process by design
Headhunting targets an initial shortlist in 10 business days. Executive search runs 2 to 4 weeks because stakeholder calibration, leadership evidence checks, and deeper reference work cannot be compressed without losing signal. The extra time is where the risk reduction comes from.
Board and multi-stakeholder involvement
A leadership hire usually has more than one decision maker. CEO, board members, peer executives, and sometimes investors. We run a calibration session with each stakeholder before the search starts, document where they agree and where they differ, and use that as the source of truth through the process.
Assessment built for a consequential leadership decision
Executive search adds structured leadership evidence checks. We look for documented outcomes the candidate has driven, the context around those outcomes, and how they show up in reference calls with former reports and peers. This goes beyond capability and into how the candidate actually leads.
A retained model
Executive search engagements run on a retained basis. A kickoff payment funds the calibration, mapping, and outreach phases before candidates are introduced. Fees are typically 10% to 15% of first-year base salary; see our fees page for the payment schedule and replacement terms.
Multi-stakeholder alignment as a deliverable
On a senior hire, a candidate who passes the hiring manager but loses one board member rarely lands. Part of the executive search engagement is making sure the shortlist holds up across the full decision group, and managing the conversation when stakeholders need to recalibrate against the market.
Mihai Arsene has led executive search mandates across 70+ countries, placing C-suite, VP, and Director-level talent at agencies, SaaS companies, and AI-native businesses. He founded Valuable Recruitment in 2020 and personally leads every executive search engagement.
Last reviewed: 27 July 2026
Frequently asked questions
Related reading
Practical guides on leadership hiring, assessment methodology, and search pricing.
Topgrading: How to Interview for A-Player Hires
The structured interview methodology we use to evaluate executive candidates against role outcomes and behavioral evidence.
Read the guide9 Methods to Recruit C-Level Executives
A practitioner breakdown of the sourcing, assessment, and closing tactics that move executive searches.
Read the guideHow Much Does Executive Search Cost in 2026?
Fee structures and the factors that shape an executive search quote.
Read the guideStart your executive search
Tell us about the leadership role you need to fill. We will advise on the right level of depth for the search.
Shortlist in 2–4 weeks with structured leadership assessment, led directly by Mihai Arsene.