Retained search
10% to 15%
of first-year base salary
- Priority, senior, complex, or hard-to-fill roles.
- Typically 30% to 50% at kickoff, with the balance usually due on contract signature.
- A 3 to 6 month replacement period, agreed in writing.
Recruitment fees
Recruitment fees for retained search and embedded recruitment
Most retained searches are priced at 10% to 15% of first-year base salary. The exact fee reflects the seniority, complexity, and scope of the role. We agree the terms in writing before work begins.
Clients typically pay 30% to 50% of the agreed fee at kickoff. The balance is usually due on contract signature. Retained searches include a 3 to 6 month replacement period where a candidate does not work out because of poor performance or culture alignment.
Bonus, commission, and equity are not part of the first-year base salary used to calculate the retained fee. The exact payment schedule and replacement terms are set out in the engagement agreement.
Choose the right model
Two ways to work together
Retained search is designed for a priority role. Embedded recruitment is for a planned hiring pipeline where consistent recruitment capacity matters more than one isolated search.
Embedded recruitment
Monthly retainer
tailored to scope and hiring plan
- Several planned searches over a defined period.
- Dedicated recruitment capacity and a consistent hiring process.
- A targeted headhunt can be included when the role and pipeline justify it.
Retained search
How the retained fee works
Retained search is for roles where the cost of getting the decision wrong is high, the market is tight, or the search needs focused senior attention. We agree the fee, scope, payment schedule, and replacement period before kickoff.
See how executive search worksAgree the scope
We confirm the role, success criteria, search scope, fee, and replacement period in writing.
Start the search
A kickoff payment of typically 30% to 50% of the agreed fee starts the research, mapping, and outreach work.
Complete the hire
The balance is usually due on contract signature. We stay close to the process through the agreed replacement period.
Before kickoff
What we agree before work starts
Role outcomes and scorecard
Search scope and relevant candidate markets
Exact retained fee and payment dates
Replacement period and the terms that apply
Stakeholders and interview process
Whether embedded recruitment fits the hiring plan
FAQs
Recruitment fees, answered
How much does a retained search cost?
Most retained searches cost 10% to 15% of first-year base salary. The exact fee depends on the seniority, complexity, and scope of the role. Bonus, commission, and equity are not part of the fee basis. We agree the exact fee in writing before work begins.
How does the payment schedule work?
Clients typically pay 30% to 50% of the agreed search fee at kickoff. The balance is usually due on contract signature. The exact payment schedule is set out in the engagement agreement.
What replacement period do you offer?
Retained searches include a 3 to 6 month replacement period. It applies where a candidate does not work out because of poor performance or culture alignment. The exact term and process are set out in the engagement agreement.
When does embedded recruitment make sense?
Embedded recruitment is designed for companies with several planned hires over a defined period. It provides dedicated recruitment capacity for a monthly retained fee tailored to the expected hiring volume, role mix, and duration.
Can embedded recruitment include headhunting?
It can. A targeted headhunt may be included when the role and the hiring pipeline call for it. We agree the scope before the engagement begins.