Why Retained Search is the Smartest Investment

Our retained search model isn’t just a payment structure — it’s a partnership. It prioritizes alignment, accountability, and access to top talent. Our clients who retain us benefit from a focused, committed search process with fewer compromises, faster timelines, and better long-term fits.

With a retained approach, we’re not racing the clock — we’re refining the field. You gain:

• Priority Access – Your search becomes a top-tier commitment with dedicated resources from day one.

• Strategic Collaboration – We align with you and your leadership team, ensuring cultural and operational fit, not just résumés.

• Quality Over Volume – We present the right candidates, not just available ones.

• Transparency & Trust – Clear timelines, proactive updates, and real-time insights.

When Retained Makes Sense

• You're hiring for critical leadership or high-impact roles

• You want confidentiality in your search

• You’re tired of sifting through mismatched candidates.

• You value a deep, consultative partnership with a team that acts as an extension of your own.

OUR Retainer Search Fees

Our retained search fees are structured to reflect the depth of partnership and precision involved in every search. Typically, the total fee is a percentage of the hired candidate’s first-year base salary, split into three installments:

1. An initial engagement fee to launch the search

2. A progress payment at an agreed milestone

3. The final balance upon successful hire

This model ensures alignment throughout the process and allows us to dedicate senior-level resources to each engagement. For clients with multiple openings, our Engagement Retainer offers flat-rate monthly pricing and unlimited hires within the term. Exact pricing varies based on role type, complexity, and search volume.

CONTINGENCY Search Fees

Our contingency search fee is a competitive 18% of the hired candidate’s first-year base salary — payable only if you hire a candidate we present. This no-upfront-cost option works well for roles where speed and flexibility matter most. While contingency searches provide a broad pool of candidates quickly, they are best suited for less complex or high-volume hires.

Sales Professionals only: For Sales Professionals only, the fee will be charged in 6 equal installments based off 18% of $80,000 per year. For commissioned sales people we base the annualized compensation on a median average for your market. We collect comprehensive pay plan data from our recruitment efforts.