Executive Recruiting
FAQs

An executive search firm is a specialized recruiting agency that helps organizations identify, attract, and hire senior-level leaders, typically C-suite executives, VPs, and board members. Unlike general recruiting, executive search is proactive: firms like Engaged Headhunters reach out directly to highly qualified candidates who are not actively job seeking.

Executive search targets passive candidates: leaders not actively job hunting. We proactively identify, vet, and recruit A-players who transform organizations. Regular recruiting posts jobs and waits for applications. Executive search is consultative, confidential, and focused on leadership roles that impact business outcomes.

We use our Engaged Search model for all executive placements. A dedicated consultant and research team run the search. Fees are 15 to 30% of first-year salary, with engagement fees starting at $3,500.

Our rigorous 4-stage vetting methodology produces long-term retention backed by our written replacement guarantee across executive placements. Specific search terms and mutual commitments are customized during your private search consultation to align with your organization's exact governance and timeline requirements.

We specialize in Healthcare (hospital systems, medical devices, health tech), Technology (SaaS, AI, cybersecurity), Finance (banking, asset management, fintech), and Manufacturing (industrial operations, supply chain, plant leadership). Healthcare is the deepest specialty, across 17 years of recruiting.

Timing is set in the engaged search agreement. It depends on role specificity, market conditions, and hiring process complexity. A calibrated shortlist follows the signed search plan, and we provide weekly updates throughout the search.

Fees are 15 to 30% of first-year salary, with engagement fees starting at $3,500. Candidates are not charged.

Our primary client relationship is with employers: organizations seeking transformational leadership. We do not charge candidates fees. However, we are always building our network of exceptional executives. If you are a senior leader open to new opportunities, we encourage you to introduce yourself through our candidate portal.

Visit our Jobs page to view open opportunities or use our candidate intake form. While we cannot guarantee placement for every candidate, qualified executives are added to our active network and considered for relevant opportunities as they arise.

Retained search involves an upfront fee paid regardless of outcome, with one firm working exclusively on the role. Contingent search is paid only on successful placement, with multiple firms often competing. Fees are 15 to 30% of first-year salary, with engagement fees starting at $3,500.

Absolutely. Confidential search is a core service we offer. We regularly conduct searches where the client organization remains anonymous throughout the process, which is common in succession planning, competitive replacement, and sensitive leadership transitions. All information shared by candidates and clients is treated with strict professional discretion.

Fees are 15 to 30% of first-year salary, with engagement fees starting at $3,500.

We maintain an extensive network built over 17 years in executive recruiting. We use targeted research, industry mapping, competitive intelligence, and direct outreach to identify leaders who aren't actively seeking new roles. Our approach is discreet, professional, and designed to engage top performers who would never respond to a job posting.

Yes. We facilitate all negotiations between client and candidate, ensuring both parties reach an agreement that reflects market value and meets expectations. We help structure compensation packages including base salary, bonuses, equity, and executive benefits.