Executive Headhunters
Author: Alison Ryan – Managing Partner Linkedin bio
Headhunters find senior leaders who are not looking for a new job. They research target companies, identify high performing executives and approach them discreetly about a specific role. In the UK, the hiring organisation pays the headhunter, and a properly run search usually takes 5 to 6 weeks to reach a shortlist.
That is the short answer. The rest of this guide explains each stage of the process, how headhunters differ from recruitment agencies, how they are paid and how to choose a good one.
Hiring a senior leader? This guide explains what a proper headhunt involves, so you can judge whether a firm is running one. If you would rather talk it through, book a confidential call with one of our Directors or ring 0207 160 6996.
An executive hoping to be headhunted? UK headhunters work for employers, not candidates, so you can’t hire one to find you a job. You can make sure the right firms know you. See the roles we are currently handling and register your details.
A note on the US. In America the word “headhunter” can also describe a career agent paid by the candidate. This guide covers the UK model, where the client pays.
A retained executive search follows six stages. Here is what happens at each one and roughly when.
You should get a progress report at every stage. If a firm promises a “headhunted” shortlist within a few days, it has almost certainly searched a database or its own network instead. That has its place, but it is not a headhunt.
See how our executive search service works in more detail.
Many recruitment agencies say they headhunt. The two models work very differently.
| Headhunter (executive search) | Recruitment agency | |
|---|---|---|
| Who they find | People not looking to move | People already looking |
| How they find them | Market research and direct approach | Adverts, job boards and CV databases |
| Typical roles | Board, director and senior leadership | Junior to middle management |
| Fee basis | Retained, paid in stages | Contingent, paid on placement |
| Time to shortlist | Around 5 to 6 weeks | Often 5 to 6 days |
| Exclusivity | Usually the only firm on the role | Often several agencies competing |
| Reporting | Written report at each stage | Usually CVs only |
Neither is wrong. An agency suits roles with plenty of active candidates. A headhunter suits roles where the best people are already in post and need persuading.
In the UK, the hiring organisation pays. Candidates never pay a headhunter.
Most executive search is retained. The fee is usually a percentage of the role’s first-year package, typically around 30% to 35%, paid in three stages:
Staging the fee pays for the research and approach work, which happens whether or not you hire. It also means the firm is committed to your role rather than spreading effort across many. Some firms offer a fixed fee instead of a percentage, so it is worth asking at the briefing.
The UK has thousands of recruitment businesses, and anyone can call themselves a headhunter. These five questions separate a genuine search firm from the rest.
Executive Headhunters is an AESC member firm and the exclusive UK member of EMA Partners International.
We have been headhunting senior leaders for over 30 years, with more than 40 offices around the world.
Three ways to start:
How do headhunters find candidates? They research the companies where suitable people work, identify individuals through industry knowledge, LinkedIn, published sources and referrals, then approach them directly by phone or message.
How long does headhunting take? A retained search usually reaches a shortlist in 5 to 6 weeks. The full process to a start date is often 3 to 4 months, mainly because senior people have long notice periods.
How much do headhunters charge? Retained fees are usually around 30% to 35% of the first-year package, paid in three stages. Some firms offer a fixed fee.
Do candidates pay headhunters? No. In the UK the hiring organisation pays the fee.
How do I get headhunted? Be visible in your sector, keep your LinkedIn profile current and build relationships with specialist search firms that cover your function. Headhunters look for strong track records, not job seekers.
Is a headhunter the same as a recruitment agency? No. A headhunter approaches people who are not looking. An agency mainly works with people who are already job hunting.
What roles are headhunters used for? Usually board and senior leadership roles such as CEO, Managing Director, Finance Director and Operations Director, plus specialist roles where the right people are scarce.
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