3 Types of Executive Search Firms and Their Fees

There are several types of executive search firms to consider when selecting a firm to fill a leadership position in your company. The differences make up how they conduct their search, their executive search firm fees structure when conducting a search, and the incentives behind what quality of candidates the search firm provides for you. Here we have outlined the 3 types of executive search firms and corresponding fee structures.

Executive Search Firm Fees: 3 Types of Firms & Their Fees

Contingency Firms

Contingency firms are only paid once you hire a candidate they have presented to you. Thus, their pay is contingent on selecting candidates to fill positions as quickly and efficiently as possible. They also tend to take on as many clients as they can to maximize revenue. Therefore, contingency firms typically direct their efforts towards mid- to lower-level positions.

Contingency Firm Fee Structure

The executive search firm fees that a contingency firm will charge are roughly 20-30% of the candidate’s first-year salary. But because they only get paid once the search is completed and the candidate is hired, companies must keep in constant contact with the search firm and express a strong desire to continue through the entire process.

Container Firms

Container firms require an upfront fee and only begin the search once this fee has been paid. This ensures that the client is committed, while the search firm acquires surmountable pressure to perform a quality search.

Container Firm Fee Structure

The fee structure differs slightly from that of contingency firms. The upfront fee is a flat fee of around $5000 to $8000. Once the search is completed and the candidate has been placed, container firms then charge about 20-25% of the candidate’s first-year salary as compensation.  This type of structure provides an incentive for a stricter quality approach to conducting the hiring process.

Retained Firms

Y Scouts is a retained executive search firm. Retained firms develop a hands-on relationship with the company and are hired for a specific period of time to conduct a search. Retained firms charge more than contingency or container firms but specialize in placing upper-level management and positions where qualifications, both professional and personality-wise, are higher. These firms invest valuable time into the company making sure to align the culture, values, and purpose of the client with that of the candidate.

Retained Firm Fee Structure

Y Scouts is an executive search firm that helps nonprofits and social enterprises find exceptional leaders. Contact us if you are looking to find an exceptional leader. To be considered for exceptional leadership opportunities with our clients, please take the first step by joining the Y Scouts Leadership Community.