How much do you charge for Executive Search process? When & how do you invoice?

Every search firm does it a little differently. At Richmond Capital, we believe in transparency, partnership, and value delivery.

The hiring client-the organisation engaging us to lead the Search and we operate on a Retained Search model. That means we’re engaged exclusively to deliver a specific assignment with precision, market insight, & accountability.

How much do you charge?

25–35% of the candidate’s first-year total compensation (base + guaranteed bonus).

For multi-hire or confidential mandates, we offer tailored structures.

When is it invoiced?

We invoice in three stages, aligned with project milestones:
Invoice 1) For Commencement upon formal engagement (33%)
Invoice 2) On Shortlist Presentation when qualified candidates are delivered (33%)
Invoice 3) On Placement when the candidate has signed & accepted the offer (the remaining balance ~33% )

This model ensures shared commitment & consistent delivery at every phase.

Our model is consistent across the UK, GCC, and EMEA markets with adjustments only for local compliance or project complexity.

Why this structure?

Retained Search prioritises quality over speed. It funds deep market mapping, confidential outreach, & a dedicated search process designed for hiring where fit matters as much as skill.

How is it paid?

Invoices are issued to your finance team with clear terms, typically 14–30 days. We accept payment via bank transfer & provide structured summaries for your records.

We’d be happy to share an outline or example project timeline. Click here find out more about our Search Offering or get in touch to discuss.