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

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

Who pays?
The hiring client—the organisation engaging us to lead the search.

What’s the fee structure?
We operate on a retained search model. That means we’re engaged exclusively to deliver a specific assignment with precision, market insight, and accountability.

Typical fee:
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:
1. Commencement (1/3) – Upon formal engagement
2. Shortlist Presentation (1/3) – When qualified candidates are delivered
3. Placement (1/3) – Upon signed acceptance by the candidate

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

Where does it apply?
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, and a dedicated search process designed for leadership 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 and provide structured summaries for your records.

Want to see how a typical engagement looks in practice?

We’d be happy to share an outline or example project timeline.

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