Independent executive search guides, salary data, and free tools to help you hire C-suite executives with confidence.
⚡ Free 15-min consultation · No obligation · Expert advice
Eight definitive guides to executive search — written by practitioners
The definitive guide to executive search — what headhunters do, how they work, and why businesses use them for their most important hires.
⏱ 14 min readA transparent, complete breakdown of executive search fees — pricing models, typical percentages, what influences cost, and how to assess ROI.
⏱ 12 min readThe critical distinctions in methodology, fee structure, candidate access, and outcomes.
⏱ 10 min readEvaluation criteria, red flags, questions to ask in pitch meetings, and what AESC accreditation really means.
⏱ 9 min readWhat to expect at every stage of a retained executive search — from briefing to placement and beyond.
⏱ 11 min readA practical decision framework for boards and HR directors — the specific signals that mean it's time for executive search.
⏱ 8 min readA detailed side-by-side comparison — real trade-offs, when to use each, and the common misconceptions.
⏱ 9 min readA practical guide to creating a brief that produces the right shortlist — what to include, what to avoid, and a complete copy-and-paste template.
⏱ 15 min readA frank breakdown of what really happens when a senior appointment goes wrong. The £200k role that quietly costs £1 million.
⏱ 8 min readComplete guides with salary benchmarks, interview questions, and hiring strategies
Interactive calculators and decision aids for senior hiring
Get a complete fee estimate with bad-hire cost breakdown and ROI analysis for your search.
5 questions, instant recommendation on whether retained search is the right approach for your hire.
15-minute call with a specialist consultant. Discuss your search requirements and get expert advice.
Submit your requirements and get a response within 2 hours during business hours.
| Role | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEO | £100k | £220k | £500k+ |
| CFO | £80k | £160k | £350k+ |
| COO | £80k | £155k | £320k+ |
| CTO | £85k | £160k | £340k+ |
| CMO | £75k | £130k | £260k+ |
| CPO | £75k | £125k | £230k+ |
| CHRO | £75k | £120k | £220k+ |
| CRO | £75k | £135k | £260k+ |
| Sales Director | £70k | £110k | £200k+ |
| MD | £80k | £150k | £320k+ |
| Finance Director | £70k | £105k | £190k+ |
Base salary + anticipated annual bonus. UK market data, March 2026.
Understanding your options before you hire
LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network. A headhunter uses it as on...
Recruitment Process Outsourcing handles volume hiring efficiently. Retained exec...
Internal TA teams are essential for most organisations — but they face structura...
The definitive guide to understanding the two main executive recruitment models ...
Beyond permanent retained search — interim, diversity, succession & assessment
Interim MD, CFO, CEO and C-suite placements — a distinct search market from permanent retained searc...
Inclusive search practices that widen the talent pool and deliver diverse shortlists for board and C...
Identifying and developing internal successors before a vacancy becomes a crisis — distinct from hir...
Independent assessment of senior candidates — psychometric testing, leadership evaluation, and compe...
Industry-specific insights and headhunter directories
Banking, asset management, insurance, private equity, wealth management
SaaS, fintech, cybersecurity, AI/ML, enterprise software
Pharma, biotech, medtech, NHS, private healthcare
Oil & gas, renewables, utilities, infrastructure funds
Industrial, automotive, aerospace, advanced manufacturing
FMCG, retail, e-commerce, consumer brands
Development, investment, infrastructure, facilities
Consulting, legal, accounting, advisory
Higher education, government, charities, social enterprise
PE-backed portfolio companies, growth equity, venture
Broadcasting, publishing, PR, advertising, digital media
OEM, EV transition, mobility platforms, supply chain
Commercial aerospace, defence contractors, MRO, aviation
Space technology, satellites, cyber security, national security
Role-specific guides for C-suite and senior leadership hiring
Overall strategic direction and P&L accountability
Financial strategy, reporting, and investor relations
Day-to-day operations and operational excellence
Technology strategy, engineering leadership, and innovation
Brand strategy, customer acquisition, and marketing leadership
Talent strategy, culture, and people leadership
Revenue growth, sales, and commercial strategy
Product strategy, roadmap, and product leadership
Business unit or regional P&L leadership
Cybersecurity strategy and risk management
Find headhunters across the UK
Professional headhunters specialise in finding senior executives and C-suite leaders who aren't actively job hunting.
Executive search firms access the 70% of senior executives who aren't looking at job boards. Learn what executive search is and how it works.
Specialist headhunters have deep networks in specific sectors and understand nuances of different executive functions.
Check executive salary benchmarks and compare headhunters vs recruiters to make the right hiring choice.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with a specialist.
⚡ No obligation · Expert advice · Available today