Authoritative executive search and headhunting guides written for HR Directors, CEOs and Chairs.
Guide
The definitive guide to executive search — what headhunters do, how they work, and why businesses use them for their most important hires.
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Guide
A transparent, complete breakdown of executive search fees — pricing models, typical percentages, what influences cost, and how to assess ROI.
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Guide
A clear, honest comparison of executive search and recruitment agencies — how they work, when to use each, and what the difference means for the quality of your hire.
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Guide
A practical framework for evaluating and selecting the right executive search firm for your most important appointments.
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Guide
A detailed walkthrough of how a retained executive search works from first briefing to successful placement — what happens, when, and why.
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Guide
A clear framework for deciding when retained executive search is the right approach — and when it is not.
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Guide
Understanding the structural differences between retained and contingent search — and what they mean for the quality and reliability of your senior hire.
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Guide
A practical guide to briefing your headhunter effectively — including a template, common mistakes, and how to get the best from the engagement.
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Free interactive tools to support your executive search and headhunting decisions.
Calculate the likely retained search fee for your role based on salary, sector and seniority.
Estimate my fee →Answer 6 questions to find out whether your hire warrants retained executive search or a different approach.
Take the quiz →Submit your search brief directly. A specialist consultant will respond within 2 hours on business days.
Submit a brief →UK base salary ranges for senior executive roles placed through executive search. Figures are indicative and vary by sector, organisation size and location.
| Role | Entry / Mid-Market | Mid-Senior | Senior / FTSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 only. Total remuneration including bonus, LTIP and benefits may be significantly higher.
Specialist headhunters and executive search expertise across every major UK industry sector.
Financial Services
Banking, insurance, asset management, fintech
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Technology & Digital
SaaS, fintech, cybersecurity, AI/ML
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Healthcare & Life Sciences
Pharma, biotech, medtech, NHS
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Manufacturing & Engineering
Industrial, engineering, supply chain
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Energy & Infrastructure
Renewables, utilities, infrastructure
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Consumer & Retail
FMCG, retail, ecommerce, hospitality
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Property & Construction
Real estate, housebuilding, construction
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Not-for-Profit & Social Enterprise
Charities, social enterprise, impact
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Professional Services
Consulting, legal, accounting, advisory
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Education & Public Sector
Higher education, government, charities
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Private Equity & VC
PE-backed portfolio companies, growth equity
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Media & Communications
Broadcasting, publishing, PR, digital media
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Automotive & Mobility
OEM, EV transition, mobility platforms
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Aerospace & Defence
Commercial aerospace, defence contractors, MRO, aviation
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Space & Security
Space technology, satellites, cyber security, national security
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Headhunter guides with salary benchmarks, executive search fees, and hiring strategies for every major C-suite and board-level role.
A CEO appointment is the single most consequential hiring decision any board will make. The quality of the appointment s…
The MD runs the business day to day. They own the P&L, lead the senior team, and are accountable for turning strategy in…
A CFO appointment is second only to CEO in strategic importance. The right CFO is a strategic partner to the CEO and boa…
Hiring the right CTO is one of the most critical and most difficult appointments in the technology-driven economy. The r…
The Chief Revenue Officer role has emerged as one of the most critical executive appointments for growth-stage and scale…
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Appointing the right Non-Executive Director is one of the most important and most underestimated governance decisions a …
The appointment of a Chair is the most significant governance decision a board makes. The Chair sets board culture, mana…
The Chief Operating Officer is one of the most variable executive roles in terms of scope and profile. In some organisat…
The Chief Marketing Officer role has evolved significantly over the last decade. Modern CMOs must combine brand strategy…
The General Counsel is the most senior legal officer in the organisation, responsible for legal strategy, risk managemen…
Private equity-backed businesses have distinct executive search requirements. The combination of a defined investment ho…
Many of the most important executive appointments cannot be conducted openly. Replacing a sitting CEO who does not yet k…
Common questions about headhunters and executive search in the UK.