Market Data
Key benchmarks, fee data, and market indicators for senior hiring in the UK — updated for the 2026 market environment.
25–35%
Retained search fee range
As a percentage of base salary; standard across the UK market for director-level appointments and above.
30%
Most common fee benchmark
The modal retained search fee for C-suite and senior director appointments in the UK in 2026.
10–14 wks
Average search duration
Briefing to accepted offer for director-level searches; C-suite and board appointments typically take 16–20 weeks.
80%+
Passive candidate market
The proportion of the best senior candidates who are not actively seeking new employment at any given time.
3–5×
Cost of a bad hire
Conservative multiplier of annual base salary; for C-suite appointments the true cost frequently exceeds 10× when all indirect costs are included.
90%+
Completion rate
Retained search completion rate at leading firms; far higher than contingent, which often produces no successful shortlist.
£30k–£40k
Minimum retained fee
Typical minimum professional fee at reputable retained search firms, regardless of the candidate's salary level.
6–12 mths
Guarantee period
Standard guarantee period in retained executive search: the firm re-conducts the search at no additional fee if the candidate leaves within this period.
100–300
Candidates mapped per search
The typical size of the initial market map in a thorough retained search, before longlist qualification reduces this to 12–20 names.
3–6
Shortlisted candidates
The typical number of candidates presented on a final shortlist after full assessment; quality over quantity is the hallmark of good executive search.
16–20 wks
CEO / board search duration
Average timeline from briefing to accepted offer for CEO, Chair, and board-level appointments in the UK market.
75–85%
Senior talent passive at any time
Research-consistent estimate of the proportion of senior executives who are not actively considering a new role at any given moment — the core reason executive search exists.
These benchmarks are drawn from market practice data, published research from AESC and leading search firms, and direct market observation. They represent typical ranges and modal figures rather than guaranteed outcomes — individual search fees, timelines, and completion rates vary by firm, sector, seniority, and market conditions.
Fee percentages apply to base salary unless otherwise stated. Timelines are measured from receipt of a complete brief to candidate acceptance; notice periods (typically 3–6 months) are additional to these figures. All data reflects the UK retained executive search market as observed in 2025–2026.