Our fees for a US search, in US terms
A US buyer compares search fees line by line: what the fee is based on, when each part is paid, what the guarantee covers. Here are ours, in those terms.
mad, for a US search
| Line | Our terms |
|---|---|
| Model | An engaged search: an exclusive mandate, an engagement fee at signature, and the balance on success. |
| Fee | 25% of the hire's first-year total cash compensation. |
| What the fee is based on | Base salary plus target bonus or commission for the first year. |
| When it is paid | A 20% engagement fee at signature, credited in full against the final invoice. The balance is due when the candidate signs. |
| Guarantee | If the hire leaves within 90 days, we run the search again at no charge. |
| Currency | Fees for a US role are calculated and invoiced in US dollars. |
What that means on three packages
Our own arithmetic on the terms above, for three levels of first-year total cash compensation.
| First-year total cash compensation | Fee (25%) | Paid at signature (20% of the fee) | Paid when the candidate signs |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $62,500 | $12,500 | $50,000 |
| $350,000 | $87,500 | $17,500 | $70,000 |
| $450,000 | $112,500 | $22,500 | $90,000 |
The US market test.
10 days
Ten business days, from a one-hour kickoff to a one-hour debrief with you.
5 conversations
Five real conversations with qualified candidates: their reaction to your project, their objections, what they expect in base, variable and equity.
€9,900
Flat fee, excluding VAT, credited in full against the search fee if you sign the search within six months.
You also get the role written for US candidates, a map of the market, a compensation benchmark and our recommendation on the city, the title, the package and the timeline.
Book a call →How US search firms usually charge
Retained search
An exclusive mandate, paid in installments during the search. The payments don't depend on a hire.
Engaged or container search
A deposit at the start, credited against the fee, and the balance when the candidate accepts. This is our model.
Contingency
Paid only when a candidate is hired. Usually used for manager and director roles, often without exclusivity.
First-year compensation
US firms usually base the fee on the hire's estimated first-year cash compensation, then adjust it to the signed offer letter.
Replacement guarantee
If the hire leaves within the guarantee period, the firm runs the search again. It is a replacement, rarely a refund.
What a US search includes
Kickoff
One hour, your budget tested against the US market, and the outcomes written at 3, 6 and 12 months.
Direct approach and shortlist
People in post, contacted one by one. The first profiles within 10 to 15 days, then a shortlist with written assessments in two and a half weeks.
Interviews and references
Interviews coordinated with your head office and your US managers, references taken early with the candidate's consent.
Offer
The offer negotiated with market data in hand.
Visa and relocation
Coordinated with partner immigration lawyers, if the person moves from France.
Onboarding follow-up
Check-ins at 30, 90 and 180 days.
Our French terms are published on our French site: 25% of the annual gross package, on success, with a 20% deposit deducted from the final invoice and a three-month replacement guarantee. Our terms in France, in French →
Want the detail for your role?
Tell us about the role in three lines. We reply within the day, New York time, with a first read and the fee that applies.
Book a call →Write to us