A Guide by IVI Consulting
In today’s dynamic and unpredictable business landscape, the need for resilient, strategic, and visionary leadership has never been more critical. Organizations are increasingly relying on their upper-level managers and C-suite executives to navigate complex challenges and lead through change. But identifying, evaluating, and hiring top-tier leadership talent is no small task.
If your organization is considering outsourcing your leadership hiring needs, understanding the difference between contingent and retained executive search is essential. At IVI Consulting, we help organizations like yours determine the right approach to secure high-impact talent with efficiency, precision, and purpose.
What is Contingent Search?
Contingent search is best suited for individual contributor roles up to mid-tier management, typically below the Director or VP level. Organizations often engage multiple contingent search firms at once, each racing to present qualified candidates. Since payment is only made upon a successful hire, these firms work quickly, often relying on active job seekers sourced through job boards and resume databases.
Key Characteristics of Contingent Search:
Contingent search is best suited for individual contributor roles up to mid-tier management, typically below the Director or VP level. Organizations often engage multiple contingent search firms at once, each racing to present qualified candidates. Since payment is only made upon a successful hire, these firms work quickly, often relying on active job seekers sourced through job boards and resume databases.
- Non-exclusive: Firms may present the same candidate to multiple employers, including your competitors.
- Speed-driven: Ideal for urgent roles that require a fast turnaround.
- Fee structure: Paid only upon successful hire, usually 20–25% of the candidate’s total annual compensation.
- Limited vetting: Employers take on more of the responsibility for cultural and leadership fit.
- Short replacement guarantee: Typically ranges from 30 days to 6 months.
Best Fit For:
- Individual contributor or entry-to-mid level management roles
- Hiring budgets with cost constraints
- Urgent hiring timelines where speed outweighs precision
What is Retained Search?
Retained executive search is the gold standard for filling senior leadership positions—from Director and VP roles to the C-suite. This model involves a close, exclusive partnership with a single search firm like IVI Consulting, focused on quality over quantity. Retained searches emphasize passive candidates—top-performing professionals who are not actively seeking new roles but may be open to the right opportunity.
Key Characteristics of Retained Search:
- Exclusivity: A single firm manages the entire search process with a dedicated team.
- Deep candidate vetting: Extensive assessments, behavioral evaluations, and executive summaries help determine organizational fit and leadership potential.
- Employer branding: We act as an extension of your internal HR team to authentically communicate your company’s value proposition.
- Strategic alignment: Weekly check-ins ensure progress, accountability, and market insight.
- Long-term guarantee: Typically offers a 12-month replacement guarantee.
- Fee structure: Paid in stages, typically 30–35% of the candidate’s total first-year compensation, including bonuses.
Best Fit For:
- Mission-critical, confidential, or newly created leadership roles
- Executive-level positions where a mis-hire would be costly
- Organizations seeking a partner to lead a high-touch, high-stakes search process
So—When Should You Use Each Model?
You’re hiring for roles earning up to $150K/year |
You need to fill a position fast |
Budget is tight, and you’re okay with multiple firms competing |
Your HR team needs help but can still vet candidates in-house |
You’re hiring for VP, Director, or C-level roles |
You need to ensure cultural and leadership alignment |
The search is confidential, critical, or high-impact |
You need a full-service partner for a more strategic search |
Why Choose IVI Consulting?
At IVI Consulting, we understand that hiring the right leader can transform your organization. Our retained executive search services focus on precision, discretion, and long-term success. Our proven search process ensures every candidate we present aligns with your strategic goals, company culture, and leadership expectations.
For less senior roles—or when urgency and flexibility are paramount—our contingent search partners can help deliver qualified candidates at speed.
Whether you need a confidential search for a new executive or a fast-paced solution to fill a hard-to-find role, IVI Consulting is your trusted partner in executive hiring.
Let’s Talk
Not sure which search model is right for your company? Our leadership search experts are here to guide you. Connect with LinkedIn or email us at info@iviconsulting.com.ng to start the conversation.
For more information about IVI Consulting’s executive search services, visit our website at www.iviconsulting.com.