MutualCS executive search: retained headhunting for CXO, VP Engineering, Country Head, CHRO, CISO, and board mandates globally. Fee 25–28% across milestones. 30-day shortlist SLA with contractual 20% fee-back if missed. Passive candidates only — we never use job boards for senior mandates.
The Leaders
Who Build
Exceptional Companies.
We place CXOs, VPs, and Country Heads for high-growth companies and Global Capability Centers — globally. Retained search with full accountability, passive headhunting, and a 30-day shortlist SLA backed by contract.
How We Run Executive Mandates
Retained, not contingent
Executive mandates require commitment. We work on a milestone-based retained model — ensuring dedicated senior attention on your search, not a spray-and-pray approach.
Passive headhunting only
The leaders you need are not on LinkedIn Easy Apply. We identify and approach them directly — from competitors, adjacent industries, and global talent pools.
Cross-border mandates
We place leaders who can operate across geographies — India-based leaders for US HQ companies, global executives relocating for GCC director roles, and local C-suite in any country.
Discretion as standard
Succession searches, replacement mandates, and confidential builds are handled with full discretion. We do not post roles publicly without explicit client approval.
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO / MD)
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO / CIO)
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- VP Engineering / VP Product
- Country Head / GCC Site Director
- Head of Data / Head of AI
- General Counsel / Legal Head
- Board Member / Independent Director
Three Ways to Work With Us
Retained Search
25–28% fee split across three milestones: mandate signing, shortlist delivery, and offer acceptance. Full commitment and discretion for your most critical hires.
Start a retained searchExclusive Contingent
For VP and Director-level roles. Success fee on placement, exclusive mandate. 30-day shortlist SLA with 20% fee-back if missed.
Discuss your mandateBoard & Advisory Search
Independent directors, board advisors, and fractional CXOs. Milestone-based, fully confidential. Global mandates welcome.
Talk to usExecutive Search — Common Questions
What is executive search and how is it different from contingent recruitment?
Executive search (retained headhunting) is a dedicated, confidential search for senior leadership — CXO, VP, Country Head, and Board mandates. Unlike contingent recruitment (pay on success only), retained search involves a fee split across milestones, ensuring the recruiter's full commitment to your mandate. We do not post roles publicly without client approval.
How much does executive search cost?
MutualCS executive search is priced at 25–28% of the placed candidate's first-year total compensation, split across three milestones: mandate signing (33%), shortlist delivery (33%), and offer acceptance (33%). This milestone structure aligns our incentives with yours throughout the search.
How long does an executive search take?
Our contractual shortlist SLA is 30 days — we present 4–6 interview-ready candidates within 30 days of mandate signature. Total time-to-offer for C-suite mandates is typically 45–90 days depending on interview rounds and decision timelines.
Do you handle confidential and succession searches?
Yes. We regularly handle confidential mandates — succession planning, replacement searches where the incumbent is still in post, and board appointments. We do not post roles publicly or disclose client identity without explicit permission.
What seniority levels do you place through executive search?
We place C-suite (CEO/MD, CTO/CIO, CFO, CHRO, CISO), VP-level (VP Engineering, VP Product), Country Heads and GCC Site Directors, Head of AI/Data, General Counsel, and Independent Board Members — globally.
Ready to Start Your Executive Search?
Tell us about the mandate. We'll respond with a tailored search approach within 4 hours.
Book a Confidential Search Briefing