What is retained search?
Retained search is an exclusive, fee-upfront engagement model: the client pays Vantage a retainer to run a dedicated, exhaustive search for a single role, rather than competing with other agencies to fill it first. It's the model we use for our most senior Rec2Rec and in-house Talent Acquisition leadership placements.
When retained search makes sense
- Agency leadership and branch manager roles (Rec2Rec)
- Head of Talent Acquisition and Talent Acquisition Director roles (Recruiting & Talent Acquisition)
- Confidential or business-critical searches where discretion matters
- Roles where the candidate pool is small and needs proactive, direct outreach
How it differs from contingency
Unlike contingency search, retained search is paid in stages regardless of outcome timing, which lets us commit dedicated consultant time rather than working the role alongside a dozen other open searches.
Retained search is available across both our Rec2Rec and Recruiting & Talent Acquisition practices, in all nine markets we cover.