Cost
Cost of a head hunter.
Brief
Executive search firms in Italy charge 25-35% of the role's base salary. How the fee is calculated, how it's paid, what it covers, and when the direct alternative wins.
Direct answer
A head hunter in Italy costs 25-35% of the annual base salary of the role, with a minimum fee around 30,000 euros. On a CEO with a 300,000 euro salary the fee is 75,000-105,000, paid as a retainer in three tranches. The percentage is higher for top international firms and C-level roles, lower for Italian boutiques and mid-market.
How the executive search fee is structured
- Basis: contractual first-year base salary, often including target variable and benefit equivalents.
- Percentage: 25-35%, high end on top firms and C-level roles.
- Minimum fee: around 30,000 euros per mandate.
- Retainer: three-tranche payment (mandate, short list, placement).
- Success fee: placement-only, higher percentage, generalist agencies.
- Guarantee: free replacement if the candidate leaves within 6-12 months.
Real examples on the Italian market
- Commercial director, 140,000 salary: fee 35,000-45,000.
- General manager mid-market, 200,000 salary: fee 50,000-70,000.
- CEO industrial SMB, 250,000 salary: fee 62,500-87,500.
- CEO Italian subsidiary of foreign group, 350,000 salary: fee 87,500-122,500.
Head hunter vs direct operator: the real fee
| Item | Head hunter | Direct operator |
|---|---|---|
| Entry fee | 25-35% of salary | Zero |
| Payment structure | Three-tranche retainer | Monthly retainer, per day |
| Who does the work | Researcher + back office team | The senior operator directly |
| Timeline | 4-9 months to close | 2 weeks to operativity |
| Bad-hire risk | Replacement within 6-12 months, new search | Agreed exit, no further fee |
| Cost on a 250k CEO | 62,500-87,500 search fee alone | Monthly retainer equivalent to the role |
Continue reading
Hub
Interim CEO in ItalyOne senior operator with a C-level track record, the alternative to head hunter fees.
Related
Alternative to executive searchThree ways to hire a CEO with no search fee.
Related
Best executive search firms in ItalyWho leads which segment.
FAQ
Common questions on executive search fees
How much does a head hunter charge for an executive in Italy?
An executive search firm in Italy charges 25-35% of the annual base salary of the role, with a typical minimum fee around 30,000 euros. On an executive with a 180,000 euro salary the fee sits between 45,000 and 63,000. On a CEO with a 300,000 salary, between 75,000 and 105,000.
How is the executive search fee calculated?
The base is contractual first-year salary, often including target variable and monetary equivalent of key benefits. The percentage is higher (32-35%) for top international firms and C-level roles, lower (22-28%) for Italian boutiques on mid-market and roles under 120,000 euros.
Retainer or success fee?
Classic executive search firms work on retainer: one third at mandate signing, one third at short list, one third at placement. Some boutiques and generalist agencies accept pure success fees, with higher placement costs and lower priority on the mandate.
Are there alternatives to head hunters for hiring a CEO?
Yes. Three concrete alternatives: direct network of the board or PE fund (zero fee, narrow pool), specialised Italian boutiques (lower fees), interim operator hired directly (monthly retainer, no search fee, entry in two weeks).
Is the fee negotiable?
Yes, three ways. Percentage (usually -2/-3 points above the minimum fee), payment terms (spread past placement), extended guarantee (12 months instead of 6). Top firms rarely go below 30% on C-level roles; Italian boutiques have more room.
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