Scorecard before sourcing
We interview stakeholders, document must-have outcomes, and agree on a rubric before anyone sees a LinkedIn profile. That scorecard drives phone screens, panel debriefs, and reference calls.
Retained search · Chicago Loop
Directors and VPs without six-month gaps.
Northgate Talent is a retained search desk for PE-backed software companies, specialty manufacturers, and professional services firms that need leaders who can operate—not just interview well. We write the scorecard with your hiring manager, run a tight slate process, and stay through negotiation so offers do not unravel on comp or title.
Confidential searches stay off job boards unless you ask us to publish.
What a Northgate search includes
Every engagement ships with written weekly updates, calibrated compensation data, and reference conversations we would stake our reputation on.
References that teach
We speak with former managers about how candidates handled conflict, missed quarters, and team turnover—not whether they are nice at lunch.
Market maps you can share
Compensation bands, competitor org charts, and talent density maps land in your inbox before week three so comp committees are not guessing.
Weekly pipeline writing
Fridays bring a written update: candidates in play, risks, recommended next steps, and what we need from you by Monday.
Offer choreography
We coach hiring managers on framing, align on sign-on and equity, and stay on the line when candidates counter—so surprises happen in our office, not yours.
Embedded option
Need three hires in a quarter? We embed a recruiter on your floor with Northgate research support and shared scorecards.
2025 retained desk
- Searches closed
- 47
- Median time to signed offer
- 38 days
- Offers accepted first pass
- 91%
- Consultants on staff
- 12
From brief to signed offer
- 01
Intake and scorecard (week 1)
We interview the hiring manager and two stakeholders, draft the scorecard, and agree on compensation guardrails before outreach begins.
- 02
Market map and long list (weeks 2–3)
Research delivers a long list with rationale, comp notes, and risk flags. You trim to a slate of six to eight names.
- 03
Interviews and references (weeks 4–6)
We coordinate panels, debrief in writing within 24 hours, and run references before you extend—not after.
- 04
Offer and close (week 7+)
We align on framing, stay on calls during negotiation, and check in at 30 days post-start.
2026 search fees
Retained fees split across kickoff, slate presentation, and signed offer. Contingency available for select manager roles.
Bundle 3+
Director
Individual contributor leaders and senior managers with regional scope.
USD42,000
- Scorecard workshop
- Six-week slate target
- Reference package
- Offer support
VP
Functional or GM leaders with P&L or multi-team scope.
USD68,000
- Board-ready market map
- Confidential long list
- Panel debrief notes
- Negotiation coaching
Embedded
Monthly embedded recruiter plus Northgate research pod.
USD18,500
- On-site or hybrid embed
- Shared ATS hygiene
- Quarterly comp refresh
- Three concurrent reqs
Hiring managers on the Loop
“They killed a charming finalist when references showed he had lost two teams in eighteen months. Painful week, great hire after.”
“Weekly written updates meant I could forward the same doc to our board without rewriting anything.”
“Our VP Finance search closed in thirty-four days with a candidate who had actually run a close, not just reported one.”
Composite quotes from fictional Northgate clients.
Search questions
Do you publish searches?
Only when you want visibility. Most retained work stays confidential until offer stage.
What industries do you cover?
Software, specialty manufacturing, and professional services are our core. We pass on retail and consumer brand work.
How do fees work?
Retained searches invoice in three milestones. Contingency is available for select manager roles under $180k base.
Can you help with compensation?
Yes. Every search includes a market comp band and offer framing memo before you extend.
Ready to open a search?
Send a role brief and we respond within one business day with a draft scorecard outline.
Start a confidential brief
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