Retained director
Single director or senior manager hire with dedicated research.
USD42,000 flat
- 12-week average fill
- 120-day guarantee
- Weekly pipeline memo
2026 rate card
Fees below reflect Chicago market searches; coastal adjustments apply for biotech and AI roles.
2026 published card
Retained VP
Officer-level search with stakeholder mapping and board-ready materials.
USD68,000 flat
- Confidential shortlist
- Panel coaching
- Offer negotiation
Embedded squad
Recruiter embedded three days per week for high-volume hiring.
USD18,500 flat
- ATS cleanup
- Interview training
- Reporting dashboard
Fees & guarantees
Transparent search fees with no hidden admin charges.
Northgate Talent quotes a fixed retained fee or a contingency percentage up front. Research, background checks, and travel for finalist interviews are included.
Billing questions
When is the retained fee due?
One third at kickoff, one third when finalists enter panels, and the balance when an offer is accepted.
Do you discount multiple searches?
Yes—second retained searches in the same quarter receive a 15% reduction.
What if the hire leaves early?
We restart the search at no additional professional fee during the guarantee window.