How long does a C-suite search typically take?

A thorough C-suite search typically takes 8-16 weeks from initial briefing to offer acceptance. This includes 2-3 weeks for market mapping and candidate identification, 4-6 weeks for initial approaches and interviews, and 2-4 weeks for final interviews, referencing and offer negotiation. Urgent interim placements can be completed in 2-4 weeks.

What are typical C-suite recruitment fees?

Retained executive search fees for permanent C-suite roles typically range from 25-35% of the first-year total compensation package. For a CFO role with £200k total package, expect fees of £50,000-70,000. Interim and fractional placements are usually charged as a margin on day rate or a flat introduction fee.

When should we consider a fractional executive vs permanent hire?

Consider fractional when: you need senior expertise but cannot justify full-time cost; you have a specific project requiring specialist experience; you want to test fit before permanent commitment; or you are between funding rounds. Consider permanent when: the role requires full-time dedication; you need someone building long-term relationships; or your growth trajectory clearly supports the investment.

What is the difference between executive search and recruitment?

Executive search (headhunting) proactively identifies and approaches specific individuals, typically those not actively job-seeking. It involves deep market research, discrete outreach, and comprehensive assessment. Standard recruitment relies more on job advertising and active candidates. For C-suite roles, executive search is almost always more effective as the best candidates are rarely on the job market.

Do you guarantee C-suite placements?

Yes, all our permanent C-suite placements come with a 12-month guarantee. If the executive leaves or is terminated for performance reasons within 12 months, we conduct a replacement search at no additional fee. For interim and fractional placements, we offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee with replacement if the fit is not right.

How long does a C-suite search typically take?

A thorough C-suite search typically takes 8-16 weeks from initial briefing to offer acceptance. This includes 2-3 weeks for market mapping and candidate identification, 4-6 weeks for initial approaches and interviews, and 2-4 weeks for final interviews, referencing and offer negotiation. Urgent interim placements can be completed in 2-4 weeks.

What are typical C-suite recruitment fees?

Retained executive search fees for permanent C-suite roles typically range from 25-35% of the first-year total compensation package. For a CFO role with £200k total package, expect fees of £50,000-70,000. Interim and fractional placements are usually charged as a margin on day rate or a flat introduction fee.

When should we consider a fractional executive vs permanent hire?

Consider fractional when: you need senior expertise but cannot justify full-time cost; you have a specific project requiring specialist experience; you want to test fit before permanent commitment; or you are between funding rounds. Consider permanent when: the role requires full-time dedication; you need someone building long-term relationships; or your growth trajectory clearly supports the investment.

What is the difference between executive search and recruitment?

Executive search (headhunting) proactively identifies and approaches specific individuals, typically those not actively job-seeking. It involves deep market research, discrete outreach, and comprehensive assessment. Standard recruitment relies more on job advertising and active candidates. For C-suite roles, executive search is almost always more effective as the best candidates are rarely on the job market.

Do you guarantee C-suite placements?

Yes, all our permanent C-suite placements come with a 12-month guarantee. If the executive leaves or is terminated for performance reasons within 12 months, we conduct a replacement search at no additional fee. For interim and fractional placements, we offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee with replacement if the fit is not right.

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C-Suite Recruitment Specialists

Connecting ambitious UK businesses with exceptional executive leaders. Permanent, interim and fractional C-suite placements.

£800-2,000

Day Rate

2-6 weeks

Time to Hire

50-70%

Cost Savings

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📖1 min read

📅Updated 14 Feb 2026

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£800-1500

Day Rate

📅

1-3

Days/Week

💰

50-70%

Cost Savings

🎯

500+

UK Placements

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Key Takeaways

1Fractional CFOs work 1-3 days per week, providing senior expertise without full-time costs
2UK day rates range from £800 to £1500, depending on experience and sector
3Typical engagements save 50-70% compared to full-time executive hires
4Ideal for startups, scale-ups, and SMEs needing strategic leadership
5No employment overhead: no pension, NI, benefits, or notice periods

C-Suite Executive Roles

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Expert C-Suite Recruitment for Growing Businesses

Finding the right C-suite executive is one of the most consequential decisions a business can make. Whether you need a permanent CEO to lead your next growth phase, an interim CFO to navigate a complex transaction, or a fractional CTO to build your technology strategy, our specialist executive search team delivers exceptional candidates who drive real business outcomes.

With over 15 years focused exclusively on C-suite and senior leadership recruitment, we understand the nuanced requirements of each executive role and the critical importance of cultural fit at the highest levels. Our network spans thousands of proven executives across every function, from finance and technology to operations and human resources.

C-Suite Roles We Recruit

We specialise in placing exceptional leaders across every C-suite function:

Why Consider Fractional C-Suite Executives?

Not every business needs—or can afford—a full-time C-suite executive. Fractional executives offer a compelling alternative, providing senior strategic leadership on a part-time or project basis.

Permanent vs Fractional vs Interim: Which Is Right?

Understanding the differences between engagement models helps you make the right choice:

Our C-Suite Search Methodology

Executive search at the C-suite level demands a fundamentally different approach to standard recruitment. We invest significant time understanding your business strategy, culture, and the specific outcomes you need from this hire.

C-Suite Day Rate Guide 2024

Current market rates for fractional and interim C-suite executives in the UK:

Start Your Executive Search

Whether you need a permanent C-suite hire, interim cover, or fractional expertise, our specialist team is ready to help. Contact us for a confidential discussion about your executive recruitment needs.

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Cost Comparison

Fractional vs Full-Time Executive

Full-Time Executive£286k/year

Salary + Benefits + Overhead

Fractional Executive£106k/year

1-2 days/week average

Your Potential Savings

£180k+

63%

saved

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Time Allocation

How fractional executives spend their time

Strategy30%

Operations25%

Leadership20%

Governance15%

Technology10%

UK Fractional Executive Day Rates

Compare day rates across C-suite roles

CFOThis Role£800 - £1500/day

£1100

CTO£900 - £1600/day

£1200

CMO£750 - £1400/day

£1000

COO£800 - £1400/day

£1050

CDO£900 - £1450/day

£1150

CISO£900 - £1550/day

£1200

Rate Range

Average

Source: UK Market Data 2025

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Fractional vs Interim vs Full-Time

Choose the right engagement model

Aspect	Fractional	Interim	Full-Time
Time Commitment	1-3 days/week	4-5 days/week	5 days/week
Duration	Ongoing/flexible	3-12 months	Permanent
Annual Cost	£50-150k	£150-300k	£200-400k+
Best For	SMEs, startups, scale-ups	Crisis, transitions	Large enterprises
Flexibility	★★★ High	★★☆ Medium	★☆☆ Low

Costs are indicative UK market rates. Actual costs vary by role, experience, and sector.

Calculate Your Day Rate

Fractional CFO Earnings

Calculate Your Potential Income

Your Day Rate

£1,000

£750Avg: £1000£1500

Days Per Client/Week

2.5 days

1 day5 days

Number of Clients

2 clients

Weekly

£5,000

Monthly

£21,650

Annual

£240,000

Based on 2.5 days/week x 2 clients x 48 working weeks. CFO UK average day rate: £1000.

BetaThis calculator provides rough estimates for illustration only. Actual rates and salaries vary based on location, experience, industry, and market conditions.

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Day-to-day financial management

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Strategic leadership and governance

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Data-driven financial insights

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know

C-suite recruitment refers to the specialist process of identifying, attracting and placing Chief-level executives—CEO, CFO, CTO, CMO, COO, CHRO and similar roles. It requires a different approach to standard recruitment, typically involving executive search (headhunting), comprehensive assessment, and discrete outreach to passive candidates who are not actively job-seeking.