8 Best CHRO Headhunters UK 2026
Ranked comparison of the best CHRO headhunters for fractional, interim, and permanent Chief Human Resources Officer appointments.
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Leathwaite
CHRO, HRD
Specialist HR leadership recruiter with dedicated CHRO practice and deep CIPD networks.
Odgers Berndtson
CHRO, CPO
Global executive search with strong HR leadership practice. Deep FTSE networks.
Spencer Stuart
CHRO, Board HR
Top-tier CHRO headhunter with strong board-level HR practice.
Korn Ferry
CHRO, C-Suite
Global leader with proprietary HR leadership assessment and org design expertise.
Heidrick & Struggles
Global CHRO
Strong HR leadership practice with global reach and culture transformation expertise.
Frazer Jones
HR Directors
HR-specialist recruiter with strong CHRO and HRD networks across sectors.
Russell Reynolds
CHRO, Culture
Premium CHRO headhunter for culture transformation and workforce strategy.
About These Rankings
Fee percentages are industry estimates. Executive search firms do not publicly disclose their fee structures. Industry-standard retained search fees typically range from 25-35% of first-year compensation for C-level roles. See MERJE's guide and TGS's pricing guide for industry context.
Placement times are estimates based on industry norms and publicly stated timelines where available. Actual timelines vary significantly based on role complexity, market conditions, and candidate availability. We recommend confirming current rates and timelines directly with each provider.
Rankings are based on our editorial assessment considering value, speed, specialisation, and market reputation. Fractional Quest is operated by the same team that produces this content — we've ranked ourselves #1 based on our pricing model, not independent verification.
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
Why Use a Specialist CHRO Headhunter?
The CHRO role has evolved into a critical strategic position. Today's Chief Human Resources Officers drive culture transformation, lead talent strategy, and shape the future of work. Finding HR leaders with board-level presence requires deep networks in the HR community.
Cost Comparison
Fractional vs Full-Time Executive
Your Potential Savings
£180k+
Time Allocation
How fractional executives spend their time
UK Fractional Executive Day Rates
Compare day rates across C-suite roles
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
Calculate Your Potential Income
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.
Related Executive Roles
Complementary leadership for your organisation
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
CHRO headhunter fees typically range from 25-35% of first-year compensation for retained search. Fractional CHRO placements may have lower flat fees around 10-15%.
Related Pages
The Fractional Executive Trend
Industry data on the rise of fractional leadership
of executives who moved to fractional work report higher job satisfaction
Source: Harvard Business Review ↗Platform Stats
Founder's background
📊 CHRO Market Snapshot
💰 CHRO Day Rates
Based on 2026 market data for UK CHRO roles.
