Fee Structure
Last updated : June 2026
Castle & Co. Search offers flexible engagement models designed around the seniority and urgency of each search. All fees are based on a percentage of the candidate's total first-year guaranteed remuneration (base salary plus any guaranteed allowances, such as car allowance, but excluding discretionary bonus, commission, or benefits in kind).
Engagement Models
- Contingency: No upfront cost. Fee payable only upon successful placement. Suited to single, well-defined vacancies.
- Retained: An upfront commitment securing dedicated focus, priority access to our network, and a structured search process. Recommended for senior and hard-to-fill roles.
- Hybrid (Engaged): A reduced engagement fee at commencement, offset against the final placement fee. Balances commitment with flexibility - our preferred model for most assignments.
Fee Rates
Rates sit at the lower end of each band for contingency assignments and toward the upper end for retained or exclusive engagements, reflecting the additional commitment and resource involved.
Payment Terms
- Contingency: Invoiced on the candidate's agreed start date. Payable within 30 days
- Retained / Hybrid: Typically structured in three stages - one third on commencement of the search, one third on presentation of a shortlist, and the remaining balance on the candidate's start date.
- All fees are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate.
Replacement Guarantee
If a placed candidate leaves or is dismissed for performance reasons within 12 weeks of their start date, Castle & Co. Search will conduct a replacement search at no additional fee, subject to a pro-rata rebate on the original invoice:
- Weeks 1 - 4: 100% rebate
- Weeks 5 - 8: 50% rebate
- Weeks 9 - 12: 25% rebate
The guarantee applies where the role and reporting lines remain substantially unchanged and the client has provided reasonable support and feedback throughout the process.
Additional Notes
- Castle & Co. Search operates on a permanent-placement-only basis; we do not undertake temporary or interim assignments.
- Any third-party advertising costs are agreed with the client in advance and billed separately.
- Exclusive search engagements receive priority handling and a single point of contact throughout
FAQs
Here are a few of the questions clients and candidates ask us most often. If yours isn't here, get in touch. We're always happy to talk things through directly.
Castle & Co. Search are backed by over 25 years of senior retail and sales experience. We don't learn your industry from your brief, we already know it. That changes the questions we ask, the candidates we put forward, and the advice we give.
We focus on appointments from Store Manager level upwards, through to Director, VP, and C-Suite. If you're hiring below that level, we may be able to point you toward someone better suited.
We offer both contingency (15% of base salary, paid on start date, with a 12-week rebate period) and retained search (20%, paid in thirds across the search). Retained is recommended for senior and confidential mandates.
Most searches run between 4 and 8 weeks from brief to offer. Senior and C-Suite appointments can take longer, as we'd rather get it right than rush a placement that doesn't last.
We never share a CV or speak to a client about you without your explicit permission. Senior career moves are sensitive, and we treat them that way.
Still have questions?
We're happy to answer any questions directly. Just drop us a message.