Retained Search
The Executive Search
Experience. Without
the Price Tag.
Dedicated professionals, a transparent process, and shared accountability for the critical hires that truly impact your business.
time to fill
team members
- Dedicated Search Team
- Real-Time Candidate Delivery
- Results-Based Success Fee
- Under 90 Days
The Problem
Stuck between two imperfect options.
Executive search firms deliver premium experiences, but their fees are built for C-suite mandates. Contingency agencies take the search quickly, but with no upfront commitment their energy flows to whichever role is easiest to fill. Lucas James was built for the space in between.
| Executive Search Firms | Lucas James Talent Partners | Contingency Agencies |
|---|---|---|
| Large upfront cost | ✓ Modest engagement fee to start | No upfront cost |
| Primarily built for C-suite roles | ✓ Senior to C-suite roles | Attention follows easiest fee |
| Your role may be low priority | ✓ Dedicated team, full accountability | Limited accountability |
| Long cycle times | ✓ Results-based success fee | Speed, but no commitment |
How It Works
A structured process. Real
transparency.
Dedicated Resources
A sourcer, recruiter, and Delivery Manager are assigned from day one. Your engagement fee puts real people to work immediately, people who will stay with you from start to finish.
Intake and Alignment
A deep-dive intake meeting to understand the role, the team, the culture, and what success looks like beyond the job description.
Real-Time Candidate Delivery
We don’t hold back candidates until we have a full slate. You see qualified profiles as we find them, so you can move quickly when the right person surfaces.
Consistent Communication
Weekly status updates and a standing client meeting keep you informed and in control. No guessing what we’re doing.
Offer and Onboarding
We stay engaged through offer, start date, and beyond. The success fee isn’t due until your new hire completes their guarantee period.
Your Search Team
Senior Professionals. Seamless Engagement.
Sourcer
Finding the Talent
Identifies and engages potential candidates across all relevant channels and networks.
Recruiter
Qualifying the Talent
Owns the candidate experience from first conversation to final offer, driving the search forward at every step.
Delivery Manager
Strategic Oversight
Your senior point of contact from intake to start date, accountable for the outcome, not just the activity.
Days
Intake to start date. Consistently.
Our typical time-to-fill averages under 90 days. Not because we cut corners, but because a dedicated team and a transparent process produce better outcomes faster than a model built around billing milestones.
Pricing
You pay for results, not promises.
Step 1 — To Start
Engagement Fee
A modest, non-refundable fee that activates your dedicated search team from day one. Resources are committed and the search begins immediately.
Step 2 — Upon Success
Success Fee
A percentage of first-year cash compensation, due only after your new hire completes their guarantee period. You pay for the result.
When Companies Turn to Retained Search
- Senior and C-suite roles that require confidentiality
- Roles that have been open too long with contingency firms
- Critical hires tied to new business units or growth phases
- Organizations that want a dedicated team, not a shared desk
- Companies frustrated with slow or low-quality candidate slates
- Leaders who need full transparency throughout the process
Ready to Fill a Critical Role?
No waiting game. No sticker shock. Just a straightforward conversation about your search.