SlimHire Headhunting Fee Policy
Professional. Transparent. Built for Results.
At SlimHire, we specialize exclusively in headhunting for HR roles—executive-level and senior HR specialists. Our pricing structure is designed to reflect the level of expertise, strategic input, and customized process each search requires. This policy outlines everything you need to know before engaging us for a confidential or open hiring need.
Our Headhunting Fee Model
We operate under a placement-fee model based on the candidate’s gross annual compensation or contract value. The following applies:
For Permanent Executive Roles
Our standard fee ranges from 20% to 25% of the candidate’s total annual gross salary. The exact percentage is determined based on the complexity of the role, the level of seniority, the scope of the search, and whether the engagement is exclusive or open.
For Contract-Based, Interim, or Project-Based Executives
Fees are calculated at 20% to 25% of the total contract value. This includes part-time strategic HR consultants, interim leaders, or project-specific HR roles (e.g. C&B reform, policy restructuring, etc.).
We also offer custom fees for retained engagements, multi-role packages, or urgent timeline searches.
Add-On Executive Services
To enhance the precision of your hiring decision, SlimHire provides additional optional services upon request:
Psychometric or Behavioral Assessments – Used for evaluating leadership style, team fit, and decision-making approach.
Structured Reference Checks – Verified through our internal executive search team using a confidential method.
Salary Benchmarking Reports – Based on our market data and current HR compensation trends in Indonesia.
Employer Branding Integration – We can design messaging and assets to enhance the role’s market appeal in the HR executive community.
Add-on service pricing will be discussed based on scope and depth of your request.
Payment Terms
To ensure mutual commitment and progressive accountability, SlimHire operates on a milestone-based payment system for most executive search assignments. The payment structure is as follows:
Initiation Payment (30%)
Due upon signing the engagement agreement, this confirms our commitment to begin the search and allocate our dedicated resources.Shortlist Delivery (30%)
Payable once we submit a curated shortlist of qualified, pre-assessed, and matched candidates.Final Payment (40%)
Payable once the selected candidate has signed the offer letter and confirmed their start date.
For select non-exclusive searches, we offer success-based models with full payment due upon candidate onboarding. This is subject to longer search timelines and lower priority in candidate delivery.
Exclusivity & Partnership Programs
For companies looking to engage SlimHire as an exclusive partner, we offer tailored advantages such as:
Dedicated talent acquisition support team
Weekly pipeline reports and market insights
Faster delivery timelines
Discounted pricing on second and third roles during the engagement
Access to “passive” HR talent not available via public platforms
Exclusivity terms are formalized via a 3- to 6-month agreement with a custom engagement structure.
Candidate Guarantee & Replacement Policy
We aim to ensure that every placement is a long-term success. However, in rare cases where the selected candidate does not continue beyond the initial onboarding period, we provide a free replacement guarantee under the following terms:
The placed candidate resigns or is terminated for performance-related reasons within 90 days of their start date.
The client notifies SlimHire within 7 days of the candidate’s departure.
All payments have been made according to the agreed timeline.
If these conditions are met, we will reinitiate the search and replace the candidate at no additional cost, one time only.
Tax and Legal Compliance
All fees stated are exclusive of applicable taxes (e.g. VAT in Indonesia). Invoices are issued per milestone and are payable within 14 business days. Any delay in payment may result in a pause in the search process or withdrawal of candidate offers.
Cancellation Policy
We accept that business priorities may shift. If a search is cancelled after candidate shortlist delivery, 50% of the total agreed fee will still be charged to reflect the work done. If cancelled before shortlist delivery, a 30% cancellation fee applies.
Confidential Search Options
We understand that some roles require maximum discretion. For “Company Confidential” searches, we offer a white-glove process where:
The company identity remains hidden throughout early stages.
We present the opportunity to candidates under strict NDA terms.
No job posting is made on public portals.
All outreach is discreet and curated.
Confidential searches are often priced slightly higher due to increased sensitivity, narrower pipelines, and manual vetting processes.
Start the Process
SlimHire is built to serve high-impact organizations that understand the strategic importance of HR leadership. If you’re ready to hire your next CHRO, HR Director, or senior specialist, we’re ready to begin.
Let’s build your HR leadership team—better, faster, and smarter.
