Executive Search and
Headhunting
Executive Search and Headhunting
Differences Between
the Two Services
Differences Between the Two Services
At EPIC PARTNERS, we offer two distinct approaches—Executive Search and Headhunting—tailored to your hiring objectives and position characteristics.
Both differ not only in the target talent pool but also in the contract structure and compensation system with our company.
About Executive Search
About Executive Search
Executive Search is a strictly success-based fee service.
No fees are incurred until the candidate formally joins the company; we only charge a fee upon successful placement. The fee is calculated based on the successful candidate’s theoretical annual income (total compensation including base salary + bonuses/incentives).
It is a “results-driven” search primarily focused on recruiting leadership talent who will shape the company’s future, such as management-level, CxO, and board-level executives, as well as supporting the career transitions of executives from consulting firms, financial institutions, and similar organizations.
About Headhunting
About Headhunting
Headhunting operates under a hybrid contract model combining a retainer (initial fee) and success-based compensation.
The contract period is typically 6 months or longer, with a dedicated team conducting pinpoint searches for target candidates.
The retainer fee is determined through consultation based on the specifics of the assignment. The success fee is calculated based on the theoretical annual salary (base salary + total compensation including bonuses and incentives) of the successful candidate. Targets include executives at operating companies, directors and above at consulting firms, and executives at foreign-affiliated companies. This search-based recruitment approach, balancing speed and precision, is ideal for companies undergoing transformation.
| Executive Search | Headhunting | |
|---|---|---|
| Contract Type | Pure Success Fee Success Fee |
Retainer-Based Retainer Fee |
| Approach Method | Market Research & Confidentiality Focus | Individual Identification & Ultra-Speed Discovery |
| Confidentiality | High (Including Non-Public Cases) |
Extremely High (Fully confidential) |
| Primary Purpose | Comprehensive coverage and matching of optimal talent | Realization of urgent and planned hiring |
| Our Advantages | Candidate research and corporate support | Close direct engagement with management layers, combined strength and immediacy |
| Contract Type | Pure Success Fee Success Fee |
| Approach Method | Market Research & Confidentiality Focus |
| Confidentiality | High (Including Non-Public Cases) |
| Primary Purpose | Comprehensive coverage and matching of optimal talent |
| Our Advantages | Candidate research and corporate support |
| Contract Type | Retainer-Based Retainer Fee |
| Approach Method | Individual Identification & Ultra-Speed Discovery |
| Confidentiality | Extremely High (Fully confidential) |
| Primary Purpose | Realization of urgent and planned hiring |
| Our Advantages | Close direct engagement with management layers, combined strength and immediacy |
7 Reasons Why EPIC
PARTNERS is Chosen
EPIC PARTNERS is Chosen for 7 Reasons
Trust and proven results
built globally
Since founding in London in 2001,
we have expanded our presence to
major global cities including
New York, Singapore, and Tokyo.
We have handled numerous
international search engagements
and cross-border M&A transactions,
earning recognition for our
world-class quality and confidentiality.
Specialized expertise in
consulting and finance
We possess extensive search
experience within strategic
consulting firms, PE/VC, FAS,
and financial institutions.
With deep understanding of
industry structures, talent trends,
and organizational challenges,
we deliver optimal talent solutions
from C-suite to frontline roles.
An integrated
“Investment × Talent” model
Through our unique model
combining investment operations
with CxO talent placement,
we support corporate growth from
both capital and talent perspectives.
We go beyond mere recruitment,
acting as an execution partner
for management transformation.
Precision approach through
headhunting
For key positions, we employ
retainer contracts rather than
success-based fees.
We prioritize confidentiality,
implementing strategic and
planned approaches.
We propose candidates only after
deeply understanding their
psychology, career paths, and values.
Trusted network at the
executive level
A CxO/partner-class leadership
network built over 20+ years.
We prioritize “connections based
on trust, not introductions,”
enabling access to top-tier talent.
Intellectual foundation through
collaboration with Aoyama
Advanced Technology Institute
Collaborating with the Aoyama
Advanced Technology Institute
within our group, we research
industrial shifts and technology trends.
Defining next-generation leadership
profiles based on cross-disciplinary
insights spanning technology,
policy, and management.
EPIC’s DNA:
Integrity × Intelligence ×
Execution
Every EPIC PARTNERS project is
executed under three principles:
Integrity, Intelligence, and Execution.
These are not mere ideals,
but the testament to the trust
we have built over more than 20 years.
Primary Recruitment
Support Services
Primary Recruitment Support Services
Executive Search
Fee and Handling
Charges Policy
Executive Search｜Fee and Handling Charges Policy
EPIC PARTNERS’ Executive Search operates on a strictly success-based fee structure.
No fees are incurred until the candidate formally joins the company.
Our fee is based on the candidate’s theoretical annual income (total compensation including base salary, bonuses, and incentives),
with a standard rate starting at 30% (excluding tax).
Headhunting
Fee and Handling
Charges Policy
Headhunting Service｜Fees and Commissions
EPIC PARTNERS’ Headhunting Service employs a hybrid model combining a retainer fee and a success fee.
Fees are calculated based on the theoretical annual salary of the successful candidate (total amount including base salary + bonuses/incentives), with the percentage agreed upon separately at the time of contract.
The retainer fee is determined based on industry market conditions and the duration of the exclusivity period.
Executive Search
Service Delivery Process
Process for Implementing Executive Search
Consultation & Needs Assessment (Free)
We carefully listen to your management challenges, organizational strategy, and desired candidate profile to clarify hiring objectives.
Contract Signing & Requirements Definition
We confirm success fee conditions and verify the position’s role, expectations, competency development, and evaluation targets.
Market Analysis & Candidate Research
We conduct industry research to identify potential candidates. We approach candidates who may be open to consideration.
Candidate Interviews & Client Introductions
We carefully select candidates who have passed screening, confirm their reasons for seeking a career change, schedule interviews, and enhance hiring accuracy.
Terms Negotiation, Onboarding Support & Retention Follow-up
We provide full support for adjusting employment terms, contract execution, and addressing retention challenges. Even after joining, we continuously consult with the candidate from early on to implement long-term strategies, supporting their retention within the company.
Headhunting
Service Delivery Process
Process for Implementing Headhunting Services
Initial Consultation & Position Prioritization (Free)
We listen to the hiring background, desired candidate profile, and compensation requirements.
Contract Signing & Term Setting
We sign a retainer agreement with a standard 6-month term and clearly define the success fee amount.
Candidate Search & Approach
Leverage EPIC PARTNERS’ global network (Science & Engineering, Mentapool, New York, London, etc.) to identify and approach high-potential candidates.
Candidate Interviews & Introduction
Introduce candidates matching requirements to the company after rigorous interviews and evaluations.
Offer Negotiation & Onboarding Support
The dedicated team handles everything from compensation negotiations to onboarding support, facilitating rapid contribution.
Support Cases &
Customer Testimonials
Support Cases & Client Feedback
Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
A. Executive search is a service where, upon formal request from a company, we search for and introduce senior executives and high-caliber talent with advanced expertise.
A dedicated consultant carefully listens to your company’s management challenges and talent requirements, creating a customized job description. We then leverage our extensive network and proprietary research to identify and introduce suitable candidates.
Headhunting, on the other hand, involves approaching high-performing talent active outside your organization, presenting them with better conditions or environments, and recruiting them to your company. A key feature is the ability to directly approach not only those actively seeking a job change but also the “passive talent pool” who are not currently considering a move.
A. Executive search operates on a pure success-based fee model, meaning no fees are incurred until the candidate formally joins the company.
The fee is typically 30% or more of the candidate’s theoretical annual salary (total amount including base salary, bonuses, and incentives).
Headhunting employs a retainer fee + success-based fee model (contract period: 6 months or more). Contracts are customized based on difficulty and duration.
A. For executive search, the process from candidate selection to final hire typically takes approximately 1 to 3 months.
Headhunting involves more targeted candidates, requiring careful research. Results are often achieved within 6 to 10 months.
A. Since executive search operates on a pure success-based fee structure, no fees are incurred if no hire is made.
For headhunting, we also ensure a transparent process by regularly sharing progress reports based on a retainer agreement.
A. Yes, we can. At EPIC PARTNERS, we proceed with all projects after signing strict NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements).
We have extensive experience handling cases requiring high confidentiality, such as executive-level hires and research projects for new companies.
A. We cover a wide range of industries, including consulting, manufacturing, IT/DX, finance, life sciences, consumer goods, and venture support.
We provide flexible support not only for domestic companies but also for foreign-affiliated and global companies, listed companies, and startups.