Technically, yes—but it’s rarely the best choice.
Contingency firms can submit candidates for C-suite roles, but that doesn’t mean they’re structured to deliver the depth, precision, and long-term fit such leadership searches demand. The reality is, executive-level hiring—especially for CEO, COO, or CFO positions—requires a rigor, confidentiality, and strategic alignment that the contingency model isn’t built for.
Here’s why:
Contingency Firms Work on Speed, Not Strategy
In a contingency search, firms are only paid if their candidate is hired. This creates a race-to-submit dynamic, often prioritizing résumé volume and speed over deep vetting or cultural alignment. For a mid-level sales role, that may suffice. For a C-suite leader expected to shape your company’s future? It’s not enough.
Lack of Exclusivity = Divided Focus
Contingency searches are non-exclusive. That means the recruiter could be working on 10 other assignments at once—and may even submit the same candidate to multiple companies. Your critical leadership hire doesn’t get the focus or confidentiality it deserves.
Limited Access to Passive Talent
Top C-suite candidates are rarely actively job hunting. They must be engaged, not found. Retained firms invest time in discreet outreach, relationship-building, and employer brand storytelling to reach these leaders. Contingency firms don’t have the incentive or capacity to pursue those efforts at scale.
What’s at Stake?
C-suite hires aren’t just expensive—they’re transformative. Hiring the wrong executive can derail growth, erode culture, or cost millions in lost opportunity. While contingency firms may offer a no-risk-if-no-hire approach, that risk is simply shifted to you—in the form of a rushed or incomplete process.
If the role is truly mission-critical, it deserves a retained partner who can guarantee alignment, depth, and discretion.
To better understand the structural and financial trade-offs between the
two models, explore our detailed comparison:
👉 Retained Search vs. Contingency: Which Is Right for Your Executive Hire?
