Managing Director & CEO
Strategy, succession and overall business responsibility.
EXECUTIVE SEARCH · C-LEVEL · KEY POSITIONS
Appoint leaders.
Challenge the status quo.
Great responsibility calls for the right person. Without the consultancy theatrics.
We find leaders who move your business forward. Through targeted direct outreach, digital pre-screening and personal judgement. At an agreed fixed fee. Only on success.
High standards.Clear terms.Direct decisions.
01 / SUBSTANCE OVER STATUS
The role is exclusive.
The attitude
does not have to be.
A senior title is no reason for an opaque fee.
You need someone who takes responsibility. For growth, transformation, finance, technology or the next chapter of your business. That is what executive search should focus on.
We bring over 25 years of recruitment experience together with digital tools and direct collaboration. Technology supports research and pre-screening. Assessing people remains a personal responsibility.
Less process overhead. More clarity for your decision. Additional assessments belong in the process when they answer a specific question. Not automatically in every package.
Leadership shows in responsibility.
02 / WHEN THE APPOINTMENT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
For people
who bring more than
a title to the role.
Mid-sized businesses, growth or succession: we shape the search around your business challenge. These are some of the roles we can focus on.
Finance & CFO
Financial management, funding and commercial leadership.
Operations & COO
Operational excellence, production and scalable structures.
Technology & CTO / CIO
Technology, digital transformation and technical leadership.
People, Sales & Divisional Leadership
Developing teams, opening markets and leading key business areas.
03 / HIGH STANDARDS. CLEAR PRICING.
Your search.
Our commitment.
One fixed fee.
15%
An upper limit. Not a flat commission rate.
Agreed before we start. Transparent and predictable, including executive and C-level roles.
No advance payment. No retainer. The placement fee is payable on successful appointment under the agreed terms.
If the employment relationship ends within the first three months, the agreed replacement clause applies without a further placement fee.
| Gross annual salary | Fixed fee per appointment |
|---|---|
| Over €85,000 up to €105,000 | €12,750* |
| Over €105,000 up to €150,000 | €15,750 |
| Over €150,000 | Individual fixed quote · maximum 15% |
*The cap of 15% of the agreed gross annual salary always applies. If a salary-band fee would exceed it, the fee is capped accordingly. All fees exclude applicable VAT. The salary basis, scope, success criteria and replacement terms are agreed contractually before engagement.
View all salary bands & cost comparison ↗04 / CLARITY CREATES MOMENTUM
Search precisely.
Assess personally.
Appoint decisively.
No unnecessary process loops.
We clarify decision criteria early and keep communication direct. We agree the timeline around the role, market and your availability. A blanket promise on time to hire would not be credible.
Understand the brief.
Clarify business objectives, leadership responsibilities, culture, salary band and decision-makers. Turn these into a specific search profile.
Approach selectively.
Explore relevant markets and networks, contact suitable people discreetly and understand their motivation to move.
Assess substance.
Combine digital pre-screening with structured personal interviews: leadership experience, concrete results, motivation and expectations.
Enable a decision.
Present a reasoned shortlist, make open questions transparent and support interviews, alignment and the contract stage.
05 / STRAIGHT ANSWERS ABOUT YOUR SEARCH
Good questions.
Direct answers.
How confidential is the search?
During the briefing, we agree which information can be disclosed, when and to whom. For succession or a position that is still occupied, we coordinate the approach closely with you.
Does executive search really work on a success basis?
Yes. We agree a fixed fee by salary band, without an advance payment or retainer. The cap is 15% of the agreed gross annual salary. Specific contractual terms are settled before the search starts.
Does SEARCH4 compromise on thorough selection?
No. Experience, professional expertise and leadership capability remain essential. We assess these against the role in structured personal interviews. Additional assessments are agreed as needed; a test does not replace personal judgement.
Is the search limited to the Mettmann district?
No. Our regional roots complement a wider search. We jointly define the search area, target companies and any international requirements for your assignment.
THE NEXT STEP IS A CONVERSATION.
Who does
your next chapter need?
Discuss your key position directly with Sebastian Niehaus. Confidentially, specifically and with a clear view of the role, market and fee.
Sebastian Niehaus · Founder & Managing Director
Over 25 years of recruitment experience.