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Confidential executive search and headhunting for senior and C-level roles
Executive recruitment is a specialist direct-hire service for senior and C-level positions where leadership quality has a direct impact on organisational performance. At Undutchables, executive roles are typically defined as positions with a full-time gross annual salary of €80,000 or higher, including holiday allowance.
As an executive recruitment agency in the Netherlands, Undutchables supports organisations with targeted executive search, confidential headhunting and bespoke assessment. We act as your strategic search partner, managing the full executive recruitment process while you remain the legal employer.
Our approach is consultative, discreet and tailored to your organisation, sector and international ambitions.
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What Is Executive Recruitment?
Executive recruitment is a specialised form of recruitment focused on identifying, assessing and securing senior leaders and C-level executives. Unlike standard recruitment, executive search requires a targeted, research-driven approach to reach highly qualified leaders who are often not actively seeking new roles.
Undutchables runs a full executive search and recruitment process on your behalf, from market mapping and headhunting to in-depth assessment and offer negotiation. This service is designed for organisations that require leadership talent with proven impact, strategic vision and international capability.
Who Is Executive Recruitment For?
Executive recruitment is suited to organisations seeking:
- Senior management or C-level hires
- Strategic leaders for growing or international operations
- Executives whose decisions materially affect business outcomes
- A confidential and consultative executive search process
- Bespoke assessment, targeted headhunting and market intelligence
We work with clients who value discretion, quality and depth over volume and who require a premium executive recruitment solution.
How Our Executive Recruitment Process Works
Our executive search process follows six carefully structured stages to ensure quality, confidentiality and alignment.
1. Discovery And Executive Brief
We start with an on-site or virtual briefing to build a detailed understanding of:
- Business context and long-term vision
- Role responsibilities and leadership expectations
- Team dynamics and organisational culture
- Success criteria and executive profile
- International, relocation or legal considerations
This phase ensures clarity on the target executive persona and search scope.
2. Search Strategy And Sourcing
Executive searches combine multiple sourcing techniques, including:
- Targeted headhunting and senior-level networking
- Market mapping to identify passive and competitor talent
- Direct outreach and selective marketing where appropriate
We tailor the sourcing mix to the role, sector and geography. For international searches, we leverage our global reach and experience with cross-border recruitment.
3. Assessment And Vetting
Each executive candidate undergoes a rigorous assessment process, which may include:
- In-depth interviews focused on leadership style, experience and cultural fit
- Structured competency-based interviews
- Language testing, both written and spoken
- Psychometric or leadership assessments upon request
- International reference checks and career validation
Candidates are presented with a comprehensive written summary alongside their CV, providing clear, contextualised insight to support decision-making.
4. Presentation And Interviews
We present a curated shortlist of vetted executive candidates, including our recommendation and rationale. Undutchables coordinates:
- Interview scheduling and logistics
- Briefing materials for interview panels
- Candidate preparation and expectation management
We act as an intermediary to maintain confidentiality and momentum throughout the process.
5. Offer, Negotiation And Onboarding
Once a preferred candidate is selected, we support:
- Offer preparation and communication
- Negotiation of terms when required
- Coordination of contractual details and pre-start checks
For international executive hires, we advise on relocation, knowledge migrant procedures, visa sponsorship feasibility and practical onboarding considerations.
6. Follow-Up And Quality Assurance
After placement, we remain involved to support a smooth start and confirm that expectations are met. Where agreed, we conduct structured follow-ups or evaluations. Our quality assurance is tailored to each executive role and client requirement.
What You Receive From Undutchables
You receive a premium and transparent executive recruitment service, including:
- A tailored executive search strategy and market map
- A shortlist of thoroughly vetted executive profiles with interview summaries
- Interview coordination and candidate briefing materials
- Offer support and onboarding coordination
- Audit-proof documentation of the recruitment process
Commercial Terms (Indicative)
Executive recruitment typically includes:
- Fee basis: a percentage of the full-time gross annual salary, including holiday allowance and fixed bonuses
- Salary threshold: roles with a base salary of €80,000 or higher
- Retainer structure: commonly applied for executive searches
- Guarantee: a limited guarantee, defined per engagement
- No cure, no pay: often applied, with executive-specific contractual amendments
All commercial terms are confirmed in a fee letter and the applicable general terms before the search begins.
International Executive Recruitment And Relocation
Undutchables has extensive experience in international executive recruitment. We support clients with:
- Relocation considerations
- Knowledge migrant and visa procedures
- Cross-border compensation structures
- International reference checks and cultural fit assessment
This international capability is a core part of our executive value proposition.
Why Clients Choose Undutchables For Executive Recruitment
Clients partner with Undutchables because we offer:
- A deep international executive network and proven track record
- A consultative, relationship-driven approach
- Bespoke assessment and quality assurance for senior roles
- Flexibility across direct hire, international and hybrid solutions
Our executive search services combine discretion, market insight and execution strength.
Next Steps
Share your executive role profile, preferred timeline and any specific requirements. We will prepare a fee letter and executive search plan, including retainer and guarantee terms. Once agreed, we begin the market approach, headhunting and assessment phase.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Executive Recruitment
What qualifies as an executive-level position?
An executive-level position typically involves senior leadership responsibility with strategic decision-making authority. At Undutchables, executive roles usually have a full-time gross annual salary of €80,000 or higher and include C-level, director and senior management positions.
What is the difference between executive search and executive recruitment?
Executive search is a targeted, headhunting-driven approach focused on passive senior talent. Executive recruitment combines this approach with structured assessment, market mapping and full process support. At Undutchables, executive recruitment always includes executive search techniques.
How long does an executive recruitment process usually take?
Timelines vary by role, market and seniority, but most executive searches take several weeks from briefing to shortlist. International or highly specialised roles may require additional time for sourcing, assessments and relocation considerations.
Do you support international executive hires and relocation?
Yes. Undutchables has extensive experience with international executive recruitment, including relocation support, knowledge migrant procedures, visa sponsorship feasibility and cross-border reference checks.
Is executive recruitment confidential?
Absolutely. Executive searches are handled with strict confidentiality for both clients and candidates. We manage communication, outreach and interviews discreetly to protect all parties involved.
