Retained Search

Deep partnership for critical hires.

At Amadeus Search, our Retained Search practice is designed for founders and investors building category-defining teams.

We partner on the roles that matter most — founding engineers, early product and design leaders, senior technical talent, and specialized hires who will shape the company’s culture, direction, and technical identity.

Each engagement is selective, immersive, and outcome-driven. We embed alongside the founding team to deeply understand your mission, product vision, and technical landscape — ensuring every introduction is high-signal, on-brand, and built for long-term fit.

Our Methodology

Our retained process is both analytical and human — combining market intelligence, narrative design, and direct access to exceptional talent.

1. Discovery & Positioning

We begin with a working session to capture your technical roadmap, company story, and long-term goals. 

Together we define the role’s true scope, ideal profile, and hiring narrative — the why behind the hire.

2. Market Mapping

Our team conducts focused research to identify the precise markets, teams, and companies where your future hire is likely to be found.

We use a blend of network intelligence, targeted outreach, and AI-enabled sourcing to locate talent others can’t.

3. Direct Outreach & Evaluation

We engage candidates personally and confidentially, emphasizing founder quality, mission, and impact.

Each introduction is fully vetted through structured interviews and references, ensuring technical alignment and cultural compatibility.

4. Calibration & Shortlist

You receive a refined, data-informed shortlist — typically within 3–4 weeks — along with feedback on market trends, compensation benchmarks, and candidate sentiment.

5. Offer & Close

We support final negotiation, compensation design, and offer management to ensure a strong close and seamless start.

6. Post-Hire Advisory

After placement, we continue advising on onboarding, role integration, and future team scaling.

When to Choose Retained Search

Retained engagements are ideal for:

• Foundational or confidential hires that define company direction
  
  

• Roles requiring storytelling and founder positioning to attract elite talent
  
  

• Searches where precision and dedicated partnership are essential
  
  

• High-impact early hires that demand deep market access and credibility
  
  

Investment

$25,000 retainer due at engagement + 25% of the candidate’s first-year base salary due on their first day of employment.

The retainer secures full search activation — including research, outreach, and positioning — while the success fee aligns with placement outcomes.

There are no hidden costs or incremental charges. Each engagement is scoped individually based on complexity and timeline.

Our Philosophy

Retained Search at Amadeus isn’t transactional — it’s strategic.

We act as your external cofounder in talent: translating your mission into market language, surfacing the people who can realize it, and ensuring every hire moves you closer to your vision.