Direct Hire · Contingency

Contingency Recruiting. You Pay on Results.

You pay a placement fee only when a hire is made. A $1,500 kill fee applies if you cancel an active search after 30 or more days of recruiting activity.

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What's Included in Every Search
Dedicated intake call with hiring manager
Active sourcing via LinkedIn Recruiter + network
Phone/video screening of all candidates
Written candidate summary with each submission
Interview scheduling and candidate prep
Offer advisory and compensation benchmarking
30/60/90-day post-placement follow-up
How It Works
Our 7-Step Search Process
1

Intake & Role Brief

We conduct a deep-dive call to understand the role requirements, team dynamics, compensation range, and what success looks like at 90 days.

2

Targeted Sourcing

We actively source passive and active candidates via LinkedIn Recruiter, Boolean search, referrals, and our professional network — targeting fit, not just availability.

3

Screening & Qualification

Every candidate is phone or video screened for qualifications, compensation alignment, culture fit, and genuine interest before they reach you.

4

Candidate Presentation

You receive 3–5 fully vetted candidates with written summaries covering experience, compensation expectations, motivation, and our assessment of fit.

5

Interview Coordination

We schedule interviews, prep candidates, and provide interview guides if needed — keeping momentum moving on both sides.

6

Offer & Close

We advise on offer construction, compensation benchmarking, and closing strategy to maximize your acceptance rate and avoid last-minute surprises.

7

Post-Placement Support

We check in with you and the placed candidate at 30, 60, and 90 days. Our 60-day replacement guarantee provides a safety net if things don't work out.

Transparent Pricing
Our Fee Structure

Our fee is agreed in writing before any search begins. No renegotiation after the hire, no hidden charges. Our rates run 30–50% below the national agency average.

Role CategorySaguaro RateTypical Market RateCalculation BasisNotes
Exempt Professional (Standard)10%15–20%First-year base salaryMost Common
Specialized / Niche Role12%20–25%First-year base salaryTechnical, licensed, or low-supply roles
Senior / Hard-to-Fill15%25–30%First-year base salaryDirector-level and above
Exclusive Search Engagement10%15–20%First-year base salaryBest Rate Client pauses other recruiting
Example Salary
$85,000
× Fee Rate
12%
= Placement Fee
$10,200

Fee is calculated on base salary only. Variable compensation (bonuses, commissions, equity) excluded unless separately agreed. Payment due Net 15 from candidate start date.

Our Guarantee
60-Day Replacement Policy

We stand behind every placement. If a candidate we place voluntarily leaves or is terminated for cause within 60 days of their start date, we conduct one complimentary replacement search at no additional fee.

That guarantee reflects how seriously we take the quality of our submissions — and the confidence we have in our screening process.

Guarantee Conditions

Candidate voluntarily resigns or is terminated for cause within 60 calendar days of start date
Client notifies Saguaro in writing within 5 business days of separation
Invoice has been paid in full (account in good standing)
Original position remains open and client actively engages in replacement search

Guarantee does not apply to layoffs, position eliminations, or role changes initiated by the client.

What We Place
Roles & Industries
Function / DepartmentExample Roles We PlaceTypical Fee Level
Finance & AccountingController, Senior Accountant, FP&A Analyst, CFO10–12%
OperationsOperations Manager, Supply Chain Analyst, Project Manager10–12%
TechnologySoftware Engineer, IT Manager, Systems Analyst, Data Analyst12–15%
Human ResourcesHR Business Partner, Recruiting Manager, Benefits Analyst10–12%
Sales & MarketingAccount Manager, Marketing Manager, Business Development Rep10–12%
Legal & ComplianceParalegal, Compliance Analyst, Contract Manager12–15%
EngineeringProject Engineer, Quality Manager, Manufacturing Engineer12–15%

Ready to Start a Search?

Tell us about the role. We'll tell you if we're the right partner — no commitment required.

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