Salaries and Costs
Executive search in Cardiff usually runs on a staged retainer, A common model is one third on assignment, one third on shortlist, one third on completion, Permanent recruitment agencies often quote 15% to 25% of basic salary, higher for scarce skills, Temp agencies build a charge rate that covers pay rates, holiday pay, NI, and their margin, For day work you might see senior interim rates from £350 to £800, with C suite interims higher, Clear talk on recruitment fees and agency costs helps local employers budget, and gives candidates a fair view of salaries and progression.
Key Sectors and Employers In The City
Cardiff’s economy blends public sector, healthcare, universities, finance, tech, media, and logistics, Recruiters cover corporate offices near the city centre and Cardiff Bay, with strong professional services around Callaghan Square and Cathedral Road, Creative and broadcast roles cluster near Central Square, while tech meetups and startups gather around shared workspaces in the city, Manufacturing and distribution sit on business parks to the east and west, This mix gives staffing agencies a broad brief, from graduate intakes to senior hires.
Regional Or Geographic Variations
Commuter links from the Valleys add depth to the candidate pool, The M4 corridor draws in talent from Newport and Bridgend, Cardiff Gate Business Park and Capital Business Park host employers needing contract work and temps, Retail and hospitality spike around the city centre, Canton, and Cardiff Bay, Recruiters know how travel time, parking, and train timetables affect acceptance rates, Local knowledge helps recruitment consultants plan interview slots and reduce dropouts.
Hiring Challenges
Senior appointments often hinge on relocation and spouse work options, Agencies with headhunting reach can source passive candidates who are not on job boards, Scarcity bites for data, software, finance change, compliance, and specialist clinical roles, Employers value shortlists that mix local contenders with candidates from nearby hubs, Retention improves when recruiters brief on culture, flexibility, and progression, not just pay, Employment firms that manage expectations early tend to reduce fall through.
Contract And Temp Work
Cardiff businesses lean on temporary, permanent, and contract work to handle peaks, Customer operations and events use short term cover at £13 to £20 per hour for experienced staff, Professional contractors in tech or projects are often on inside or outside IR35 terms, Agencies give clarity on timesheets, pay cycles, and extension plans, Jobseekers benefit from temp roles that convert to permanent once budgets firm up.
Qualifications And Checks
Executive search will test leadership record and references, Regulated settings may require DBS checks, Right to work checks apply to all hires, Finance roles may need professional membership, Social care and education will ask for training records and safeguarding, Food operators expect current food hygiene, Construction related posts may require CSCS and plant tickets, Recruiters brief early so candidates arrive interview ready.
Roles And Career Paths
Headhunting teams work on C suite and director roles across operations, finance, technology, HR, sales, and marketing, Growth companies add heads in product, data, and partnerships, Public bodies look for programme leads and commercial managers, Agencies track feeder roles and rising managers, Jobseekers can step from supervisor to department lead, then into multi site or regional posts, Recruiters advise on gaps to close such as certifications or line management scope.
Hard To Fill Positions
Data engineers, software leads, cyber specialists, and compliance managers remain tight, Senior clinicians and service managers are sought by healthcare providers, Finance transformation, procurement, and supply chain leadership can be slow to appoint, Executive search widens the map beyond active applicants, Recruiters engage passive talent with discreet calls, salary mapping, and a clear brief, Employers who share interview availability and decision timelines gain an edge.
Market Snapshots
Cardiff’s labour market stays busy across public and private sectors, Demand for bilingual Welsh and English speakers crops up in customer contact and community roles, Peak hiring for retail and events lands around summer and winter seasons, Project work tracks with infrastructure spend and office moves, Recruiters help businesses plan workforce cover around university terms and holiday periods, Jobseekers who register early tend to land interviews before adverts appear.
Quick Facts And FAQs
Do recruitment agencies in Cardiff cover both retained headhunting and contingency hiring
Yes, many firms offer retained executive search for senior roles and contingency for mid level posts, with clear terms for each model.
Can local employers ask agencies to map pay rates before opening a role
Yes, salary benchmarking and pay rates insight are standard, and help set budgets that will land interviews.
How do candidates register with an agency in Cardiff
Send a CV, share notice period and target pay, then book a call with a consultant, Registration keeps you front of mind for temporary, permanent, and contract work.
What sectors are busiest for headhunted roles right now
Leadership hires in tech, finance, healthcare, education services, and operations remain steady, with spikes when new budgets are approved.
Can recruitment consultants help with retention
Yes, better briefing on culture, flexibility, and development reduces early leavers, Agencies can advise on onboarding and first three month checkpoints.