Retained search is a recruitment strategy where a company partners with a search firm or executive recruiter on an exclusive basis to find top talent for a specific role. The recruiter is paid a retainer fee, typically a percentage of the candidate's first-year compensation, to conduct a thorough search and present qualified candidates.It's different from contingency search, where the recruiter is paid only if a candidate is successfully hired.

This approach allows companies to tap into the expertise of seasoned recruiters who have access to a vast network of professionals, including those who may not be actively job-seeking. Retained search is particularly effective for senior-level positions, specialized roles, or high-stakes hiring situations where finding the right candidate is critical to the company's success.