Considering An Executive Search Firm?
At SkyWater Search Partners, we are the largest executive search firm based in Minnesota, with offices in the Minneapolis metro and search reach across Chicago and national markets. Below are answers to the most common questions companies and candidates ask about executive search.
An executive search firm helps companies identify, attract, assess, and hire senior-level leaders. Unlike traditional recruiting or job board posting, executive search firms proactively approach qualified, often passive candidates who are not actively applying to jobs.
At SkyWater Search Partners, our executive recruiters specialize by practice area, allowing us to deeply understand the functional and industry nuances of each leadership search. We partner closely with clients throughout the entire process, from defining the ideal candidate profile to offer negotiation and onboarding support.
Executive search is particularly valuable for C-suite, VP, and other critical leadership roles where the cost of a mis-hire is significant.
Companies searching for a top executive search firm in Minnesota typically look for scale, specialization, and a strong track record in the local market.
SkyWater Search Partners is the largest executive search firm headquartered in Minnesota, serving the Minneapolis–St. Paul Metro and companies across the state. Our firm has completed thousands of searches for middle-market, private equity-backed, and growth-oriented organizations.
Because we are locally rooted but nationally connected, clients benefit from both strong regional networks and broad candidate reach.
Top executive recruiters in Minneapolis combine deep local market knowledge with national search capabilities.
SkyWater’s Minneapolis-based executive recruiters specialize in areas such as:
- Finance and Accounting
- Human Resources
- Sales and Marketing
- Operations
- Supply Chain
- Technology
- C-suite leadership
Our practice-specific approach ensures clients work with recruiters who understand the function, compensation benchmarks, and talent landscape for each role.
Yes. In addition to serving Minnesota and the Minneapolis metro, SkyWater Search Partners conducts executive searches in Chicago and across the Midwest.
Many of our clients have operations in both Minnesota and Illinois, and we regularly recruit senior leaders in Chicago, including CFOs, CHROs, VPs of Sales, and operational executives.
We also complete national executive searches when a broader geographic reach is required.
While each search is customized, the typical executive search process includes:
- Discovery & Role Definition – Aligning on leadership profile, competencies, culture fit, and success metrics.
- Market Mapping & Research – Identifying target companies and passive candidates.
- Outreach & Assessment – Conducting structured interviews and evaluations.
- Client Interviews & Feedback – Coordinating interviews and refining the candidate slate.
- Offer Negotiation & Close – Supporting compensation discussions and acceptance.
- Onboarding Follow-Up – Ensuring long-term placement success.
A retained executive search firm like SkyWater provides structured, proactive outreach rather than waiting for applicants.
In a retained search, the client engages the executive search firm exclusively and pays a portion of the fee upfront. This model is typically used for senior leadership roles, confidential searches, and highly specialized positions.
In a contingent search, the recruiter is only paid upon successful placement and may compete with other firms.
For C-suite and critical VP-level hires, retained executive search provides:
- Dedicated research resources
- Broader market mapping
- Greater confidentiality
- Higher alignment between the firm and the client
SkyWater conducts retained, contingent, and engaged searches depending on the client’s needs. Read our article on how to choose which contract is best for you.
Most executive searches take between 6 and 10 weeks from kickoff to offer acceptance, depending on:
- Role complexity
- Market availability
- Geographic scope
- Decision-making timelines
Because executive search firms proactively approach passive candidates, the timeline includes outreach and relationship building in addition to screening and interviews.
There is no charge to the candidate. Executive search firms are paid by the employer, who is asking the recruiter for help sourcing candidates for the open role.
Executive search fees are typically structured as a percentage of the hired executive’s first-year total compensation.
For retained searches, the fee is usually divided into installments across the engagement. For contingent searches, the fee is paid upon successful placement.
The investment reflects:
- Research and market mapping
- Candidate outreach and vetting
- Interview coordination
- Compensation benchmarking
- Offer negotiation support
Companies hiring senior leadership often view executive search as a strategic investment due to the financial and cultural impact of executive hires.
Posting a job primarily attracts active candidates. Executive search firms proactively recruit passive leaders who are not browsing job boards.
Benefits of working with an executive search firm include:
- Access to passive talent
- Confidential outreach
- Market compensation insight
- Structured candidate evaluation
- Reduced internal time burden
For competitive markets like Minneapolis and Chicago, proactive recruitment significantly expands the talent pool.
SkyWater works across a range of industries, with particular strength in:
- Middle-market companies
- Private equity-backed organizations
- Growth-stage businesses
- Professional services
- Manufacturing and distribution
- Technology and SaaS
- Healthcare and life sciences
Our recruiters align by functional practice area while maintaining industry expertise within each market segment.
Yes. SkyWater has a strong finance and accounting executive search practice.
We regularly conduct searches for:
- Chief Financial Officers (CFO)
- VP of Finance
- Controllers
- FP&A leaders
- Private equity portfolio finance executives
Companies seeking a finance executive recruiter in Minnesota or Chicago often turn to our team for market insight and access to experienced financial leaders.
Yes. Many of our clients are private equity-backed or investor-supported organizations.
Executive hiring in private equity environments requires speed, precision, and alignment with growth strategies. Our executive search team understands the urgency and performance expectations associated with PE portfolio companies.
Our executive recruiters use a combination of:
- Direct market mapping
- Industry network referrals
- Targeted outreach
- Research databases
- Long-standing candidate relationships
Because executive search firms focus on proactive sourcing, we identify high-performing leaders who may not be actively exploring new roles.
Several factors differentiate SkyWater Search Partners:
- Largest executive search firm headquartered in Minnesota
- Practice-area specialization
- Deep middle-market expertise
- Strong private equity relationships
- Balance of local market presence and national reach
We combine the accessibility of a regional firm with the capabilities typically associated with national executive search firms.
Companies interested in engaging SkyWater for an executive search can begin with a confidential consultation. During this conversation, we discuss:
- Role scope and expectations
- Compensation benchmarks
- Market conditions
- Search model recommendations
From there, we develop a customized search strategy aligned with your organization’s goals.
You can contact our Minneapolis office or connect with one of our executive recruiters directly to begin the process.
