Executive Search recruitment in Melbourne.
A strong executive search market anchored by corporate HQs, super-fund boards and a healthy PE scene, Melbourne mandates often skew toward funds, infrastructure and not-for-profit leadership.
Executive Search recruiter salaries in Melbourne.
What recruiters in this vertical actually earn, by level. Commission and bonus sit on top of these bases and vary widely by desk and billings.
| Level | Base salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Consultant | $75,000 to $90,000 |
| Recruitment Manager | $110,000 to $130,000 |
Indicative base salary advertised on SEEK (full-time, June 2026), excluding super and commission. Commission and billings typically lift total earnings well above base.
These are advertised bases for in-house recruitment roles, in agency rec-to-rec, commission and desk maturity change the picture. Get in touch for an honest read on executive search desks at your level in Melbourne.
How executive search plays in Melbourne.
The top of the market, retained and contingent search for leadership, board and C-suite roles.
A strong executive search market anchored by corporate HQs, super-fund boards and a healthy PE scene, Melbourne mandates often skew toward funds, infrastructure and not-for-profit leadership.
The desks: Retained and senior contingent search firms; a smaller but high-quality pool than Sydney, with tight networks.
What drives hiring: Leadership transitions, PE/VC portfolio build-outs, transformation mandates and succession planning.
Which executive search desk fits you?.
Retained executive search, contingent senior appointments, board & NED, and interim executive desks, low volume, high value, research-intensive.
What a strong biller looks like here: Recruiters with gravitas, rigorous research, and the patience for long, retained mandates where one placement can make a year.
- Retained search consultant
- Board & NED recruiter
- Interim executive recruiter
- PE/portfolio talent partner
A rec-to-rec that actually knows the executive search desk.
We're the 3× NSW Rec2Rec Agency of the Year. We'll tell you which Melbourne executive search desks are warm, which comp plans pay out, and which to avoid, for your level.
Executive Search recruitment in Melbourne, explained.
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A straight read on the Melbourne executive search market.
Fifteen minutes. We'll tell you what your level really pays, which desks are worth it, and which to swerve.