When my previouse employer called me in 2018 and introduced themselves as Executive Search, I opened Google.
I think that even many HRDs who are involved in recruitment in one way or another do not fully understand how classic ES is different from staffing or recruiting agencies.
We are often lumped together in tenders and compared like apples to pears.
You definitely need an ES consultant if there is a search request:
1. a candidate at the CEO or CEO -1 (sometimes -2) level
2. your search is confidential
3. you may need an expat
4. your search is complicated, the candidate is not "hanging" on
HH.ru5. you do not have time to look through dozens of resumes from public sources. Ideally you will get a short list from ES
6. add anything you like to this list
Now, the best part about classic ES is:
1. 30% of the candidate's first year's annual gross gross income.
2. payment of the 1st part (about 30% of the project cost) immediately after project confirmation (0 days). This is a commitment for both parties. Because in a serious business - serious decisions, rather than "go there, I do not know where ..."
3. it's a work based on exclusivity (see p.2).
4. free replacement during the warranty period (6-12 months).
All the rest is the work not ES company. Accordingly, and the result is appropriate.