Getting top-notch leaders is essential for business success in Singapore, where there is a lot of competition for talent. As the country becomes more and more of a financial, technological and trade center in Southeast Asia, the competition among businesses for great leaders has become much fiercer. In this situation, executive search firms that have a global view and strong local execution skills have become important partners for companies that want to get past talent bottlenecks.
Headhunting, also called executive search, is the process of finding, evaluating and hiring outstanding executives for mid-level, senior-level and C-suite positions. These companies are more than just regular recruitment agencies; they are strategic advisors who make sure that candidates’ expectations match the values of the employer’s brand and the company’s long-term goals. The Ministry of Manpower in Singapore has made hiring more complicated by enforcing frameworks like COMPASS and new Employment Pass benchmarks. Such an environment makes expert search partners even more important.
This list shows five of the best executive search firms in Singapore. They were chosen based on their reputation in the market, their specialization in a certain industry, their global reach and their ability to find transformational leaders.
How we selected the top executive search firms
We compiled this list using crucial information for executive search in Singapore. Companies were judged on how well-known and established they were in the Singapore market, how much industry knowledge they had in important areas (like finance, technology and life sciences), how well they could search across borders, how well they had placed senior-level employees and how well they had been recognized by industry sources. This is not an official ranking; it’s a carefully chosen list to help companies choose the best leadership talent partners.
List of top 5 executive search firms in Singapore
- Monroe Consulting Group
- PeopleSearch
- CGT Partners (Member of IIC Partners)
- Randstad Singapore
- Huddleston Jones (Part of Hanover Search Group)
Closer look at each executive search firm
1. Monroe Consulting Group
Monroe Consulting Group is an executive search company that has won awards all over the world and always works at the highest level of professionalism. The company started in 1998 and is based in Singapore. It now has about 278 employees and makes more than $20 million a year. The company has offices all over Asia and is present in 19 countries around the world. It calls itself “big enough to deliver and small enough to care.”
Key services offered
- Finding executives and headhunting for high-level jobs
- Custom hiring services that charge a success fee or a retainer fee
- Searching a database and finding the right candidates
- Hiring specialists in new markets and growing industries
Ideal client type
Multinational corporations and high-growth companies operating across Asia that require a partner with both regional reach and personalized attention. Organizations seeking leaders in emerging markets, where local expertise is critical, find our services particularly suitable.
Notable strengths or differentiators
- Award-winning excellence: Recognized for its dedication to quality, professionalism and making customers happy.
- Values-driven approach: The company’s brand is based on honesty, integrity, innovation, teamwork and responsibility.
- Balanced scale: A global network of 19 countries and a personalized approach that makes sure each client gets the attention they need.
- Mission with a purpose: Dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives while providing clients around the world with top-notch talent.
Contact information
Official website: www.monroeconsulting.com
2. PeopleSearch
PeopleSearch is a regional executive search and talent acquisition firm that has a stellar reputation for helping people advance their careers and giving businesses the tools they need to succeed. The company was founded in 2000 and is based in Singapore. It has about 470 employees and makes more than USD 125 million a year. PeopleSearch is a brand of SGX-listed HRnetGroup Limited. It has a strong corporate structure and resources, but it still focuses on executive search.
Key services offered
- Executive search for jobs at the mid- and senior levels
- Solutions for hiring and managing people
- Custom search strategies made to fit each client’s needs
- Regional services in important Asian markets
Ideal client type
Companies in Asia are looking for senior leaders, especially those who need people with a lot of industry knowledge and a consultative approach. The company works with clients in six major Asian cities: Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Taipei, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Notable strengths or differentiators
- Regional footprint: Well-established offices in major Asian cities make it possible to provide services in-country or regionally.
- Over 20 years of experience: We’ve been providing human capital solutions that help businesses succeed for more than 20 years.
- Company backing: Part of HRnetGroup Limited, which gives the company financial stability and excellent corporate governance.
- Commitment to alignment: This means making sure that candidates and organizations work together to reach their goals.
Contact information
Official website: www.peoplesearch.com.sg
3. CGT Partners (a member of IIC Partners)
CGT Partners is a leadership advisory and executive search firm based in Singapore. It just joined IIC Partners, one of the best companies in the world at providing these services. Announced in January 2026, this planned expansion significantly enhances the IIC Partners’ skills and resources in the Asia Pacific region. CGT Partners was started by partners from different fields who had worked at a high level in Asia, Europe and Africa for decades.
Key services offered
- Consulting on governance and board advisory
- Executive search for leaders who can make a difference
- Training and testing for leadership
- Leadership solutions across borders
Ideal client type
Founders, boards and CEOs aim to establish high-performing leadership teams that can effectively navigate the intricacies of emerging markets. We are especially well-suited for organizations that demand a sophisticated, data-driven strategy for identifying leadership.
Notable strengths or differentiators
- Elite global network: IIC Partners has 40 offices around the world where you can meet top executive search professionals.
- Multi-disciplinary leadership team: Partners come from a wide range of fields, including corporate law, human resources and top-tier global consulting firms like KPMG, Linklaters and Economist Intelligence Unit.
- High-touch approach: Known for providing customized solutions based on data that lead to long-term growth.
- Emerging markets expertise: They are experts at finding leaders who can do well in complicated, fast-growing Asian markets.
Contact information
Official website: www.iicpartners.com
4. Randstad Singapore
Randstad Singapore is still one of the most trusted and successful recruitment and executive search firms in the country. It is known for being able to handle hiring at the enterprise level and meet the specific talent needs of different industries. The company has built a strong reputation by 2026 by providing a complete talent solution based on digital innovation, real-time insights and a deep understanding of Singapore’s job market. The company has a 92% success rate for placing professionals in jobs and it takes an average of three weeks to hire someone for a mid-level job.
Key services offered
- Executive search for C-suite and other high-level positions
- Outsourcing the hiring process (RPO)
- Hiring for both permanent and temporary jobs
- Consulting on the workforce and market research
- Annual guides for salary benchmarking
Ideal client type
Large enterprises and multinational corporations require structured, scalable executive search solutions with strong RPO capabilities. These solutions are particularly effective in sectors such as digital technology, engineering, life sciences and finance.
Notable strengths or differentiators
- Integrating technology: Private platforms like “Workmonitor 2026” and the annual Salary Guide give hiring managers information about the future and compare salaries in the market.
- RPO leadership: A highly structured outsourcing model lets businesses completely outsource hiring, from screening to onboarding.
- AI-enhanced candidate matching: A mobile app that uses AI to match job seekers with jobs and lets recruiters and candidates talk to each other in real time.
- Post-placement care: Strong follow-up processes that make sure the new hire fits in with the company’s culture.
Contact information
Official website: www.randstad.com.sg
5. Huddleston Jones (Part of Hanover Search Group)
Huddleston Jones, which started in Singapore in 2013, is now part of Hanover Search Group as of January 2026. The same dedicated team is now able to work on a larger scale around the world. The company specializes in banking and financial services and offers highly focused recruitment and executive search services in Singapore, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates. They work with clients in Asia, the Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Key services offered
- Finding executives for banks and other financial services
- High-focus hiring for specialized jobs
- Finding talent across borders
- Working together with hiring managers and HR in a strategic way
Ideal client type
Financial institutions, private banks and wealth management firms are seeking discreet, high-quality executive searches that provide access to passive candidates not accessible through mainstream channels.
Notable strengths or differentiators
- Banking specialization: A deep focus on financial services lets you understand the needs of the industry and how talent works in it.
- Selective client model: Works with fewer clients so that you can give them your full attention and meet high delivery standards.
- Better access to candidates: Opens up options for finding candidates from a wider range of sources than the off-limits restrictions that most international recruitment firms have.
- Strategic partnership approach: Focus on responsibility and delivery instead of market share, which will help build stronger relationships with important stakeholders.
Contact information
Official website: www.huddlestonjones.com
How to choose the right executive search firm in Singapore
First, think about what kind of leadership you need and what the industry is like. Different companies have different strengths in their fields. For example, Huddleston Jones is great at banking and financial services, while Randstad is great at technology, engineering and life sciences. CGT Partners works mostly with new markets and complicated regional roles.
Second, look at the range of areas and the depth of the network. If you’re looking in more than one Asian market, companies like PeopleSearch (in six Asian cities) or Monroe Consulting Group (in 19 countries) that already have a strong presence in the region can help you a lot. CGT Partners’ IIC membership gives you access to 40 global offices for cross-border searches in Europe or the Americas.
Third, think about the size of the firm and how it works with clients. Big companies like Randstad offer structured, scalable solutions that can handle RPO. Huddleston Jones and other boutique specialists offer very personalized service by only working with a small number of clients. Find out which model fits with the culture and needs of your business.
Fourth, check the track record and the way things are done. Find companies that have successfully placed leaders in jobs like yours before. Ask for case studies, client references and a clear explanation of how they do their assessments. Monroe Consulting Group has won awards and PeopleSearch has been in business for 20 years, so you can trust them.
Fifth, look at how well the cultures fit together and how useful the advice is. Executive search is a strategic partnership. Make sure that the consultants at the firm really understand your industry, culture and how leaders work together. The most reputable companies serve as trusted advisors, encouraging individuals to think creatively and providing them with comprehensive market information that extends beyond mere candidate identification.
Singapore’s executive search market has some of the best options in the world for companies looking for leaders who can change things. With a balanced global scale and personalized service, Monroe Consulting Group offers award-winning excellence. PeopleSearch delivers deep regional expertise across Asia with the backing of a listed group. Through IIC Partners, CGT Partners gives you access to an elite global network and leadership in many fields. Randstad Singapore has strong RPO capabilities and market intelligence and its solutions are scalable using technology. Huddleston Jones has a lot of experience in banking and can easily find passive candidates.
Your business’s industry, location, your position and your preferred culture will determine the right partner. Before deciding, we recommend talking to the firms on your shortlist to see how well they understand your business and how well their consultants get along with your leadership team.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the difference between executive search and general recruitment?
Headhunting, or executive search, is a type of job search that focuses on senior-level and C-suite positions where candidates are not actively looking for work. These companies find and hire passive talent by doing targeted research, building relationships and keeping things private. General recruitment usually fills mid-level to junior positions by posting jobs on job boards and advertising them. Executive search firms also give strategic advice on how to lead, market trends and how to compare salaries.
2. How much do executive search services cost in Singapore?
Most of the time, executive search firms work on a retained fee basis, which means they charge between 25% and 33% of the placed candidate’s first-year salary, with a minimum fee floor. Some companies, like Monroe Consulting Group, let you choose between success-based or retained models. Because of the high level of responsibility that comes with these jobs, executive search is a big investment, but it lowers the risk and cost of hiring a leader who doesn’t work out.
3. How do I know if an executive search firm is reliable?
Reliability indicators include a long history of success (like PeopleSearch’s 20 years), awards from the industry (like Monroe Consulting Group’s), support from a parent company (like PeopleSearch’s SGX-listed parent), membership in a global network (like CGT Partners’ IIC affiliation) and clear methods. Client testimonials, case studies and talking to references in the same field are all excellent ways to get proof.
4. Are executive search firms in Singapore suitable for small and medium enterprises?
Yes, a lot of executive search firms work with small and medium-sized businesses using customized engagement models. Monroe Consulting Group focuses on a personalized approach that works well for small businesses. Some companies offer flexible payment plans or project-based work for certain leadership needs. SMEs should look for companies that have experience putting leaders in companies of the same size and at the same stage of growth.
5. What should I prepare before engaging an executive search firm?
Make a full job description that includes the job’s duties, the skills and experience needed, the leadership skills needed, the cultural fit criteria and the pay range. Please ensure that candidates, succession planning and the decision-making timeline are all clearly informed about what your organization has to offer. The clearer you are, the better the search firm can find and evaluate good candidates.
6. How long does an executive search typically take in Singapore?
The time it takes to find an executive usually falls between 8 and 16 weeks, depending on how hard the job is, how the market is doing and how available the candidates are. Randstad says that the average time to hire for professional positions is three weeks. However, searches for senior-level positions often take longer because the evaluation.
