Executive Search
in Poland
Fast Forward Solutions is a boutique executive search firm based in Warsaw and Gdańsk. We place C-level executives, Sales Directors, and senior managers for tech, SaaS, and fintech companies — in 10–14 business days to first profiles.
Why clients choose FFS
- Access to passive candidates not visible on job boards
- Specialization in SaaS, tech & fintech — not generic recruitment
- 6–12 month guarantee on executive and managerial placements
- Confidential search with full discretion throughout the process
- Boutique attention — one lead consultant, not a staffing factory
Companies we've hired for
Not all recruitment is executive search
Executive search is a proactive, research-driven methodology for recruiting senior leaders who are not actively looking for a new role. Unlike standard recruitment — where agencies post job ads and wait — executive search firms identify, approach, and engage passive candidates directly.
In Poland's competitive tech and SaaS market, the best Sales Directors, CTOs, CFOs, and Country Managers are almost never browsing job boards. They need to be identified through deep market mapping and approached with a tailored, confidential proposition.
At Fast Forward Solutions, we conduct executive search entirely in direct-search mode — no job boards, no passive wait. Every candidate in a final shortlist was proactively identified and individually approached by our team.
Executives and senior managers we place
We specialize in sales leadership, C-suite, and senior management for tech, SaaS, and fintech companies operating in Poland.
The executive search process at FFS
A transparent, structured process from the initial brief to a guaranteed placement. Every stage has clear deliverables and timelines.
Intake brief & competency profile
We conduct a deep intake session with the hiring manager to define not just the job description, but the leadership competencies, cultural fit requirements, and success metrics for the first 12 months. We also benchmark compensation against current Polish market data.
Market mapping & talent identification
Our team maps the addressable talent pool across Poland — identifying executives at competitors, adjacent companies, and international candidates open to relocation. We build a longlist of 40–80 potential candidates before any outreach begins.
Confidential headhunting & outreach
We approach candidates through personalized, confidential outreach — by phone, LinkedIn, and direct message. We position your opportunity without disclosing your identity until candidate interest is confirmed. This is where the boutique approach makes a real difference: decision-makers talk to us because we don't spam.
Competency interviews & assessment
Every candidate shortlisted undergoes a structured competency interview (60–90 min) conducted by FFS. We assess leadership track record, decision-making patterns, cultural fit, and motivation. For senior roles, we add psychometric tools and structured reference verification.
Client interviews & offer management
We coordinate the client-side interview process, provide candidate feedback, manage expectations on both sides, and support offer negotiation. Our involvement throughout prevents offers from falling through due to miscommunication or timing issues.
Onboarding support & guarantee period
After placement, we stay involved during the onboarding phase — checking in with both the client and the candidate at 30, 60, and 90 days. All executive placements include a 6–12 month guarantee: if the hired candidate leaves within the guarantee period, we repeat the search at no additional fee.
Why executive search in Poland requires a specialist
Concentrated talent hubs
Senior tech and SaaS executives in Poland are concentrated in Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Trójmiasto, and Poznań. Market mapping must cover all hubs — the best candidate for a Warsaw role may currently work in Kraków or remotely from Gdańsk.
Passive candidate market
Over 80% of qualified senior managers in Poland are not actively looking for a role at any given time. Reaching them requires proactive, personalized headhunting — not job postings. This is the defining characteristic of executive search vs. standard recruitment.
International competition for talent
Poland's senior executives are increasingly targeted by German, Dutch, and UK companies offering remote-first roles. Polish executive search firms must now compete not just locally but regionally when attracting and retaining top leadership talent.
SaaS & tech growth driving demand
Poland's SaaS and tech sector has grown significantly over the last five years, with companies like Allegro, CD Projekt, LiveChat, and hundreds of mid-market SaaS firms scaling rapidly. Demand for VP-level and C-suite talent significantly outpaces supply in these segments.
Numbers that demonstrate our results
We share our metrics openly — because transparency is part of what makes a recruitment partner trustworthy.
What companies say about working with FFS
"In just one month they helped us build a strong sales department in Poland. Their professionalism, speed and efficiency are invaluable. We highly recommend FFS to any company looking for recruitment support."
"Tomek proved to be an invaluable support at every stage. His profound knowledge of the IT industry and extensive experience in recruiting for managerial and C-level positions made the entire process smooth and efficient."
"Tom is an exceptional recruiter who truly understands how to match candidates with the right opportunities. His expertise and dedication were invaluable. His commitment to finding the right person is unparalleled."
Transparent pricing for every engagement model
No hidden fees. All pricing is discussed upfront, with clear deliverables and timelines for each service.
Executive Search
Full-cycle executive search for C-level, VP, and senior director roles. Includes market mapping, headhunting, competency interviews, and offer management.
- Proactive headhunting — no job boards
- Competency interviews with each candidate
- 6–12 month replacement guarantee
- Confidential process available
- First profiles in 10–14 business days
Direct Search
Direct headhunting for senior management roles. Shorter engagement, same proactive approach — best suited for defined roles with clear candidate profiles.
- Direct outreach to passive candidates
- Structured candidate evaluation
- 6 month replacement guarantee
- Faster turnaround for well-scoped roles
- Suitable for managers and specialists
Shortlist
A fixed-fee model for companies that want a fast, defined deliverable — 5 or 10 pre-screened candidates delivered within 10 business days.
- 5 candidates — from 6,500 PLN net
- 10 candidates — from 10,000 PLN net
- Delivery within 10 business days
- Screening criteria agreed upfront
- Ideal for mid-management roles
Boutique executive search vs. large agencies
| Criterion | Fast Forward Solutions | Large multinational agencies | Generic job boards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach to candidates | Proactive headhunting only | Mixed — job ads + headhunting | Passive — candidates apply |
| SaaS & tech specialization | Deep — SaaS, tech, fintech only | Generalist with vertical teams | No specialization |
| Time to first profiles | 10–14 business days | 3–6 weeks typical | Depends on applications |
| Replacement guarantee | 6–12 months | 3–6 months typical | None |
| Dedicated lead consultant | Yes — one contact for the full mandate | Multiple team members | No consultant |
| Confidential search option | Yes — standard offering | Yes, usually at extra cost | Not possible |
| Access to passive candidates | 100,000+ proprietary database | Large databases, global reach | Active job seekers only |
Executive search in Poland — common questions
What is executive search in Poland and how does it differ from standard recruitment?
Executive search in Poland is a proactive, research-driven method for recruiting senior executives and key managers — people who are not actively looking for a new role. Unlike standard recruitment, executive search firms don't post job ads. Instead, they identify qualified candidates through market research, build a longlist, and approach each person individually with a confidential, tailored proposition. In Poland's tech and SaaS market, the most capable executives are almost never looking at job boards — they must be found and engaged directly.
How much does executive search cost in Poland?
Executive search fees in Poland typically range from 17% to 25% of the placed candidate's annual gross salary. At Fast Forward Solutions, Executive Search is priced at 17–25% and Direct Search at 16–22%. The Shortlist model starts from 6,500 PLN net (5 candidates) or 10,000 PLN net (10 candidates). All mandates include a 6–12 month replacement guarantee for executive and managerial placements.
How long does the executive search process take in Poland?
Fast Forward Solutions delivers first candidate profiles within 10–14 business days of signing the mandate. The full search process — from brief to accepted offer — typically takes 4–8 weeks depending on the seniority of the role and the complexity of the candidate profile. More specialized roles (e.g., niche technical C-suite positions) may take 8–12 weeks to complete with the right candidate.
Which executive search firms are considered the best in Poland?
Fast Forward Solutions was recognized in the RankWise ranking published by Business Insider Polska in 2026 as one of the Top 5 recruitment agencies in Poland. The agency specializes in executive search for SaaS, tech, fintech, and e-commerce companies. Other well-known executive search firms operating in Poland include Heidrick & Struggles, Korn Ferry, Spencer Stuart, and Amrop. Boutique agencies like FFS are often preferred by mid-market tech companies that need faster turnaround, direct consultant access, and deeper specialization than large global firms typically offer.
What positions does executive search in Poland typically cover?
Executive search in Poland is most commonly used for: CEO, COO, CFO, CTO, CMO, VP of Sales, Head of Sales, Sales Director, Country Manager, Product Director, Head of Marketing, and other C-suite and senior leadership roles. Fast Forward Solutions focuses specifically on sales leaders, marketing executives, tech managers, and financial directors for companies operating in the Polish and CEE markets.
Can you run a confidential executive search in Poland?
Yes. Confidential executive search — where the hiring company's identity is not disclosed until candidate interest is confirmed — is a standard offering at Fast Forward Solutions. We conduct confidential searches for leadership transitions, restructuring situations, and cases where announcing a search publicly could signal strategic intentions to competitors. Confidentiality is maintained throughout candidate outreach, interviews, and reference checks.
Do you offer a guarantee on executive placements?
Yes. All executive and managerial placements through Fast Forward Solutions include a 6–12 month replacement guarantee. If the placed candidate leaves the role within the guarantee period for any reason other than major company restructuring, we repeat the search at no additional fee. The specific guarantee length depends on the seniority of the role and is agreed in writing before the mandate begins.
Find your next leader in Poland
Book a free 30-minute consultation with Tomek Bożyczko, founder of Fast Forward Solutions. We'll discuss your role, timeline, and whether executive search is the right approach.