IESF Member Country:
Spain
Headway Executive Search has operated since 2002 and delivers domestic and international assignments from teams in Barcelona and Madrid. The firm specialises in executive search and direct selection, combining active outreach with market research, analysis of functions and structures, and remuneration benchmarking to engage leading professionals beyond the active candidate market.
Victor Carulla
Managing Partner at Headway Executive Search
Executive recruitment in Spain – what should you know before entering this market?
Spain is a competitive talent market in technology, renewable energy and professional services. Madrid and Barcelona concentrate a significant share of internationally experienced executives, although important sector hubs also operate in other regions.
Companies seek people with digital, international and change management experience. Technology and renewable energy leaders are particularly visible to multiple employers. Recruiting senior managers in Spain increasingly requires a broader view of the proposition. Flexible remuneration packages include not only salary but also benefits, wellbeing support or an equity component.
Entering the Spanish market requires an understanding of labour and tax complexity and a realistic timetable for preparing employment. Senior leadership recruitment in Spain should combine local legal support with precise market mapping. Executive search in Spain is particularly valuable for engaging passive candidates with scarce capabilities.
Regulation lengthens process preparation
Employment terms and package structure should be verified before conversations begin. Unresolved legal or tax questions at offer stage can delay the decision and undermine the company’s credibility with the candidate.
Technology and renewable energy drive demand
Digitalisation and renewable energy growth are increasing competition for leaders with international experience. The process should assess measurable transformation results rather than familiarity with fashionable technologies or stated commitment to ESG.
A flexible package strengthens the offer
Candidates compare the whole proposition, including working flexibility, long-term incentives and wellbeing support. The package should fit the level of the role and the market while remaining consistent with group culture and sustainable over time.
International
Executive Search
with local expertise
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