MODERN HIRING SHOULDN'T DRAG
Success-based recruitment for permanent hires when speed and quality matter.
WHAT IS CONTINGENCY RECRUITMENT?
Permanent recruitment without the complexity
Contingency recruitment is a success-based hiring model where a recruitment fee is payable only when a candidate introduced by Fortis joins your business. It is one of the most flexible ways to recruit permanent employees and works particularly well when the role is clearly defined, the hiring process can move quickly and you want immediate access to specialist talent networks.
Fortis provides contingency recruitment across Dublin and Ireland, supporting permanent hiring within Accountancy & Finance, Financial Services, Funds & Investments, Insurance and specialist professional roles. We manage candidate identification, screening, shortlisting, interview coordination, feedback, offer negotiation and onboarding support while keeping the process clear and moving.
When Contingency Works Best
Contingency hiring isn't the right solution for every vacancy, but in the right circumstances it's one of the most effective ways to secure permanent talent. It's considered the best choice in the following situations.
You're Replacing Critical Talent
You want to maintain business continuity by filling critical vacancies quickly and efficiently.
You Need To Hire Quickly
When a vacancy needs to be filled without unnecessary delays or lengthy recruitment processes.
It's A Full-time Permanent Hire
Ideal for recruiting permanent employees across individual hires, replacement positions and business growth.
The Role Is Well Defined
Best suited to vacancies with a clear brief, established salary range and agreed hiring process.
What To Expect
A successful recruitment process relies on clear communication, timely feedback and the right partnership. Here's what you can expect when working with Fortis, whether you're hiring or searching for your next opportunity.
FOR EMPLOYERS
Discovery: Every search starts with understanding your business, the role and what success looks like.
Search Strategy: We agree the most effective approach, identify the target market and begin engaging relevant talent.
Candidate Assessment: Every candidate is screened against your technical requirements, experience, motivations and cultural fit.
Shortlist Presentation: You'll receive a carefully selected shortlist with detailed profiles and consultant recommendations.
Interview Management: We coordinate interviews, gather feedback from both sides and keep the process moving.
Offer & Negotiation: From offer management to salary discussions and counteroffers, we guide both parties through to agreement.
Placement & Follow-Up: Our involvement doesn't end on acceptance. We stay in touch throughout onboarding to ensure a successful transition.
FOR CANDIDATES
Getting To Know You: We take the time to understand your experience, ambitions and what you're looking for next.
Career Advice: You'll receive honest market insight, salary guidance and advice to help shape your next move.
Opportunity Matching: We only introduce opportunities that genuinely align with your skills, experience and career goals.
Interview Preparation: From company insight to interview coaching, we'll make sure you're fully prepared.
Feedback & Communication: You'll receive honest feedback and regular updates throughout the recruitment process.
Offer Support: We'll guide you through negotiations, contracts, resignation and any counteroffers.
Your Next Chapter: Our relationship doesn't end when you start your new role. We're always here to support your long-term career.
DISCIPLINED BY DESIGN
Contingency Recruitment Case Study
Critical Vacancies. Mounting Pressure
When several business-critical roles remain open at the same time, the impact is felt across the organisation. For this leading Irish insurance provider, growth plans were being challenged by talent shortages across underwriting, claims and compliance. With teams under pressure and service levels at risk, they needed a recruitment partner who could deliver quality candidates quickly. Here's how we helped them secure the talent they needed and get their hiring plans back on track.
The Client
Our client, a leading Irish insurance provider with a growing presence across both personal and commercial lines, was experiencing sustained growth across several business units. Increased demand, internal promotions and ambitious expansion plans had created a requirement for multiple hires across underwriting, broking, claims and compliance. While the business had previously worked with several recruitment agencies, they were looking for a specialist partner capable of delivering quality candidates quickly and consistently.
The Challenge
The insurance market was highly competitive, with demand for experienced professionals continuing to outpace supply across key disciplines including underwriting, claims and regulatory compliance. Several business-critical vacancies had remained open for months, placing additional pressure on existing teams and creating potential service delivery risks. The client needed a recruitment partner who understood the market, could access passive talent and move quickly without compromising on quality. Demand for experienced insurance professionals remains strong across Ireland, particularly within underwriting, claims, compliance and broking functions.
Our Bespoke Solution
Following an in-depth briefing with hiring managers and senior leadership, we developed a targeted contingency recruitment strategy focused on both active and passive talent. Our consultants conducted direct market mapping across insurers, brokers and intermediaries, leveraging established relationships within the insurance sector to engage candidates who were not actively seeking a move. We provided market intelligence on salary expectations, candidate availability and competitor activity while managing the entire recruitment process from initial engagement through to offer acceptance. Regular communication and rapid feedback loops ensured momentum was maintained throughout the campaign.
The Results
Over a 16-week period, we successfully filled 6 roles across underwriting, broking, claims and compliance. Average time-to-fill reduced by more than 30% compared to previous recruitment campaigns and offer acceptance exceeded 90%. Several of the appointments were individuals not actively engaged with the market prior to our approach. Most importantly, the client was able to stabilise key teams, support continued growth plans and improve service levels across the business. Following the success of the project, Fortis was appointed as a preferred recruitment partner across additional business functions.
FAQs
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Let's Have A Conversation
Recruitment isn't just about filling vacancies or finding jobs. It's about making the right decisions. Whether you're hiring or considering your next move, Cormac is here to provide honest advice, market insight and a recruitment process built around your goals.
