A fairer way to fund a permanent hire
The traditional recruitment model asks you to pay a large fee the moment a candidate starts — before they've proven themselves, and whatever happens next. Our Flex Fee turns that on its head. You get the full quality of a permanent search, but the cost is spread over 12 equal weekly instalments and tied to your new hire staying in post.
For Northwich employers — from SMEs on Gadbrook Park to established firms across the Vale Royal area — it means a lower-risk way to hire the permanent staff you need, with cash flow that's easier to manage. And for candidates, it means the same careful, quality-first placement we're known for.
How the Flex Fee works
1. We run the search
A full, quality-first permanent search — exactly as we'd run any other placement. No shortcuts.
2. Your hire starts
No large invoice on day one. The fee is divided into 12 equal weekly instalments.
3. Paid each Monday
We invoice each Monday once we've confirmed your hire is still in post that week.
4. Protected if it ends
If the hire doesn't work out, payments stop. Already-issued invoices remain payable.
We love to talk recruitment
Whether you're hiring, looking for your next role, thinking about a move, or just want a steer on the local market, we're always happy to talk. No hard sell, no obligation — just straight, useful advice from people who know recruitment inside out.
Contact a ConsultantWhy Northwich employers choose Flex Fee
For employers
Easier on cash flow
Spread the cost across a quarter instead of one large bill the week they start.
Risk shared, not shifted
Payments are tied to the hire staying in post — so our interests line up with yours.
Full search quality
No compromise on the process — the same screening and shortlisting as any permanent placement.
For candidates
Always a permanent role
Flex Fee is just how the employer pays us — for you it's a normal permanent job.
Free to you, always
You'll never pay a penny to be placed. Our service to candidates is completely free.
The right fit
We match on culture and career goals as well as skills, so it's a move you'll want to stay in.
Permanent quality, lower risk
Get the full quality of a permanent search without the upfront lump sum. Your fee is spread over 12 equal weekly instalments, invoiced each Monday once we've confirmed your new hire is still in post.
- Spread the cost over 12 weeks instead of one large invoice
- Invoiced each Monday only while your hire remains in post
- Payments stop if the hire leaves; issued invoices remain payable
Flex Fee recruitment in Northwich — FAQs
How is the Flex Fee calculated?
It's based on the same permanent fee as a standard placement, simply divided into 12 equal weekly instalments rather than charged as one upfront invoice.
What happens if the hire leaves early?
Future weekly payments stop, so you don't keep paying for someone who's no longer with you. Any invoices already issued for weeks worked remain payable.
Is the quality any different from a normal placement?
No. The Flex Fee only changes how you pay, not how we work — you get the same full search, screening and shortlist.
Does Flex Fee affect candidates?
Not at all. It's purely how the employer settles our fee. For candidates it's an ordinary permanent role, and our service is always free.
Which roles can I use Flex Fee for?
It applies to permanent placements across commercial, finance, HR, operations, customer service and sales roles in Northwich and the wider area.
Hire smarter in Northwich
Talk to us about funding your next permanent hire with the Flex Fee — or, if you're job hunting, send us your CV. No obligation, just straight advice.
Submit a Vacancy Submit Your CVOr call 01606 339779 · Head office 0161 641 2550
Email hf@howardjames.co.uk