Mandate Services - hearts and brains

Mandate and Speed Mandate

As a specialized recruiting and headhunting agency, we primarily work on an exclusive mandate basis within our focus areas. However, we don’t just offer traditional mandates—we also provide a Speed Mandate for urgent hiring needs. Our approach is different, and we adapt to the specific needs and circumstances of our clients.

With both our Mandate and Speed Mandate, we take over the entire recruitment process, reducing the burden on internal resources and ensuring a successful and sustainable placement. Rely on our expertise, extensive network, and commitment to securing the right talent for your company.

When needed, we support our clients right from the job profile creation stage, acting as a sparring partner to reflect market conditions, identify trends, refine role requirements, and define a competitive and realistic salary range.

We intentionally avoid job postings in all our recruitment processes. Instead, we leverage our exclusive candidate network, which continuously grows through referrals and professional Active Sourcing. This not only saves time and costs but also allows us to deliver results faster through our proactive approach.

When does a mandate-based partnership make sense?

Filling key positions
Complex or highly specialized role requirements
Unsuccessful recruitment attempts
Too many, too few, or unqualified applications
Confidential search
Urgent hiring needs
Limited or no internal capacity for recruitment

Exclusive search mandate

Process:

Hiring needs assessment & briefing
Search & outreach (network, platforms & social media)
Interviews & pre-selection
Shortlist creation
Presentation of candidate profiles
Sparring partner throughout the client’s interview process
Negotiations & reference checks
Contract finalization
Follow-up & onboarding support

About this service

From the initial briefing to onboarding, we act as a sparring partner for our clients, guiding them through the entire process. With weekly updates, we ensure full transparency and communication at eye level.

Since we recruit without job ads, our approach is faster, more precise, and particularly suited for confidential or discreet searches - making us the ideal partner for sensitive hiring needs.

A mandate is always an exclusive collaboration and is regulated through an individual contract.

The mandate fee depends on the complexity of the search profile and process, typically ranging between 20–28% of the annual salary.

Invoices are issued in three equal installments:

First installment upon contract signing
Second installment upon candidate presentation
Final installment upon mandate completion

Speed Mandat

Process:

Hiring needs assessment & briefing
Search & outreach (network, platforms & social media)
Interviews & pre-selection
Ongoing submission of candidate profiles
Sparring partner throughout the client’s interview process
Negotiations & reference checks
Contract finalization
Follow-up & onboarding support

About this service

The Speed Mandate focuses on an even more efficient recruitment process to ensure the position is filled quickly, successfully, and sustainably. Instead of submitting a shortlist, we present suitable candidates individually and as soon as they are identified, allowing for an earlier start to interviews and an accelerated hiring process.

From the initial briefing to onboarding, we act as a sparring partner for our clients and partners, guiding them through the entire process. With weekly updates, we ensure full transparency and communication at eye level.

A Speed Mandate is always an exclusive collaboration and is regulated through an individual contract.

The Speed Mandate fee depends on the complexity of the search profile, the recruitment process, and the urgency. It typically ranges between 18–26% of the annual salary.

Invoices are issued in two installments:

First installment upon contract signing (approx. 20–30%)
Final installment upon completion of the Speed Mandate

FAQ

Learn more about how we work, our services, and find answers to common questions here.

Blog

Tips & tricks on CVs, job applications, LinkedIn, and insights into our work can be found here.

Contact

We’re always happy to connect and exchange ideas!

info@heartsandbrains.ch
bewerbung@heartsandbrains.ch
+41 44 330 40 51

«Ich schätze die Zusammenarbeit mit Frau Rottmann sehr. Ihre Professionalität und Fachkompetenz haben mich seit dem ersten Kontakt überzeugt. Die souveräne, authentische und loyale Art von Frau Rottmann hat jederzeit eine gewinnbringende und erfolgreiche Zusammenarbeit ermöglicht. Herzlichen Dank an dieser Stelle für die sehr geschätzte Unterstützung. Ich kann Frau Rottmann in jeglicher Hinsicht weiterempfehlen.»

« During the whole recruiting process I always felt in very good hands with Elke. The personal support has been professional and reliable at all times. I can highly recommend her expertise and her assessment of people. »

«Elke Rottmann hat neben aller Professionalität auch ein riesiges Netzwerk und ein unglaublich gutes Gespür dafür welche Personen zu welcher Stelle / Firma passen.»

« For the recruitment of really important roles like CEO assistants, I can definitely recommend Elke as a trustful and competent partner who understands the business needs of a company. Within short time she understands the client‘s need and supports you fast and efficiently with great profiles. »

"Ich habe eine persönliche Assistenz für mich gesucht. Hearts and Brains hat mich dabei hervorragend unterstützt. Extrem professionell und extrem schnell. Auch haben wir fast alles digital via Zoom-Calls umgesetzt - fand ich grossartig."