Senior Level Salary Negotiation

Danielle Dennis

Salary negotiation is often associated with securing a pay rise or achieving the highest possible offer. However, at a Senior level it’s rarely just about the salary and more about the business conversation.

Values Vs Salary - At Search & Select we’ve seen first-hand how negotiations differ and become more about values, responsibility, opportunity and long term fit. It starts long before an offer is made, as most are already established, successful and well in to their current role. Seniors are often responsible for leading teams, managing risk, driving growth, maintaining regulatory standards or influencing strategy.

The strongest negotiations are supported by evidence which can clearly be articulated, backed by achievements and commercial value.

Benefits Package – At Senior level the focus also extends beyond base salary. Full considerations are on the prospective employers plans, bonus structures, incentives, pension contributions, flexibility, leadership and future progression which all play a major part of the negotiation or can be the deciding factor.

Employers – negotiation is a two-way process. Whilst employers are assessing suitability of the candidate, Senior candidates are equally assessing the organisation. They are considering the leadership team, the culture of the company, the strategy and the financial stability. Employers need to attract Senior talent and this means that the overall proposition needs to be compelling, not just the salary.

Best Negotiations – these are the ones that are collaborative. It’s a common misconception that negotiations are difficult or will mean that the offer will be lost. The conversation should be mutually beneficial and all about expectations and responsibility. When handled professionally, it should build confidence on both sides rather than create any friction. It’s rarely about winning or losing and more about creating solid future hire foundations when everyone knows what needs to be delivered once the contract is signed.

As the longest serving Recruitment Agency on the Isle of Man, our role is to facilitate these conversations and help both employers and candidates reach an outcome that works for all parties.

Author: Danielle Dennis

Danielle has a passion to help others to identify their career goals.When not doing that she can be found at the stables with her horses or at the gym