Engagement models
Choose the structure that matches the work
The same requirement can be solved through very different commercial structures. This view sets out what each model is for, who owns what, how it is governed and how it starts. Commercial terms are discussed in conversation, not published here.
Select between 2 and 3 models. Selecting a new one after 3 are chosen replaces the oldest selection.
Engagement models compared
Pick two or three models to compare side by side. Commercial terms are always defined in the applicable agreement, not shown here.
| Comparison | Retained search | Statement of work | Build, Operate, Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | HCP One owns the research, evaluation and shortlist. The client owns the hiring decision. | HCP One is accountable for the agreed deliverables under the statement of work. | HCP One operates the center during the operate phase. Transfer of people, processes, assets and operating knowledge is subject to the final agreements and applicable law. |
| Ideal use | CEO, CFO, CTO, CISO, CHRO, Chief AI Officer, Partner and Director level appointments. | Platform builds, data foundations, quality engineering programs, modernization work packages. | Engineering, data, security, enterprise platform and support capability centers in India. |
| Scope | Board, C-suite, senior functional or confidential appointments where the market has to be mapped rather than skimmed. | The outcome can be described well enough to be scoped, priced and accepted. | You want durable owned capability in India rather than an indefinite vendor relationship. |
| Flexibility | Defined scope and timeline, agreed at the start and reviewed at each milestone. | Change is handled through an agreed change control process rather than informally. | Staged. Each phase has its own scope, governance and exit points. |
| Governance | Reporting cadence, escalation path and review points are agreed in the applicable agreement. | Reporting cadence, escalation path and review points are agreed in the applicable agreement. | Reporting cadence, escalation path and review points are agreed in the applicable agreement. |
| How to start | A scoping conversation with the HCP One team responsible for this model. | A scoping conversation with the HCP One team responsible for this model. | A scoping conversation with the HCP One team responsible for this model. |
Retained search
- Ownership
- HCP One owns the research, evaluation and shortlist. The client owns the hiring decision.
- Ideal use
- CEO, CFO, CTO, CISO, CHRO, Chief AI Officer, Partner and Director level appointments.
- Scope
- Board, C-suite, senior functional or confidential appointments where the market has to be mapped rather than skimmed.
- Flexibility
- Defined scope and timeline, agreed at the start and reviewed at each milestone.
- Governance
- Reporting cadence, escalation path and review points are agreed in the applicable agreement.
- How to start
- A scoping conversation with the HCP One team responsible for this model.
Statement of work
- Ownership
- HCP One is accountable for the agreed deliverables under the statement of work.
- Ideal use
- Platform builds, data foundations, quality engineering programs, modernization work packages.
- Scope
- The outcome can be described well enough to be scoped, priced and accepted.
- Flexibility
- Change is handled through an agreed change control process rather than informally.
- Governance
- Reporting cadence, escalation path and review points are agreed in the applicable agreement.
- How to start
- A scoping conversation with the HCP One team responsible for this model.
Build, Operate, Transfer
- Ownership
- HCP One operates the center during the operate phase. Transfer of people, processes, assets and operating knowledge is subject to the final agreements and applicable law.
- Ideal use
- Engineering, data, security, enterprise platform and support capability centers in India.
- Scope
- You want durable owned capability in India rather than an indefinite vendor relationship.
- Flexibility
- Staged. Each phase has its own scope, governance and exit points.
- Governance
- Reporting cadence, escalation path and review points are agreed in the applicable agreement.
- How to start
- A scoping conversation with the HCP One team responsible for this model.
No pricing is shown here. Fees, terms and exclusivity are set in the applicable agreement.
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