Headhunter Company in Vietnam: Top 10 Picks For 2026
Recruitment
26/06/2026

Headhunter Company in Vietnam: Top 10 Picks For 2026

AUTHOR

Talent JDI

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1 minutes

LAST UPDATED

Jun 26, 2026

Table of content

 

Finding the right headhunter company in Vietnam can be the difference between filling a critical role in weeks and searching for months — with your competitors snapping up the same talent in the meantime. 

 

Vietnam's job market has grown fiercely competitive, and sourcing the right mid-to-senior professional in technology, finance, or manufacturing now demands more than a job posting. It takes local expertise, established networks, and a recruiter who genuinely understands your business, not just your job description.

 

Thus, we have compiled the 10 best headhunter companies in Vietnam, covering what each firm does best, where they fall short, how much you should expect to pay, and what to look for before you sign an agreement. 

 

 

 

 

 

What Is a Headhunter? How It Differs from a Standard Recruiter

 

But first, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. The terms "headhunter" and "recruiter" are often used interchangeably, but there is an important distinction. 

 

A standard recruiter typically manages job postings and handles active candidates — people who are already looking.

A headhunter (or executive search consultant) proactively targets passive candidates: high-performing professionals who are not actively job-hunting but could be persuaded by the right opportunity.

 

In Vietnam's talent market, this distinction matters enormously. The best candidates are rarely browsing job boards. They are already employed, often well-compensated, and need to be approached with a tailored pitch. 

 

This is why many companies choose a dedicated headhunter company in Vietnam rather than relying solely on internal recruiters.

 

 

 

When Should You Use a Headhunter Company in Vietnam?

 

 

Not every hire needs a headhunter. But for the following scenarios, partnering with one almost always pays off:

 

Senior and leadership roles: Director, VP, and C-suite, where discretion is a must

Specialist or niche positions: where qualified candidates are scarce

Confidential replacements: where the incumbent is still in post

Market entry: when you have no local brand recognition or HR infrastructure

Time-critical hires: where the speed of placement directly affects revenue

 

 

 

Cost of Hiring Through a Headhunter Company in Vietnam

 

Understanding the fee structure before you engage a headhunter helps you budget accurately and negotiate effectively. Here is what the market looks like in 2026:

 

1

Standard Fee Ranges

 

Mid-level professionals: 15%–20% of first-year gross salary

Senior or specialist roles: 20%–25% of first-year gross salary

C-suite / executive search: 25%–30% of first-year gross salary (sometimes higher for board-level)

 

 

2

Payment Models

 

Contingency (success-based): You only pay when a candidate is placed and starts. Most common for mid-level roles.

Retained search: An upfront retainer (typically one-third of the total fee) is paid before the search begins. Standard for executive and leadership mandates.

Exclusive vs. non-exclusive: Exclusive mandates often unlock more dedicated effort and priority access to a firm's best consultants.

 

 

3

What You Are Paying For

 

The fee is not just for sending CVs. A reputable headhunter in Vietnam delivers:

 

Access to passive, hard-to-reach candidates who are not on job boards

Faster shortlisting of qualified, pre-vetted profiles

Deep market insights and up-to-date salary benchmarking

Candidate assessment, reference checks, and cultural fit evaluation

Support in structuring offers and managing counteroffer negotiations

Post-placement follow-up and replacement guarantees (usually 3–6 months)

 

Quick Tip

Always clarify the replacement guarantee period before signing. Most reputable headhunter firms in Vietnam offer a 3-to-6-month free replacement if the placed candidate leaves within the guarantee window.

 

 

 

Top 10 Best Headhunter Companies In Vietnam for 2026

 

Disclaimer: The information presented here is compiled from publicly available sources and is intended for reference purposes only. The best provider for your business will depend on your hiring scale, local entity status, and HR or compliance needs.

 

 

1. Talent JDI

 

 

Website
talentjdi.com
Founded
2016
Offices
Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi; Singapore HQ
Specialisation
IT & Technology Recruitment, EOR, HR Services
Fee Range
15%–25% Success-based only
MOLISA Licensed
Verified

 

Talent JDI has quietly built one of the most specialised headhunting operations for technology talent in Vietnam. As a technology-focused headhunter company in Vietnam, the firm operates at the intersection of recruitment, HR compliance, and workforce management — making it a one-stop shop for international companies entering or scaling in Vietnam. 

 

With a pre-vetted network of 30,000+ developers and a track record of placing talent with 300+ clients across the globe, Talent JDI punches well above its weight against much larger generalist firms.

What sets Talent JDI apart is its technology-first focus combined with boots-on-the-ground knowledge of the Vietnamese market. The firm is fully licensed by the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, ensuring 100% compliance with local labour law — a critical differentiator for foreign companies navigating Vietnam's employment regulations. 

 

Moreover, its EOR service means clients can hire, onboard, and manage remote teams without establishing a local entity.

 

Pros
Deep IT & tech specialisation: 30,000+ pre-vetted developers
Success-based fees only: no cost until you hire
Full HR stack: recruitment, EOR, payroll, and compliance under one roof
MOLISA-licensed: fully compliant with Vietnamese labour law
Singapore-backed with strong international client experience
Personalised service with senior consultant involvement on every mandate
Cons
Smaller brand footprint than global giants like Adecco or Robert Walters

 

 

 

2. Navigos Group

 

 

Founded
2003
Offices
Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang
Specialisation
Multi-sector: IT, Manufacturing, Banking, FMCG
Fee Range
18%–25% Estimated

 

Navigos Search is arguably the most recognised headhunting brand in Vietnam. As a division of Navigos Group — which also operates VietnamWorks, the country's most-visited job portal — Navigos Search benefits from a candidate database of millions and brand recognition that opens doors with both employers and passive candidates. Their sector teams cover IT, manufacturing, banking, and consumer goods.

 

Pros
Largest candidate database in Vietnam via the VietnamWorks ecosystem
Strong brand — candidates are more receptive to outreach
Broad sector coverage across most major industries
Well-established processes and structured reporting
Cons
Scale can mean less personalised attention on individual mandates
Technology-specific searches may lack specialist IT recruiter depth
Fees tend to be at the higher end for the generalist segment

 

 

 

3. Robert Walters Vietnam

 

 

Founded
1985 global · Vietnam: 2011
Offices
Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi
Specialisation
Finance, Technology, Legal, HR, Supply Chain
Fee Range
20%–25% Estimated

 

Robert Walters is a globally respected executive search firm that brings a premium service level to Vietnam. Their consultants are typically sector specialists with strong regional networks — ideal for blue-chip multinationals seeking candidates with international exposure. Particularly strong in finance, accounting, and legal placement.

 

For employers seeking a large candidate database, this headhunter company in Vietnam remains one of the market's most established names.

 

Pros
Global network and brand — a strong draw for internationally minded candidates
Excellent for senior finance, legal, and compliance hires
High-quality candidate assessment and in-depth market insights
Strong regional APAC connectivity
Cons
Premium pricing — not cost-effective for SMEs
Less suited for volume hiring or non-corporate sectors
Turnaround time can be longer on specialised executive searches

 

 

 

4. Adecco Vietnam

 

Founded
2011 in Vietnam · global since 1957
Offices
Nationwide
Specialisation
Manufacturing, Technology, Banking, FMCG, Engineering
Fee Range
15%–22% Estimated

 

Adecco Vietnam is the local arm of the world's largest HR services group. Beyond headhunting, Adecco offers staffing, payroll outsourcing, and workforce management solutions — a comprehensive HR partner for enterprises with large and varied workforce needs. Their transparent workflows and experienced consulting team are frequently praised by clients.

 

Pros
Global infrastructure and compliance expertise
Strong in volume and flexible staffing alongside executive search
Transparent processes and structured account management
Nationwide coverage — ideal for multi-location hiring
Cons
Executive search depth may be thinner than pure-play headhunters
Senior/niche searches may be handled by less specialist teams

 

 

 

5. Michael Page Vietnam

 

Founded
1976 global · Vietnam: 2011
Offices
Nationwide
Specialisation
Finance, Sales & Marketing, HR, Supply Chain
Fee Range
20%–28% Estimated

 

Michael Page is a PageGroup brand and one of the most prominent professional recruitment firms in Vietnam for mid-to-senior roles. They are especially well-regarded for their annual Salary Benchmark Guide, providing deep insights into roles in demand, active hiring sectors, and projected salary ranges. Michael Page excels at placing professionals in multinational companies and large local conglomerates.

 

Pros
Highly regarded salary benchmarking and market intelligence
Strong network within multinational and global firms
Reliable track record for mid-to-senior professional placements
Sector-specialist consultants with deep functional knowledge
Cons
Premium fees — among the higher-priced options in the market
Less suited to SMEs, startups, or purely local businesses
Technology talent pipeline narrower than dedicated IT headhunters

 

 

 

6. CGP Vietnam

 

Website
cgpvietnam.com
Founded
Early 2010s · Vietnam
Offices
Nationwide
Specialisation
Finance, Banking, Real Estate, C-suite & Board Level
Fee Range
20%–30% Estimated

 

CGP Vietnam specialises in executive and senior management hiring, with particular depth in financial services, banking, and real estate. With 20 offices worldwide and 700+ team members globally, they provide talent mapping that spans multiple markets. Their retained search model is favoured for board-level and confidential appointments.

 

Pros
Strong specialisation in finance, banking, and C-suite search
Global reach — 20 offices for cross-border mandates
Talent mapping and advisory add value beyond basic placement
Retained search option for sensitive, high-stakes appointments
Cons
Narrower sector coverage than generalist firms
Fees at the top end of the market
Less suited for mid-level or technology-focused hiring

 

 

 

7. ManpowerGroup Vietnam

 

Website
manpower.com.vn
Founded
1948 global · Vietnam: 2000s
Offices
Nationwide
Specialisation
Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain
Fee Range
15%–22% Estimated

 

ManpowerGroup Vietnam is a trusted partner for industrial and manufacturing companies, leveraging global experience with strong local execution. Their HR consulting services include workforce management, outsourcing, and talent development — particularly useful for companies with large operational headcounts alongside leadership hiring needs.

 

Pros
Proven track record in manufacturing, engineering, and operations
Strong nationwide presence for industrial hires outside major cities
Comprehensive workforce management beyond executive search
Competitive fees for the scope of service delivered
Cons
Less depth in technology, finance, or professional services
C-suite executive search better served by specialist firms

 

 

 

8. HR1Vietnam Holdings

 

Website
hr1vietnam.com
Founded
Early 2000s
Offices
Nationwide
Specialisation
Multi-sector: Executive search, specialist placement, HR consulting
Fee Range
15%–20% Estimated

 

HR1Vietnam Holdings has grown into one of Vietnam's leading locally owned HR service groups. Their focus spans from executive positions to specialised roles, with strong relationships built with domestic conglomerates and FDI companies. As a homegrown firm, HR1Vietnam brings cultural insight and local market knowledge that international firms sometimes lack.

 

Pros
Strong local market knowledge and cultural understanding
Competitive pricing — accessible for SMEs and local enterprises
Wide network across domestic and FDI companies
Covers both executive search and specialist placements
Cons
Less effective at sourcing overseas or internationally mobile candidates
Service quality can vary across consultant teams and regional offices

 

 

 

9. Keller Executive Search Vietnam

 

Offices
Nationwide
Specialisation
Executive and C-suite search, cross-industry
Founded
2015
Fee Range
20%–30% Estimated

 

Keller Executive Search operates as a boutique executive search firm with a global footprint covering 40+ countries. Their HCMC office serves clients across Vietnam with a focus on C-suite and senior leadership appointments. Known for its rigorous candidate assessment methodology and discreet approach — a strong choice for confidential leadership transitions.

 

Pros
Global network — valuable for sourcing internationally mobile executives
Rigorous assessment and screening methodology
Boutique service model: dedicated partner on every search
Effective for cross-industry executive search
Cons
Primarily HCMC-based — less reach in Hanoi or regional cities
Not suited for mid-level, specialist, or volume hiring
Fee levels reflect the premium boutique positioning

 

 

 

10. HR2B

 

Website
hr2b.com
Founded
2002
Offices
Ho Chi Minh City · Hanoi
Specialisation
Finance, Retail, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods
Fee Range
15%–20% Estimated

 

HR2B is one of Vietnam's pioneer headhunting firms, established in 2002 and consistently cited among the country's most reputable agencies. They serve a broad range of industries and are well-regarded for mid-to-senior level placement in finance, retail, and consumer goods. More than two decades of operation means deep candidate networks built over time.

 

Pros
Two decades of experience — one of Vietnam's most established headhunters
Strong mid-market presence and extensive local candidate networks
Competitive fees for the quality of service delivered
Good cultural fit assessment — deeply rooted in the Vietnamese market
Cons
Technology and IT sector depth may be limited
Less global connectivity than international firms
Less specialised compared to sector-focused boutiques

 

 

 

Top Headhunter Companies in Vietnam — Quick Comparison

 

Company Specialisation Level Focus Fee Range Vietnam Presence Best For
Navigos Search Multi-sector Mid–Executive 18%–25% Nationwide Broad search
Robert Walters Finance, Tech, Legal Senior–Exec 20%–25% HCMC & Hanoi Multinationals
Adecco Vietnam Multi-sector All levels 15%–22% Nationwide Volume & flex staffing
Michael Page Finance, Sales, HR Mid–Executive 20%–28% HCMC & Hanoi MNC C-suite
CGP Vietnam Finance, Banking Senior–Exec 20%–30% HCMC & Hanoi C-suite & Board
ManpowerGroup Manufacturing, Eng. Mid-level 15%–22% Nationwide Industrial roles
HR1Vietnam Multi-sector All levels 15%–20% Nationwide Local firms
Keller Executive Cross-industry Executive 20%–30% HCMC Executive search
HR2B Multi-sector Mid–Senior 15%–20% HCMC & Hanoi Mid-market

 

 

 

How to Choose the Right Headhunter for Your Business in Vietnam

 

Choosing a suitable headhunter company in Vietnam ultimately depends on your industry, hiring volume, and the seniority of the roles you need to fill. 

 

 

For Technology and IT Hiring

 

If your priority is sourcing software developers, DevOps engineers, data scientists, or tech leadership, choose a specialist IT headhunter. Deep candidate pipelines, technical screening capability, and familiarity with developer compensation are non-negotiable. 

 

Talent JDI is purpose-built for exactly the mandate, with a network of 30,000+ pre-vetted tech professionals and a dedicated IT focus built up over nearly a decade. For companies that want to move quickly and avoid paying up front, the success-based fee model also removes much of the financial risk from the search.

 

 

For C-suite and board-level appointments

 

For executive mandates requiring confidentiality, a retained search model, and global candidate reach, firms such as CGP Vietnam, Keller Executive Search, Robert Walters, and Michael Page are well-equipped. Expect fees at the upper end of the range and invest in a well-crafted brief.

 

For tech-focused leadership roles, such as CTO, VP of Engineering, or Head of Product, Talent JDI is also worth a conversation, given its depth of senior technology networks in Vietnam and its track record of placing senior hires with international companies.

 

 

For Industrial, Manufacturing, and Operations Roles

 

ManpowerGroup Vietnam and Adecco Vietnam have the strongest track records in manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain, particularly for roles outside major cities. 

 

For companies that are simultaneously scaling a technology team alongside other functions, splitting mandates by discipline, with a generalist handling non-tech roles and a specialist handling technical ones, tends to produce better results than assigning everything to a single firm.

 

 

For Foreign Companies Entering Vietnam

 

Foreign companies without a local entity, employment infrastructure, or familiarity with Vietnam's labour regulations should look for a headhunter that also offers EOR and HR compliance services. 

 

Talent JDI covers both under one roof, which is particularly useful for international tech companies that want to hire and onboard quickly without setting up a legal entity first. For broader business functions beyond technology, firms such as Adecco and Manpower also offer payroll and workforce management services worth considering.

 

 

 

Conclusion: Which Headhunter in Vietnam Is Right for You?

 

Vietnam's headhunting landscape in 2026 is more competitive and specialised than ever. The global firms, Robert Walters, Michael Page, and Adecco, bring international brand credibility and structured methodologies. 

The established local players, Navigos Search and HR1Vietnam, offer deep market roots and competitive pricing. And the boutique specialists, Talent JDI, deliver focused expertise where breadth-first generalists fall short.

 

If there is one emerging truth about hiring in Vietnam, it is this: sector specialisation is winning. Companies that engage headhunters with deep vertical knowledge in their industry consistently report better candidate quality, shorter shortlisting timelines, and lower drop-off rates post-placement.

 

Bottom Line: The best headhunter company in Vietnam for your business is the one with the deepest network in your sector, a proven track record at your target seniority level, and the compliance infrastructure to keep you legally protected from day one.

 

 

Why Talent JDI Has Become the Go-To Partner for Tech Hiring in Vietnam

 

Since 2016, Talent JDI has helped over 300 companies — from Singapore-based scale-ups to global enterprises — build and grow their technology teams in Vietnam. 

 

With a network of 30,000+ pre-vetted developers, a success-based fee model (you pay nothing until you hire), and a fully licensed HR platform that handles payroll, compliance, and EOR alongside recruitment, Talent JDI offers something the larger generalist firms do not: complete peace of mind at every stage of the hiring journey.

 Send us a quick message, and we’ll walk through your talent needs, review potential candidates, and map out a hiring roadmap tailored to your growth!