Finding the right executive talent is challenging in Vietnam’s fast-changing market. That’s why more companies are turning to executive recruitment agencies to identify and secure top-level leadership. This blog highlights the key benefits of partnering with these agencies and introduces the top firms you can trust in Vietnam.
7 leading executive recruitment agencies in Vietnam
When it comes to filling leadership positions in Vietnam, choosing the right partner can determine whether you find a visionary leader or simply fill a vacancy. Below are seven of the most trusted executive recruitment agencies in Vietnam, recognized for their track records, industry expertise, and strategic talent solutions.
1. Manpower Vietnam
Manpower Vietnam is a leading provider of recruitment and workforce solutions, backed by over 77 years of global experience and almost 20 years of local market expertise. As part of ManpowerGroup, Manpower Vietnam supports both multinational and Vietnamese businesses across 11+ recruitment hubs across Vietnam.
For executive hiring, Manpower Vietnam delivers retained and confidential search solutions, offering access to passive leadership talent and ensuring cultural and strategic fit. Their consultants bring deep expertise in manufacturing, logistics, tech, FMCG, and financials and are well-versed in navigating the unique requirements of both local and expatriate placements.
Whether you're building a leadership team from scratch or replacing a critical C-suite role, Manpower Vietnam is equipped to guide your executive hiring journey with efficiency, professionalism, and measurable impact.
2. Robert Walters Vietnam
Robert Walters Vietnam is recognized for its executive recruitment services. With offices in HCMC and Hanoi, the firm brings a high-quality, consultative approach to placing both local and returning Vietnamese professionals into senior roles.
Known for their strong candidate networks and salary benchmarking tool, Robert Walters is a preferred partner for multinational firms seeking internationally experienced, bilingual talent.
3. Navigos Search
Part of VietnamWorks, Navigos Search is one of the most established executive search agencies in the country. The firm places senior managers and directors across a wide variety of sectors, offering tailored talent mapping and long-term workforce planning.
With a large database of Vietnamese professionals and a deep understanding of regional hiring trends, Navigos supports both growing local businesses and global brands.
4. Horton International Vietnam
Horton International operates exclusively as a retained executive search firm, making it a trusted choice for confidential, high-stakes hiring. With over 15 years in Vietnam, the firm excels in placing executives across banking, pharma, industrial, and tech sectors.
Horton's search methodology emphasizes alignment with leadership style, corporate values, and long-term vision, which makes them ideal for board-level or strategic roles.
5. HR2B Executive Search
As one of Vietnam’s most established local agencies, HR2B offers practical, compliance-oriented executive recruitment services. Their focus is on department head to director-level roles in HR, operations, engineering, and sales.
HR2B is well suited for domestic companies looking for leadership talent with strong local market knowledge.
6. Michael Page Vietnam
Michael Page Vietnam, through its Page Executive brand, supports high-level placements for businesses and joint ventures across sectors like retail, real estate, and logistics. Backed by global systems and regional coordination, they’re ideal for companies looking for consistency in executive hiring across borders.
Their Vietnam office delivers international standards with localized recruitment strategies.
7. Monroe Consulting Group Vietnam
Monroe Vietnam brings a tech-driven, regional approach to executive recruitment. Their strengths lie in placing leaders in consumer goods, fintech, healthcare, and digital transformation roles.
With consultants aligned by industry, Monroe offers flexible, insight-led recruitment support for businesses in growth or transformation stages.
What to look for in a trusted executive search firm
Choosing the right executive recruitment agency is a strategic decision that can significantly impact your leadership team and long-term business growth. Below are the key factors to evaluate when selecting a trusted partner for executive search in Vietnam.
Factor | Description |
Industry Specialization | Does the firm have deep expertise in your specific industry or sector? |
Proven Track Record | Can they demonstrate success through a portfolio, time-to-hire, or fill rate? |
Local Expertise | Do they understand the local talent market, culture, and regulatory context? |
Methodology | What is their approach to sourcing, assessing, and presenting candidates? |
Partnership Approach | Are they collaborative, transparent, and aligned with your long-term goals? |
Industry Specialization
Top-performing executive search firms often focus on specific sectors such as manufacturing and supply chain, banking and finance, information technology and digital transformation, FMCG and retail, or healthcare and life sciences. When a consultant understands your industry deeply, they can better assess both hard skills and leadership qualities relevant to your context. This results in more targeted shortlists and a more efficient hiring process.
Proven Track Record
A trusted executive search firm should be able to demonstrate a strong history of successful placements, particularly in roles and industries relevant to your organization. Look for tangible metrics such as time-to-hire, fill rate, and client retention to assess their effectiveness. A robust portfolio showcasing past projects, client testimonials, and case studies can provide valuable insights into the firm’s capabilities and consistency. Additionally, firms with a high success rate in placing long-tenured executives signal a deeper understanding of cultural fit and leadership alignment—critical factors for sustainable business growth.
Local Market Expertise
Vietnam’s talent landscape is shaped by regional differences, local labor regulations, and unique cultural expectations. A firm with true local expertise will understand the nuances of hiring in Ho Chi Minh City versus Hanoi, or how to approach returning Vietnamese professionals with overseas experience. This local knowledge leads to better alignment, stronger candidate fit, and a smoother placement process—especially when dealing with leadership roles that require both cultural sensitivity and compliance awareness.
Structured Search Methodology
A reputable agency will use a structured, high-touch approach to executive search. This typically includes defining the role and success profile, mapping the talent market, conducting behavioral and leadership assessments, managing reference and background checks, and facilitating negotiation and onboarding. This process is especially important for C-suite and country-level hires, where the stakes are high and the impact on organizational direction is significant.
Long-Term Partnership Orientation
Executive recruitment is not a one-time transaction - it should be part of a longer-term talent strategy. Look for agencies that go beyond placement and offer services such as succession planning, leadership pipeline development, organizational design consulting, or employer branding advice. These partners add ongoing strategic value, helping your business build and retain a resilient, future-ready leadership team.
Manpower Vietnam executive recruitment case study: Fast-track tech hiring for a German manufacturer in Vietnam
Client Challenge
In early 2024, a German test technology firm entering Vietnam needed to urgently recruit 10 senior tech roles—including IT Administrator, ERP Administrator, and technical team leaders. With the launch coinciding with the Lunar New Year, the client required fast hiring support and local salary insights to stay competitive.
Manpower Vietnam’s Solution
Manpower Vietnam provided executive search services focused on technical talent. The team delivered quick-turnaround shortlists, salary benchmarking, job description alignment, and employer branding support—ensuring both speed and compliance in a tight labor market.
Results
4 offers made within 28 working day
600+ candidates reached in 6 weeks
Shortlists delivered within 2–3 days per brief
Strengthened client’s brand visibility in Vietnam’s tech hiring scene
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