Executive Outplacement for companies
When an executive leaves, how the transition is handled matters.
Executive Outplacement supports executives in their career transition and is commissioned and funded by their former employer. NAKAMA supports C-level executives and senior leaders individually and confidentially, through Inverse Headhunting, Executive Career Coaching or Executive Branding & Communication.
The company helps ensure a respectful transition. The executive clarifies their professional positioning, defines their target market and plans their next career steps.
The support draws on more than 25 years of Executive Search experience and over ten years of Executive Career Coaching. We use AI selectively for research, analysis and preparation.
Funded by the company, focused on the executive
The company agrees the scope and terms of the service with NAKAMA. Individual guidance is tailored to the executive’s circumstances and career goals. The content of discussions and individual job search activities remain confidential.
The support can be agreed in a settlement agreement or provided separately by the company. For details of what the agreement typically covers, see Outplacement in a settlement agreement.
Why companies offer Executive Outplacement
Taking responsibility
The company provides the departing executive with practical support for their next career steps.
Preserving trust
The remaining workforce also notices how a separation is handled. A respectful approach can help maintain trust in the company’s leadership.
Organising the transition reliably
An agreed scope of services, designated points of contact and clear confidentiality rules give both sides clarity.
When is Executive Outplacement the right step?
Executive Outplacement can be offered when, for example,
- a leadership position is eliminated in the course of a restructuring,
- responsibilities change after a merger or acquisition,
- a strategic realignment requires a change in the leadership team,
- the company and the executive part ways by mutual agreement,
- a long-standing working relationship is to be brought to a professional close,
- an executive requires professional support during their career transition.
The support can be agreed as part of the separation itself or begin immediately after the separation terms have been finalised.
Three services within Executive Outplacement
Within Executive Outplacement, the company funds one or more of our services for executives. The right service depends on the executive’s circumstances, career goals and the steps they wish to manage themselves.
Inverse Headhunting · up to nine months. NAKAMA supports positioning and search strategy, creates the executive profile, researches suitable companies and approaches relevant decision-makers discreetly. This includes preparation for and support with selection interviews and contract negotiations within the agreed period.
Executive Career Coaching · six months. The executive works with an experienced coach to define their career direction and develop a search strategy. NAKAMA provides structure, constructive challenge and insight drawn from Executive Search.
Executive Branding & Communication · three months. We translate the executive’s professional positioning into a strong CV, a compelling LinkedIn profile and clear communication for outreach and interviews.
The services can be combined. We agree the scope of work and a fixed fee before the support begins.
Why NAKAMA?
- The Executive Search perspective. We know selection processes from the other side of the table. 25+ years in Executive Search and more than 20,000 interviews shape our view of positioning, market requirements and hiring decisions.
- More than ten years of Executive Career Coaching experience. Extensive experience in supporting career transitions enables individual guidance that goes beyond CV optimisation and interview training.
- Personal 1:1 support. The executive does not work through a standardised group programme. The content, pace and job search strategy are tailored to their experience, circumstances and objectives.
- Market knowledge and targeted outreach. We combine knowledge of advertised and unadvertised opportunities with an understanding of companies, executive search firms, investors and their selection processes.
- AI used with judgement. AI supports research, market analysis, structuring documents and interview preparation. Positioning, personal assessment and career decisions remain matters of human judgement.
A clear brief. A protected space.
The company commissions and funds the Executive Outplacement. The content of the personal conversations remains confidential.
The content of private discussions, personal assessments, job search activities and details of ongoing discussions with potential employers or other contacts are not shared with the former employer without the executive’s express consent.
Any agreed administrative reporting is limited to information specified in advance, such as when the support begins and ends.
Confidentiality is not an optional extra. It is the foundation of effective support.
What companies and executives can expect
For the company
- a clearly defined and professionally organised outplacement process
- individual support at executive level
- a respectful conclusion to the employment relationship
- a visible sign of responsible leadership
- clear arrangements and strict confidentiality
For the executive
Depending on the agreed service, the support includes:
- a clear understanding of their professional profile, distinctive strengths and objectives
- a strong CV and a compelling LinkedIn profile
- a focused target market and search strategy
- thorough preparation for interviews and negotiations
- a trusted sounding board throughout the agreed support period
Executive Outplacement improves positioning, preparation and market access. A new position or a specific number of interviews cannot be guaranteed.
Scope and fee
Executive Outplacement is agreed individually and funded by the company.
Scope, duration and fee depend on the individual circumstances, objectives and desired level of support. Services, timeline, points of contact and confidentiality rules are set out transparently before the start.
Where several executives are affected, we can develop a consistent framework with individually tailored support.
Frequently asked questions
Who commissions and pays for Executive Outplacement?
The company parting with the executive commissions and funds the service. The personal support is for the departing executive.
Can Executive Outplacement be agreed in a settlement agreement?
Yes. The company can commit to professional career transition support as part of the settlement agreement. For details of what the agreement typically covers, see Outplacement in a settlement agreement.
What information does the company receive?
The company receives no content from the confidential conversations. If agreed, NAKAMA reports solely on formal milestones such as the start and completion of the support.
How long does outplacement support last?
That depends on the services chosen. Inverse Headhunting is designed for up to nine months, Executive Career Coaching runs for six months and Executive Branding & Communication for three months.
Does NAKAMA guarantee a new leadership role?
No. NAKAMA can guarantee neither a new position nor a specific number of interviews. We improve positioning, preparation, market strategy and access to relevant opportunities.
What is the difference between Executive Outplacement and Executive Career Coaching?
At NAKAMA, Executive Outplacement is the framework for a career transition funded by the former employer. Executive Career Coaching is one of the services that can be agreed within this framework. An executive can also arrange coaching independently.
What is the difference between outplacement and Inverse Headhunting?
Inverse Headhunting is the specific service: NAKAMA supports positioning and strategy, researches target companies and approaches relevant decision-makers directly. The former employer can fund this service as part of outplacement. Executives can also commission the service themselves.
What does Executive Outplacement cost?
A fixed fee is agreed based on the scope, duration and level of support. Where several executives are involved, a common framework can be agreed.
How does outplacement relate to career transition support?
Outplacement is employer-funded career transition support for departing employees. “Career transition support” is a broader term that emphasises the move towards a new role.
Can a company fund Inverse Headhunting as outplacement?
Yes. Within Executive Outplacement, a company can fund one or more of our services for executives: Inverse Headhunting, Executive Career Coaching or Executive Branding & Communication. We clarify which service fits before the start.
Can an executive negotiate outplacement in their settlement agreement?
Yes. Anyone negotiating a settlement agreement can include professional support paid for by the employer. For more information, see Negotiating outplacement support.
It starts with a good conversation.
Let’s talk about how you would like to support an executive through their career transition. Together, we will identify the right support for their situation and agree clear terms for scope, funding and confidentiality.