The verdict in three sentences
An executive search firm sells trust and discretion: its website must publish confidential job listings without exposing the client, collect CVs in line with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and provide a client portal to follow shortlists. A realistic budget sits between USD 14,000 and 25,000 for an 8-week project, ATS integration included. With 45% of candidates based abroad, a bilingual site becomes the first sourcing channel, ahead of paid job boards.
The features that make the difference
A firm that places 300 executives a year, many of them for French, German, Emirati or Saudi groups, cannot settle for a "Contact us" page. The leaders who retain it check the site before signing, and so do senior candidates.
- Confidential listings: sector, country, salary range and responsibilities shown, client name hidden, application possible without an account.
- CV upload with automatic parsing and explicit, timestamped consent.
- ATS integration by API: every application lands in the tracking tool with its source, no re-keying.
- Secure client portal: shortlist, interview notes, mandate status, document exchange.
- Expertise pages by function (finance, engineering, IT, healthcare) and by market (Europe, Gulf, Asia, Africa).
- Bilingual site, English plus French, Mandarin or Arabic depending on mandates.
2026 budget by scope
| Item | Recruitment showcase site | Site with ATS | Full platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and expertise pages | USD 3,900 | USD 5,100 | USD 6,200 |
| Job listings and filters | USD 2,300 | USD 3,100 | USD 3,900 |
| CV upload and parsing | USD 1,900 | USD 2,700 | USD 3,500 |
| ATS integration by API | Not included | USD 3,100 | USD 4,300 |
| Secure client portal | Not included | USD 2,300 | USD 4,300 |
| Bilingual content and PDPA compliance | USD 1,600 | USD 1,900 | USD 2,800 |
| Indicative total | USD 9,700 | USD 18,200 | USD 25,000 |
Most firms of this size choose the middle column, between USD 14,000 and 20,000. The full client portal pays off once more than 30% of revenue comes from foreign clients who never visit the office.
Compliance and candidate data security
The PDPA requires consent, a defined purpose, a designated Data Protection Officer and limited retention. For European clients, the GDPR also applies as soon as EU residents apply.
| Requirement | What the site must provide | Indicative 2026 cost |
|---|---|---|
| Data protection documentation | Processing record for the CV database | Support USD 600 to 1,200 |
| Consent | Explicit checkbox, timestamp, stored proof | Included in the form |
| Retention | Automatic purge after 24 months of inactivity | USD 500 |
| Access and deletion rights | Deletion link in every email | USD 300 |
| Cross-border transfer | Documented hosting and processors | Audit USD 800 |
| Security | HTTPS, encrypted CVs, two-factor authentication for the client portal | USD 900 |
Mini case study
Sami, partner at an executive search firm, spends USD 18,700 a year on international job board ads to attract engineers and finance professionals living in France and Qatar. After launching a site with ATS at USD 18,200, 40% of qualified applications come through the site's confidential listings, indexed in English and French. He cuts his job board budget to USD 10,900, a saving of USD 7,800 a year. Time matters too: ending CV re-keying frees about 6 hours a week for his two researchers, close to 300 hours a year redirected to direct approach.
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FAQ
Can we publish a role without revealing the client's name?
Yes, it is standard in executive search. The listing describes the sector, company size and pay, and the name only appears in the client portal or after a first interview.
Which ATS can be connected?
Any ATS with a REST API connects in 2 to 3 weeks, for USD 2,300 to 4,300 depending on the number of fields and status synchronization.
Do we need a second language?
Not necessarily. For a firm working mostly with the Gulf or Greater China, translating key pages (home, expertise, contact) adds USD 1,600 to 2,800 and reassures local decision makers.
How much does maintenance cost?
Budget USD 200 to 400 per month for hosting, security updates, ATS connector monitoring and small improvements.
How long does it take to launch?
About 8 weeks: 2 for scoping and mockups, 4 for development and ATS integration, 2 for testing and compliance.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your ATS, your markets and your volume of roles: we will price a site between USD 14,000 and 25,000, delivered in 8 weeks. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
