Town Manager Search Consultant RFP

The Town of Sandwich Select Board is soliciting proposals for an experienced executive search consultant to manage the recruitment and selection of a new Town Manager, with a target start date of July 1, 2027. The selected consultant will be responsible for the end-to-end process, including establishing selection criteria, developing marketing materials, sourcing a diverse pool of qualified candidates, conducting background checks, and assisting in the final employment contract negotiations. Proposals must be submitted in two separate sealed envelopes containing a technical proposal and a price proposal by 4:00 p.m. on October 9, 2026. The Select Board will evaluate submissions based on weighted criteria, including the proposer's experience, implementation plan, recruitment strategies, and references, and may interview the top three ranked candidates. Qualified consultants must have at least three years of recruitment experience, and the lead consultant must have successfully completed at least three similar searches for Massachusetts municipalities within the last 36 months. The contract is a total fixed-fee arrangement with payments tied to four specific milestones: advertisement placement, initial candidate ranking, completion of interviews, and the final employment contract. The agreement requires comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability, automobile liability, and professional malpractice insurance. Additionally, the contractor must provide a replacement guarantee, agreeing to conduct a new recruitment exercise at cost if the selected manager leaves within the first twelve months of employment.