Executive Recruitment Services for a City Manager

The City of Waxahachie, Texas, located in Ellis County, is soliciting proposals from executive search firms to conduct a comprehensive nationwide recruitment and selection process for a new City Manager. The procurement is structured as a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking firms with demonstrated expertise in executive recruitment for municipal leadership positions. Key deliverables include developing a comprehensive recruiting profile, creating recruitment materials, defining an advertising strategy, conducting candidate screening and background checks, facilitating interviews, and assisting in the final employment offer. The evaluation of proposals will be based on a 100-point scoring system, with 30 points each allocated to relevant experience and key personnel qualifications, 20 points for references, and 20 points for cost. Proposals are due by September 10, 2025, at 2:00 pm and must be submitted electronically through the OpenGov procurement portal. The City operates under a Council-Manager form of government and seeks a candidate who can effectively manage a full-service municipality with an annual operating budget of approximately $146 million and over 450 full-time employees.

The RFP does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The selected firm will be required to provide a guarantee to continue services until a City Manager is appointed and will be responsible for re-recruitment at no additional cost if the selected candidate is terminated or resigns within 12 months. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the procurement suggests a comprehensive recruitment process with potential significant engagement costs. The current organizational context includes an Interim City Manager who is the Fire Chief, and the previous City Manager had a 23-year tenure. Cost is noted as an important but not determinative factor, with the City reserving the right to make no award or contract at its absolute discretion. The procurement appears open to various executive search firms with demonstrated municipal recruitment experience, with the primary emphasis on finding a highly qualified candidate who can effectively lead the city's complex municipal operations.