Reading a German executive offer beyond base salary
A checklist of package elements senior specialists should examine when comparing executive offers in Germany.
Base salary dominates the first conversation. Durable decisions rarely end there. Senior offers in Germany often hide their true shape in bonus mechanics, notice periods, and benefits that only appear in the written draft.
Bonus structures
Clarify target versus maximum, discretionary versus formula-based, and what happens if you join mid-year. A high target that never paid out for the last three holders is a different object than a modest, reliable variable.
Notice and garden leave
Longer notice can protect you—or trap you if you later need to move again. Garden leave terms affect how soon you can start elsewhere and how references are handled during the wait.
Pension, car, and insurance
Company car policies, employer pension contributions, and insurance top-ups can outweigh a small base gap—especially for specialists with family coverage needs.
Non-compete and side activities
If you hope to add advisory or board work later, read restrictions now. Negotiation is easier before signature than after regret.
When an offer is live, targeted counsel inside the Executive Career Transition Programme or a preparation block can help you decide what is worth trading.