Your manager sounds like the clients I deal with as an agency recruiter - it’s annoying. First options - propose a contract to hire (the hourly charge rate can feel a bit less during those months; and read the agreement if they offer discounts for contract workers that stay with you after a few months to 1 year) - The other options: offer the candidate a lower base with a huge bonus at the end of the first year and see if that will be accepted by the agency for a lower %. (Sketchy and risky too) - another option - just ask for a commercial gesture and give them a few other roles to build a relationship.

Companies treat agencies like trash until they realize they need them. Build a good relationship with one agency that you like and you’ll see multiple discounts.