The salary range belongs in the first conversation
If the budget is fixed, tell people early. It saves everybody time and helps you understand whether the opportunity has a realistic chance of landing.
Candidates also need to know the rest of the package: car or allowance, bonus, overtime, paid travel, holiday, pension and working pattern. Two roles on the same basic salary can feel very different in practice.
If the number is below the market for the experience you need, review the brief or the budget. Hoping the right person will accept substantially less is not much of a hiring plan.
