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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead retained searches for senior tech roles in Financial Services and mentor junior consultants.
- Company: Join a high-growth executive search firm focused on Tech within Financial Services with ambitious goals.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, uncapped earnings potential, and profit-sharing incentives.
- Why this job: Elevate your recruitment career in a collaborative environment with opportunities for leadership and growth.
- Qualifications: 6-8 years of recruitment experience in tech, particularly in Financial Services.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with plans to expand into the US market.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 85000 £ per year.
A high-growth executive search firm is seeking a Senior -> AD Tech Search Consultant to join its specialist Tech into Financial Services practice. This role is ideal for someone currently operating in a high-fee contingent environment who is looking to elevate into retained search. This is not a 360 role—consultants are supported by junior delivery talent and guided by experienced Partners. The right person will bring functional expertise in tech, a background in permanent recruitment, and the mindset to operate as a true strategic partner.
Candidate Profile
- This opportunity would suit an experienced recruiter with 6–8 years’ experience, ideally working with senior individual contributors or leadership hires within technology.
- Have experience recruiting into Financial Services, particularly within Asset & Wealth Management, Retail Banks, Challenger Banks, or Insurance.
- Be focused on permanent technology roles (e.g., CTOs, Heads of Engineering, senior ICs).
- Show genuine interest in operating within a retained search model.
- Be collaborative and coachable, with a strong appetite to learn and grow.
- Bring credibility to client conversations and demonstrate comfort in helping originate and win retained work.
- Thrive in an environment where success is based on long-term relationships, quality of delivery, and high average deal value.
About the Business
The company is a specialist search firm exclusively focused on Tech and Product within Financial Services, with a strong reputation and an ambitious growth trajectory. The Search function currently consists of 5 team members, all with fewer than 3 years' experience, billing between £270k–£400k. Their clients include leading names in FS as well as VC- and PE-backed innovators, particularly in insurance, banking, and wealth. The average retained fee is £45k–£50k, split over thirds. The firm has clear strategic goals: £100m valuation target within 5 years, active plans to scale rapidly in the UK and the US (New York, Florida, Austin), partnering with a VC within the next 12 months, and a long-term opportunity for someone to progress into a UK MD-level role.
Responsibilities
- Lead retained search mandates for senior tech hires across the FS sector.
- Partner with junior consultants to support research and delivery.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to drive BD activity and open new accounts.
- Develop deep, consultative relationships with clients and candidates.
- Learn from Partners while mentoring less experienced team members.
Compensation & Progression
- Base salary: £45,000–£85,000 (depending on experience).
- OTE Year 1: £100k–£120k+, with uncapped earnings potential.
- Clear pathway to Director level, with exposure to leadership and potential for future team ownership.
- Incentives structured around profit share, not just billings.
Principal Recruitment Consultant - Tech, Retained Search employer: AT Talent - Rec2Rec
Contact Detail:
AT Talent - Rec2Rec Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Recruitment Consultant - Tech, Retained Search
✨Tip Number 1
Network strategically within the Financial Services sector, especially focusing on tech roles. Attend industry events and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn to build relationships that could lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in technology recruitment, particularly in Financial Services. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise during conversations with potential employers and clients.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your understanding of the retained search model by discussing its benefits in your networking interactions. This will position you as a knowledgeable candidate who is genuinely interested in this approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in recruiting senior tech roles. Highlight specific examples where you've built long-term relationships and delivered high-value placements, as this aligns with the firm's focus.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Recruitment Consultant - Tech, Retained Search
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in tech recruitment, particularly within Financial Services. Emphasise any roles where you've worked with senior individual contributors or leadership hires.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your genuine interest in transitioning to a retained search model. Discuss your collaborative nature and how you can bring credibility to client conversations.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your achievements in permanent technology roles. Mention specific examples of successful placements and the impact they had on your clients.
Highlight Your Growth Mindset: Demonstrate your appetite for learning and growth in your application. Mention any instances where you've mentored others or taken on additional responsibilities to develop your skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at AT Talent - Rec2Rec
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience in tech recruitment, especially within Financial Services. Be prepared to discuss specific roles you've filled and the impact you've had on those organisations.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Since this role involves operating as a strategic partner, be ready to share examples of how you've built long-term relationships with clients and contributed to their success. This will show that you understand the value of a retained search model.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
The company values teamwork, so illustrate your ability to work collaboratively with junior consultants and senior leadership. Share instances where you've mentored others or worked together to achieve a common goal.
✨Express Your Growth Mindset
Convey your eagerness to learn and grow within the role. Discuss any professional development you've pursued and how you plan to continue evolving in your career, particularly in the context of retained search.
