At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead C-suite searches and build client relationships in healthcare, education, or not-for-profit sectors.
- Company: Join a top executive search firm with a vibrant culture and strong growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commission structure, wellness support, and flexible working.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with clear career progression to Director and Partner.
- Why this job: Shape leadership in impactful sectors while advancing your career in executive search.
- Qualifications: Experience in executive search or recruitment, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Principal Consultant, Not for Profit or Healthcare or Education Practice
Are you ready to run your own mandates at C-suite level? Do you want to build a career in retained search, not just support someone else's? Are you looking for a firm that will back your ambition with the platform to match?
About Us
Compass Carter Osborne is the industry’s highest profile provider of board level executive search within independent health and care services. Part of Compass Recruitment Solutions (CRS), a market-leading recruitment business focused on the Health, Care, Education, and Life Sciences sectors. We are a founder-led and investor backed, with a values-driven company culture where ambition, collaboration, and a sense of fun are at the heart of everything we do. Our teams are encouraged to thrive, achieve their full potential, and enjoy the journey along the way. As an award-winning Executive Search provider (HealthInvestor Search Firm of the Year, 2022, 2024 and 2026), we are the go-to partner for critical C-suite and senior-level hiring. Our clients include leading care providers, private equity investors (and their portfolio companies), and high-net-worth individuals who trust us to find the very best talent for their businesses.
The Opportunity
Due to continued growth and success, we are seeking a Principal Consultant to join our Healthcare, Education or Not for Profit practice in our London office. This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious search professional ready to take their next step, whether that’s moving from a research or 180 delivery role into a full-cycle billing desk, or joining a specialist, market-leading firm where you can build a genuine career in retained executive search. If you are a Senior Researcher, Associate Consultant or 180 Consultant at a larger search firm and you know you are capable of more, more client exposure, more ownership, more reward, this role has been designed for you. Equally, if you are already operating in a full 360 or Principal-level capacity but feel your current firm isn’t giving you the platform, the sector specialism, or the quality of mandates to match your ambition, we would like to hear from you.
At CCO, you won’t be left to figure it out alone. You will work alongside Partners and Directors who have built some of the most recognised careers in executive search, on mandates that genuinely shape the leadership of PE-backed and privately-owned non-profit organisations. The structure here is built to develop you, from your first retained mandate through to Director and beyond. The successful candidate will focus on one of 3 sectors, continuing their journey to become one of the most trusted search professionals in their specialised sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Retained mandate delivery, owning and delivering C-suite and senior leadership searches end-to-end, from briefing through to shortlist, interview management, offer and placement.
- Business development, contributing to the growth of the practice by identifying new client opportunities, attending events, and building your personal profile in the sector.
- Client relationship development, building trusted relationships with PE investors, company boards, service providers, and operators in your specialist sector, supported by senior colleagues as you grow your own client base.
- Candidate identification and engagement, using headhunting, market intelligence and your developing network to identify and engage the best leadership talent across private and specialist organisations in your sector.
- Market mapping and sector insight, building deep knowledge of the investor-backed landscape, including providers, tech organisations and associated companies in the sector, and becoming a credible voice in your market.
- Collaboration, working closely with researchers, peers, and senior consultants across CCO to deliver exceptional outcomes for clients and candidates.
About You
We’re looking for someone with the intellect, curiosity and commercial instinct to thrive in retained executive search, and the ambition to build a long-term career at a firm that will genuinely invest in their development.
- Experience in executive search or recruitment in your specialist sector, you are currently working as a Researcher, Senior Researcher, Associate Consultant, or 180 Consultant within an executive search firm, or you have a background in specialist recruitment in your sector and are ready to step into retained search.
- A desire to step up, you want to own mandates, hold client relationships, and be accountable for delivery, not sit behind a desk waiting for someone else to bring you the work.
- An affinity with your sector, whether through direct experience recruiting into the private sector, or through a genuine interest in the investor-backed sector market and a willingness to learn fast.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills, you are confident engaging with senior leaders and can hold a credible, professional conversation at board level.
- Drive and resilience, you are motivated by results, comfortable with the pace of a high-performing team, and ready to put in the work to build something.
- A collaborative mindset, you thrive in a team environment, contribute to the culture, and want to be part of something bigger than your own desk.
What we offer
- Competitive salary & commission structure.
- Simply Health Cash Plan.
- Gold Standard Investors in People, with clear career progression, wellness support, and personal development opportunities.
- Quarterly company events & a vibrant social calendar.
- Increasing annual leave allowance.
- Early finish every Friday and flexible working with a central London base.
Why Join Compass Carter Osborne?
At Compass Carter Osborne, you’ll be part of a truly market-leading team at an exciting stage of growth. You’ll work alongside experienced consultants who are passionate about their sectors, in a business that has built a reputation for excellence. As a Principal Consultant, you will have a defined career pathway through to Director and Partner, with the mentorship, mandate quality, and market position to get there. The education sector is one of the fastest-growing areas of PE investment in the UK, and CCO is at the centre of it, this is a chance to build your career in a market with genuine momentum.
All approaches will be treated in the strictest confidence. Ready to make your mark in executive search?
Executive Search Principal - Not for Profit / Education / Healthcare in London employer: Compass Carter Osborne
At Compass Carter Osborne, we pride ourselves on being a values-driven employer that fosters ambition and collaboration within a vibrant work culture. Our London office offers exceptional career growth opportunities in retained executive search, supported by experienced mentors and a commitment to personal development, all while enjoying a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements. Join us to be part of a market-leading team that is shaping the future of healthcare, education, and not-for-profit sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Search Principal - Not for Profit / Education / Healthcare in London
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
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✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Compass Carter Osborne.
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We think you need these skills to ace Executive Search Principal - Not for Profit / Education / Healthcare in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Compass Carter Osborne.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Compass Carter Osborne. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Carter Osborne
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Compass Carter Osborne, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Compass Carter Osborne, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Compass Carter Osborne could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Compass Carter Osborne as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
