Private Equity Search / Headhunter in City of London

We are seeking an ambitious and commercially minded leader to build and grow a dedicated Private Equity coverage function across mid-market and large-cap clients. This is a high-impact opportunity for someone with deep private capital market knowledge, strong client relationships and the ability to establish a credible, specialist offering in a competitive search and advisory market.

The Opportunity

You will lead the development of a specialist Private Equity practice, owning senior client relationships, shaping the market strategy and building a high-performing team around you. The role will focus on developing trusted partnerships with private equity firms, private credit investors and portfolio companies, delivering outstanding search outcomes and positioning the practice as a go-to adviser in its niche.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the build-out of a Private Equity coverage function across mid-market and large-cap clients.
• Develop and manage senior relationships with priority clients across private capital, including direct investment teams and portfolio companies.
• Act as the primary point of contact for selected clients on private equity search mandates.
• Generate follow-on opportunities by providing continued strategic advisory support after successful engagements.
• Build and maintain a strong network of prospects, clients and referral sources across private equity, private credit and adjacent markets.
• Plan and deliver targeted marketing and client engagement activity, including events on relevant market themes such as diversity, board strategy and leadership trends.
• Hire, develop and retain a high-performing team, ensuring new joiners contribute positively to both culture and business performance.
• Maintain accurate forecasting, disciplined client management and a strong understanding of market activity.

About You

• You bring strong knowledge of the private capital market and understand where activity is taking place, who the key players are and how senior talent moves within the sector.
• You have a proven ability to build trusted client relationships and develop new partnerships.
• You combine commercial acumen with strong negotiation, advisory and relationship management skills.
• You are analytical and able to interpret qualitative and quantitative market information to shape client strategy.
• You operate with honesty, integrity and sound judgement, always acting ethically and transparently.
• You have the confidence and credibility to communicate a strategic vision and translate it into a practical growth plan.
• You are able to identify, attract and develop high-calibre talent within your own team.
• You have a strong work ethic and are comfortable working at pace to meet client and project deadlines.

What We’re Looking For

The successful candidate will be a credible, relationship-led operator with the ambition to build a meaningful specialist practice. You will be comfortable working with senior stakeholders, developing a market presence and leading from the front, while also creating the conditions for junior colleagues to succeed.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a specialist growth area, shape the direction of a private equity search practice and build long-term client relationships in a dynamic and highly competitive market. You will have the autonomy to develop the strategy, hire and lead a team, and establish a strong reputation as a trusted adviser to private capital clients.