Lead / Principal Recruiter in City of London

Lead / Principal Recruiter in City of London

City of London Full-Time 50000 - 70000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Discover International

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead recruitment in pharma and biotech, building relationships and shaping client strategies.
  • Company: Discover International, a leading life sciences recruitment company with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, uncapped commission, mentorship, and clear leadership pathway.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth across Europe.
  • Why this job: Join a high-demand market and build something meaningful with expert support.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a 360 recruiter with strong business development skills.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 € per year.

Location: City of London (2 days WFH)

Package: Competitive base + uncapped commission + clear leadership pathway

Who We Are

Discover International was founded in 2013 with a clear vision: build the most outstanding life sciences recruitment company possible. Over the years, we have developed exclusive relationships and deep expertise in healthcare and life science recruitment. With 7 global offices and a team of 100+ recruiting experts, we operate as a full-service recruitment partner, building teams for today's needs and tomorrow's breakthroughs. We operate on the principle that deep personal connections drive better outcomes for everyone. Our success isn't built on algorithms or databases. It's built on the relationships, industry knowledge, and genuine care our people bring to every search, every conversation, and every placement.

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Lead/Principal 360 Recruiter to join a high-performing desk within pharma and biotech manufacturing, one of the most in-demand and candidate-short markets globally. This is a unique opportunity to work directly under one of the top billers in the business, gaining hands-on mentorship, strategic guidance, and the tools needed to elevate your performance to the next level. You will not just be filling roles, you will be building a market, shaping client strategy, and positioning yourself as a future leader within the business.

The Role

  • Owning a full 360 desk across pharma & biotech manufacturing (MSAT, operations, technical transfer, production, etc.)
  • Building and expanding relationships with leading biotech, CDMO, and pharmaceutical organisations
  • Developing new business opportunities across the UK and European markets
  • Managing the full recruitment lifecycle, from business development through to placement and account growth
  • Becoming a true market specialist in a highly technical and evolving space
  • Collaborating closely with a top-performing mentor to refine your approach and maximise billings

What Is In It For You

  • Direct mentorship from a top biller with a proven track record of developing high performers
  • A clear pathway to becoming a top biller yourself
  • The opportunity to build and lead the manufacturing vertical across Europe as you grow
  • Access to established client relationships and warm market insights
  • A high-performance, collaborative environment with strong earning potential
  • Uncapped commission with no ceiling on success

What We Are Looking For

  • Proven experience as a 360 recruiter (ideally within life sciences, manufacturing, or a technical vertical)
  • Strong business development capability and commercial mindset
  • A track record of consistent billings and client wins
  • Ambition to become a market leader and future team/vertical head
  • Ability to operate in a consultative, specialist-driven market
  • Resilience, drive, and a genuine interest in the pharma/biotech space

Why This Role?

This is not just another recruitment role, it is a career-defining opportunity. You will be stepping into a market with huge demand, supported by someone who is fully immersed in it, and given a genuine pathway to lead and scale a European business unit. If you are looking to move beyond “just billing” and start building something meaningful, with the support to become elite, this is the role for you.

Lead / Principal Recruiter in City of London employer: Discover International

Discover International is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises personal connections and mentorship in the fast-paced pharma and biotech manufacturing sector. With a competitive package, uncapped commission, and a clear leadership pathway, employees are empowered to grow their careers while making meaningful contributions to the life sciences industry. Located in the vibrant City of London, the company fosters a collaborative environment where high performers can thrive and shape the future of recruitment.

Discover International

Contact Detail:

Discover International Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead / Principal Recruiter in City of London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. Building relationships is key in recruitment, so don’t be shy about reaching out to potential clients or candidates.

Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Create content that highlights your knowledge in pharma and biotech. Whether it’s a blog post or a video, sharing insights can position you as a thought leader and attract attention from the right people.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews like it’s game day! Research the company and its culture, and come armed with questions that show your genuine interest. This not only impresses but also helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead / Principal Recruiter in City of London

360 Recruitment
Business Development
Client Relationship Management
Market Specialisation
Consultative Selling
Commercial Mindset
Resilience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead/Principal Recruiter role. Highlight your experience in pharma and biotech recruitment, showcasing any specific achievements or metrics that demonstrate your success in this field.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for life sciences recruitment and how your skills align with our mission at Discover International. Be genuine and let your personality shine through!

Showcase Your Business Development Skills:Since this role involves building relationships and developing new business opportunities, make sure to highlight your previous successes in these areas. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've driven growth in past roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This not only streamlines the process but also shows us your enthusiasm for joining our team. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!

How to prepare for a job interview at Discover International

Know Your Market

Before the interview, dive deep into the pharma and biotech manufacturing sectors. Understand the latest trends, key players, and challenges in the industry. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

Showcase Your 360 Recruitment Skills

Be ready to discuss your experience as a 360 recruiter. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed the full recruitment lifecycle, from business development to placement. Highlight any unique strategies you've used to build relationships and close deals.

Demonstrate Your Business Development Acumen

Since this role requires strong business development skills, come prepared with ideas on how you would expand their client base. Think about potential partnerships or markets they haven't tapped into yet, and be ready to share your vision during the interview.

Ask Insightful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the company and the role. Ask about their approach to mentorship, the challenges they face in the market, and how they measure success. This shows you're serious about contributing to their goals.