Lead / Principal Recruiter

Lead / Principal Recruiter

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 € / 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: Direct mentorship, clear career progression, uncapped commission, and strong earning potential.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Join a high-demand market and build something meaningful with expert support.
  • Qualifications: Proven 360 recruitment experience, strong business development skills, and ambition to lead.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.

Location: City of London (2 days WFH)

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 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 clear pathway for career advancement and uncapped commission potential, employees benefit from direct guidance from top industry leaders while working in a collaborative environment that fosters growth and innovation. Located in the vibrant City of London, the company provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of recruitment in a high-demand market, making it an ideal place for ambitious professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.

Discover International

Contact Detail:

Discover International Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead / Principal Recruiter

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the pharma and biotech sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.

Show Off Your Expertise

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your knowledge of the industry. Share insights about market trends or challenges you've tackled. This will position you as a valuable asset rather than just another candidate.

Follow Up Like a Boss

After interviews or networking events, send a quick follow-up message. Thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the role. It shows you're proactive and genuinely interested, which can set you apart from the competition.

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to take on the challenge.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead / Principal Recruiter

360 Recruitment
Business Development
Client Relationship Management
Market Specialisation
Consultative Selling
Technical Knowledge in Pharma & Biotech
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 360 recruitment, especially within life sciences or technical sectors. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for pharma and biotech, and explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Let us know what drives you and how you can contribute to our success.

Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; highlight your achievements! Share specific examples of your billings and client wins. We love to see numbers that demonstrate your impact and success in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Discover International

Know Your Market

Before the interview, dive deep into the pharma and biotech 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 and ready to contribute.

Showcase Your Success Stories

Prepare specific examples of your past successes as a 360 recruiter. Highlight your achievements in business development, client wins, and how you've built relationships. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact, as this will demonstrate your capability and results-driven mindset.

Ask Insightful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's culture, mentorship opportunities, and their approach to building client relationships. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re keen on finding the right fit for both you and the company.

Demonstrate Your Consultative Approach

Since the role requires a consultative mindset, be ready to discuss how you would approach client interactions. Share your strategies for understanding client needs and how you plan to position yourself as a market specialist. This will highlight your ability to operate effectively in a specialist-driven market.