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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value executive searches and build strong client relationships.
- Company: Fast-growing executive search firm with a focus on Legal, Financial Services, and Engineering/Technology.
- Benefits: Up to £75,000 base salary, uncapped commission, private healthcare, and gym discounts.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team, work on major deals, and shape your career trajectory.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in executive search and strong business development skills.
- Other info: Collaborative London office environment with opportunities for mentorship and growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location: London (3–4 days in office per week)
Salary: Up to £75,000 base + uncapped commission
About the firm
Join a high-growth, specialist executive search firm operating across Legal, Financial Services and Engineering/Technology markets. Known for its deep expertise, high-touch search methodology and rapid expansion, the firm consistently delivers on complex, senior-level mandates across the UK, Europe and the US. Their work regularly involves senior appointments tied to major transformation programmes, investment cycles and strategic build-outs — with deal values that can sit comfortably in the six- and even seven-figure range. This is a business built on high performance, autonomy and continuous growth, with a proven track record of scaling headcount, revenue and geographic reach year-on-year.
Role overview
As a Principal Recruitment Consultant, you will take full ownership of your vertical — driving new business, leading high-value executive searches and strengthening senior client relationships. You will be trusted with autonomy, expected to deliver consistently, and empowered to influence the growth of the wider team.
Key responsibilities
- Lead full end-to-end executive search assignments across senior and strategic roles.
- Build new client relationships and expand existing accounts, focusing on mandates tied to high-value projects and major organisational change.
- Map, attract and close senior talent through proactive headhunting, networking and market intelligence.
- Own billing performance within your market and consistently deliver against agreed revenue targets.
- Mentor and support consultants, sharing best-practice and building capability across the team.
- Provide market insights and talent advisory to senior stakeholders, positioning yourself as a trusted specialist.
- Collaborate across the business to support growth, operational improvement and the firm's wider strategic goals.
What we're looking for
- Strong experience as an established 360 recruiter or executive search consultant, ideally already operating at Senior/Principal level.
- A proven billing history and confidence running senior-level, often complex mandates.
- Ability to engage C-suite, Partners and Heads-of-Function with credibility and commercial sharpness.
- Strong business development skills and a track record of winning new accounts.
- Resilience, self-motivation and a genuine passion for working in a high-performance environment.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Comfortable working 3–4 days per week in a collaborative London office environment.
What we offer
- Base salary up to £75,000 + uncapped commission.
- Opportunity to work on senior mandates connected to seven-figure deals, giving you access to high-end client work and substantial earning potential.
- A meritocratic progression pathway, with options to move into leadership or a top-biller route.
- Hybrid working (3–4 days in office).
- Access to a high-performance culture with strong training, development and peer learning.
- Exposure to global assignments, international markets and rapidly growing client demand.
- Benefits including private healthcare, gym discounts, incentive trips, and potential equity/long-term reward depending on level.
Why this is a strong next step
This is a rare opportunity to step into a firm that is scaling fast, winning high-value assignments and investing heavily in both its people and its market reach. For an ambitious Principal Consultant, it offers the perfect mix: big roles, big deals, and the ability to directly shape both your earnings and your future career trajectory.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Staffing and Recruiting
Principal Recruitment Consultant - Executive Seach in London employer: EXP Talent
Contact Detail:
EXP Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Recruitment Consultant - Executive Seach in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Principal Recruitment Consultant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you meet potential clients or candidates, share insights about market trends and your success stories. This builds credibility and positions you as a go-to consultant in executive search.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from following up! After meeting someone, drop them a message to keep the conversation going. It shows you're genuinely interested and keeps you top of mind for future opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by our hiring team and show your enthusiasm for joining our high-performance culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Recruitment Consultant - Executive Seach in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Recruitment Consultant role. Highlight your experience in executive search and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to handle high-value mandates.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for recruitment, your business development skills, and how you can contribute to our high-performance culture.
Showcase Your Success Stories: In your application, include specific examples of your past successes in recruitment. We want to see how you've engaged with senior-level clients and closed complex deals, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and shows us you're serious about joining our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at EXP Talent
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the sectors you'll be working in, like Legal, Financial Services, and Engineering/Technology. Understand the current trends, challenges, and key players in these markets. This knowledge will help you engage with your interviewers and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Success Stories
Prepare specific examples of your past successes in executive search or recruitment. Highlight your billing history, how you've built client relationships, and any high-value mandates you've successfully closed. This will illustrate your capability and confidence in handling complex roles.
✨Demonstrate Business Development Skills
Be ready to discuss your approach to winning new accounts and expanding existing ones. Share strategies you've used in the past to attract senior talent and how you've navigated challenging searches. This will show that you're proactive and results-driven, which is crucial for this role.
✨Engage with Authenticity
During the interview, focus on building a genuine connection with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their growth plans and how you can contribute. This not only shows your interest but also positions you as someone who values collaboration and long-term relationships.
