At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead executive search projects and build strong relationships with clients and candidates.
- Company: Global executive search firm with a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and exposure to senior decision-makers.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a high-performing team and make an impact in the financial services sector.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in executive search, strong communication skills, and strategic thinking.
My client is a specialist global executive search and leadership advisory firm, partnering with leading financial institutions to identify and attract senior leadership talent. Operating on a retained search model, they deliver executive search, interim management, market intelligence, succession planning and talent advisory solutions across international markets.
With offices across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia, my client has built a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture where individuals are encouraged to take ownership of their careers. The business values curiosity, high performance and teamwork, providing an environment where people can develop quickly while working on complex, senior-level mandates.
The Role
An opportunity has arisen for a Senior Associate to join the Financial Services practice in London. Working closely with Partners, you will play a key role in the execution of retained executive search assignments, managing delivery from initial briefing through to candidate placement while building strong relationships with both clients and candidates.
Key Responsibilities
Search Delivery
- Translate client briefs into effective research and search strategies.
- Conduct market mapping, research and candidate identification for retained search assignments.
- Independently assess and interview senior candidates.
- Support and, where appropriate, lead client update calls and candidate presentations.
- Produce high-quality pitch documents, search reports and client updates.
- Present market insights and candidate shortlists to clients.
- Build trusted relationships with client stakeholders throughout the search process.
- Manage candidate engagement through to offer acceptance, overcoming challenges where required.
Business Development
- Develop long-term relationships with senior candidates and clients.
- Generate market intelligence and share insights that support future business opportunities.
- Identify opportunities for new retained search mandates and introduce qualified leads to Partners.
- Attend client meetings and pitches, contributing to business development activity.
- Use market knowledge to add value during both client and candidate conversations.
The successful candidate will likely have:
- 2+ years' experience within executive search.
- Experience delivering executive search assignments from briefing through to completion.
- A background recruiting senior professionals within Financial Services, ideally across Commercial or Retail Banking, with exposure to C-suite or executive-level mandates.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to engage senior executives.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to think strategically.
- A proactive, self-motivated approach with excellent organisational skills.
- High attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
- Resilience and the ability to perform in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.
What's on Offer
My client offers the opportunity to work on high-profile executive search assignments with leading global financial institutions and high-growth organisations. You'll be part of a collaborative, high-performing team where progression is based on performance and capability rather than tenure.
The business provides exposure to senior decision-makers, international search work and a supportive environment that encourages professional development, entrepreneurial thinking and long-term career growth, alongside a competitive salary and benefits package.
Senior Associate - Executive Search in London employer: FIFTEEN WEST
Join a dynamic and innovative global life sciences talent business that prioritises relationship-building with founders, investors, and senior leadership teams. With a strong existing platform and a focus on strategic partnerships, this role offers exceptional earning potential and clear pathways for career progression in a thriving market. Experience a supportive hybrid work culture that values ambition and fosters personal growth while making a meaningful impact in the biotech sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate - Executive Search in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like FIFTEEN WEST. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate - Executive Search in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to FIFTEEN WEST.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on FIFTEEN WEST's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at FIFTEEN WEST
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with FIFTEEN WEST.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at FIFTEEN WEST will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former FIFTEEN WEST employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
