At a Glance
- Tasks: Transition into executive search, building networks and relationships with senior leaders.
- Company: Fraser Dove International, a leader in executive search with a focus on development.
- Benefits: Structured growth, real responsibility, life-changing commission, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with high standards and clear feedback.
- Why this job: Launch your career in executive search with mentorship and impactful work.
- Qualifications: 1-3 years in recruitment, strong delivery skills, and a desire for influence.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role is designed as a structured transition into senior executive search for recruiters with 1-3 years’ experience. You won’t be expected to arrive as a fully formed consultant. You will be expected to grow into one, deliberately, with structure, coaching and accountability.
If you’re currently in recruitment and feeling limited by speed over judgement and volume over credibility, this role is a step up, not a sideways move.
Why this role exists
At Fraser Dove International, we hire with intent. We hire experienced recruiters with a clear objective: to develop future Executive Search Consultants and future leaders of our business. Over the past decade, we’ve built a proven track record of developing high-performing contingent recruiters into trusted executive search consultants.
Many of our senior consultants and leaders began their careers in contingent environments before joining FDI, and went on to:
- Lead complex, retained executive searches globally
- Build long-term client partnerships across multiple geographical locations
- Take on leadership roles across Farnham, London, New York and Basel
This role exists to continue that journey, properly structured and properly supported.
The purpose of this role
This role exists to help you transition from delivery-led recruitment into relationship-led executive search. You are here to:
- Build commercial confidence beyond job-led conversations
- Headhunt exceptional, passive global talent
- Develop influence with senior stakeholders
- Rebuild your network at executive level
- Learn how executive search work is won before it is delivered
- Prepare for full ownership as an Executive Search Consultant
You are not measured on speed or volume. You are measured on network strength, pipeline growth, quality of conversations, insight generated and opportunities created.
Where you sit in the business
You’ll work closely with some of the most experienced Principals and Partners in the firm. You’ll see first-hand:
- How senior client relationships are built and sustained
- How consultative market insights and intelligence is delivered
- How leadership hiring decisions are shaped long before mandates are signed
- How judgement, insight and credibility influence outcomes
- How executive search differs fundamentally from recruitment
You will not be pushed straight back into delivery. This is a retraining phase, designed to raise your ceiling, not repeat your past. You’ll be trusted with real responsibility early, contributing to work that directly shapes client outcomes, long-term relationships and the growth of the firm.
What you’ll actually be doing
Network Growth & Relationship Building
- Growing and curating high-quality networks of senior life sciences leaders
- Researching and mapping leadership ecosystems across target organisations and markets
- Supporting thoughtful, professional outreach and warm introductions
- Strengthening relationships through structured, consistent follow-up
- Maintaining a living, high-value network that underpins our search and advisory work
- Researching companies, leadership teams, ownership structures and growth signals
- Identifying hiring trends, succession risks and capability gaps
- Contributing to Talent Intelligence and market insight shared with clients
- Feeding real-time intelligence into commercial, advisory and strategic conversations
Pipeline Development, Opportunity Creation & Business Development
- Supporting early-stage client conversations and strategic introductions
- Helping prepare Principals and Partners for meetings, pitches and discussions
- Learning how commercial influence works in executive search - without “selling”
- Supporting follow-ups that convert conversations into long-term partnerships
- Helping ensure momentum, insight and opportunity are never lost
High-Impact Partner & Team Support
- Working alongside senior consultants on priority initiatives
- Supporting podcasts, events, roundtables and wider community activity
- Acting as a connector across people, information and opportunity
- Helping turn insight into action across the business
Who this role is for
This role is ideal if you:
- Have 1–3 years’ experience in recruitment (contingent or retained)
- Are strong at delivery but want more influence and ownership
- Enjoy the commercial side but want to level up significantly
- Want to build credibility and a long-term career
- Are ambitious about progressing into full executive search
- Like to win - and understand that winning is built over time
- Have an intrinsic drive to succeed, not just hit short-term targets
- Are fearless learners, comfortable being stretched, coached and challenged
- Want accountability, exposure and responsibility early in their career
- Care about impact, reputation and long-term success
Those with an entrepreneurial mindset looking to sharpen their skills and learn from the best.
You should expect:
- High standards
- Clear feedback
- Commercial accountability
- A genuine learning curve
You do need curiosity, confidence, resilience and ambition.
What we care about (more than previous experience and results)
- You’re naturally curious and commercially minded
- You communicate clearly, confidently and professionally
- You follow things through and take ownership
- You enjoy building relationships over time
- You’re comfortable learning by doing
- You bring positive energy, momentum and intent into a team
What success looks like (first 12 -18 months)
- You’ve built your network and subject matter expertise at executive level within one of the defined FDI practices.
- You’re contributing meaningfully to client conversations and opportunities
- You understand how executive search work is won and delivered
- You’re operating with confidence in senior commercial environments
- You’re ready to take on full Executive Search Consultant responsibility
This role is a launchpad into executive search, not a holding pattern.
What you’ll get in return
- A genuine step up into executive search
- Direct exposure to senior clients and complex hiring challenges
- Structured development and clear progression
- Real responsibility and trust
- Ability to earn life changing commission
- Company incentives, socials and team events
- Hybrid working (1 day WFH after probation)
Most importantly: You’ll be building a career with depth, credibility and long-term upside. You’ll be doing work that really matters - to clients, to patients, and to your own career.
Executive Search Consultant employer: Fraser Dove International
At Fraser Dove International, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters growth and development for our team members. With a structured transition into senior executive search, you will receive dedicated coaching and support, allowing you to build meaningful relationships and influence at the highest levels. Our collaborative work culture, combined with opportunities for real responsibility and life-changing commission, makes this an ideal environment for ambitious recruiters looking to elevate their careers in Farnham.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Search Consultant
✨Dive into the Talent Acquisition Community
Get involved with communities specifically aimed at talent acquisition and recruitment. Follow popular forums, like the HR and recruitment threads on LinkedIn Groups or join Talent Acquisition Meetups in your area. Networking with fellow recruiters and industry experts can lead to hidden job opportunities and insider tips!
✨Show Off Your Expertise at Recruitment Events
Attend recruitment fairs and industry conferences where companies, including Fraser Dove International, often showcase their hiring needs. Not only can you meet potential employers face-to-face, but you can also demonstrate your passion and knowledge about the field. Make sure you've got some thoughtful questions ready to impress!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still connected to your university, tap into their career services. Many universities have exclusive job boards and connections with companies eager to hire fresh talent in recruitment roles. Plus, you never know who might be able to put in a good word for you at places like Fraser Dove International!
✨Tailor Your Digital Footprint
Make sure your online presence reflects your passion for talent acquisition. Share articles, join discussions, and post about trends in recruiting to establish yourself as a knowledgeable candidate. Recruiters often check candidates out online, so use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your insights and enthusiasm for discovering the right talent!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Search Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Passion for Talent Acquisition:In your cover letter, let your passion for recruiting shine through! Talk about what drew you to talent acquisition. Share experiences where you helped others find their dream jobs or any times you've been involved in hiring processes – it’ll show us at Fraser Dove International that you're genuinely invested in the field.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Certifications:Make sure your CV includes any relevant skills or certifications related to recruiting. Mentioning your knowledge of applicant tracking systems, personality assessments, or even any HR-related qualifications can set you apart. This way, we can see straight away that you're not just any candidate but one with the necessary tools for talent acquisition.
Tailor Your CV for the Job:When applying for Executive Search Consultant at Fraser Dove International, tailor your CV to reflect the job description. Highlight previous experiences in recruitment, candidate sourcing, or employee engagement that align with what we’re after. Personalisation shows we’re not just another checkbox on your job applications!
Bring Your Unique Perspective:In your cover letter, don't hesitate to share your unique perspective on what makes a good recruiter. Whether it's building strong candidate relationships or your approach to diversity in hiring, your insights can resonate well with our team. We love a fresh take, so let it shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fraser Dove International
✨Know Your Sourcing Strategies
In the talent acquisition world, it’s all about knowing the best sourcing strategies. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques you’ve used to find and attract top talent, whether that’s through social media, networking events, or innovative outreach methods. Bring examples that showcase your capability!
✨Value of Employer Branding
Employer branding is a huge part of recruitment, so be ready to chat about how you’ve contributed to building an attractive company image. Think about how you’d pitch Fraser Dove International to potential candidates and maintain a consistent brand image across platforms.
✨Demonstrate Your Interviewing Skills
Since this is a full-time gig, hiring managers will want to see your interviewing prowess. Prepare for mock interview scenarios where you might need to assess candidates' cultural fit and skill set. Practise asking competency-based questions to demonstrate your systematic approach.
✨Engage with Data and Metrics
Being data-driven is key in talent acquisition! Expect to discuss how you’ve used recruiting metrics to refine your strategies. Familiarise yourself with common KPIs, like time-to-fill and candidate satisfaction scores, and be ready to back up your insights with data!
