At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and build a new Business Advisory offering with key client relationships.
- Company: Rapidly expanding Business Advisory firm with a modern, collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid working, and a clear path to Partnership.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape your own team and make a real impact.
- Why this job: Fast-track your career in a dynamic environment with ambitious clients.
- Qualifications: ACA or ACCA qualified with strong advisory and leadership skills.
Your new company
This is not a sleepy partnership waiting room. It's a privately owned, rapidly expanding Business Advisory firm with a genuinely impressive client base - entrepreneurial, ambitious, and increasingly international. The culture is commercial, collaborative and refreshingly modern. Decisions are made quickly. Talent is backed. Technology is invested in properly. The senior leadership team is young, driven and forward-thinking, with a genuine work hard, enjoy the ride mindset. If you like smart people, big ideas, and clients who actually value advice - you'll feel at home here.
Your new role
A newly created Director / Partner Designate position, built for someone who doesn't want to wait five years for a partner to retire. You'll be given full ownership to build and lead a new Business Advisory offering, with a clear, realistic route into Partnership within 12-18 months. This is a proper step-up role:
- Leading key client relationships
- Driving business development
- Hiring and shaping your own team
- Working closely with the Managing Partner on strategy and growth
Think Senior Manager ready to step up, or Director who wants faster progression - not endless politics.
What you'll need to succeed
- ACA or ACCA qualified (CTA / RI fully supported if needed)
- Strong grounding across statutory accounts, audit, tax and company secretarial
- An existing client portfolio (or clear ability to win and grow one)
- Background in a mid-tier, independent or entrepreneurial firm
- Commercial, advisory-led mindset
- Leadership style that inspires, not intimidates
- Motivation to build something, not just inherit it
What you'll get in return
- £85,000 - £105,000 + Bonus
- Clear and realistic route to Partner / Equity Partner
- Hybrid working and international exposure
- High-quality clients and strong internal support
- A genuine opportunity to build something of your own
What you need to do now:
If you're a recent Director eyeing Partnership or a Senior Manager who knows they're ready, apply now for a confidential conversation. For regulatory and client-facing reasons, applicants must already be UK qualified with the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available.
Partner Designate employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Partner Designate
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities to come to you. Share your insights and knowledge through articles or posts on social media. We want to see you as a thought leader in your field, which can really catch the eye of potential employers.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Reach out to current employees at firms you’re interested in and ask for an informational interview. This is a great way to learn more about the company culture and make a lasting impression. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, apply directly through our website. It shows you’re serious about joining us and makes it easier for us to track your application. Let’s get you on the path to that Director/Partner Designate position!
We think you need these skills to ace Partner Designate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Ambition: When you're writing your application, let us see your drive and ambition shine through. We want to know why you're excited about this Director role and how you plan to make an impact in our rapidly expanding firm.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Highlight your experience in business advisory, client relationships, and leadership. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Partner Designate role. Be genuine, and let us know what excites you about working with smart people and big ideas.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our dynamic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key areas mentioned in the job description, like statutory accounts, audit, and tax. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Since they’re looking for someone who inspires rather than intimidates, think about examples from your past where you’ve successfully led a team or project. Be prepared to share these stories and highlight your collaborative approach.
✨Demonstrate Business Development Skills
They want someone who can drive business development, so come armed with ideas on how you would grow their client portfolio. Think about your existing connections and how you can leverage them to bring in new business.
✨Emphasise Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
This role is all about building something new, so convey your motivation and passion for entrepreneurship. Share any relevant experiences where you’ve taken initiative or created opportunities in previous roles.