Associate

Hurstwood Partners is a specialist search firm working across Private Markets and Investment Banking.

We are engaged by Private Markets Investment Firms, Global Banks and Boutique Advisory businesses to identify and assess junior to mid-level talent.

We are expanding and looking for an Associate to join our team in London.

The opportunity

This is a role for someone early in their career who is interested in the confluence of people and the investment sector.

You will work on live searches for prestigious investment banks, advisory boutiques and investment firms.

What you will do

• Research investment firms, advisory businesses, teams and individual professionals in depth.
• Map relevant talent markets.
• Identify and engage promising candidates.
• Assess candidates on behalf of clients.
• Build an understanding of transactions, investment strategies, team structures and career paths across our markets.
• Keep market and candidate information accurate and current throughout each project.
• Draft candidate reports, market intelligence and client updates.
• Help run search processes from initial research through to completion.
• Build relationships across the industry that outlast any single mandate.

Full training for the above will be provided. As you develop, you will take ownership of searches, candidate relationships and client contact, with a clear route from Associate to Consultant.

Who we are looking for

We are open minded about background. You may have graduated in 2026, or you may already have some experience in another field. Previous recruitment or financial services experience is not essential.

What matters more:

• Genuine interest in investment banking and private markets.
• Curiosity about people and organisations.
• Clear and confident written and verbal communication including the willingness to meet and speak to new people every day.
• The confidence to form your own view, and the willingness to back it.
• Precision, attention to detail and pride in the quality of your work.
• Organisation and the ability to manage multiple live projects.
• Resilience and ambition.

Location: Mayfair, London (with some flexibility to work from home)

Right to work: Applicants must already hold the right to work in the UK. We are not able to offer visa sponsorship.