Senior Legal Executive Search Practice Lead

Impact X is on a mission to redefine what exceptional Exec Search looks like. As a relatively new entrant to a crowded Exec Search market, we know differentiation is everything. This role puts you in the driver’s seat to define what Impact X stands for, how we show up, and how we win. We’re looking for a trailblazing leader to work with us to build an innovative approach to search powered by technology, creativity, and deep expertise.

There are 2 core focus areas:

• Elevating People Functions: We have built an incredibly strong network of People Leaders and believe we’re well placed to support Private Equity portfolio companies (and mid‑sized firms more broadly) in elevating their people functions both by hiring permanent CPOs and by providing short‑term senior expertise in areas ranging from AI Transformation to workforce planning.
• Servicing our RPO clients’ Exec Search needs: The immediate priority here is Partner hiring for law firms.

Key Responsibilities:

• The Senior Legal Lead will play a crucial role in identifying and acquiring new clients and building lasting relationships. You will also source and assess Legal (Partner) talent that will make impactful placements with our clients. This individual will manage all aspects of process, including client/candidate acquisition & management, hiring logistics, and maintaining a robust network of industry leaders.
• Client Relationship Building and Management: Drive new business development efforts by identifying potential clients, building strategic relationships, and presenting tailored recruitment solutions. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure seamless service delivery while managing the full sales cycle from prospecting to closing deals. Partner with clients to understand their organisational needs, culture, and strategic goals. Conduct and consult with clients on future hiring requirements, including qualifications, experience, and leadership competencies. Build and nurture long‑term client relationships to drive repeat business and client love.
• Candidate Sourcing & Assessment: Develop and implement innovative strategies to source and attract high‑calibre HR talent. Leverage various channels, including social media, job boards, industry events, and networking, to identify potential candidates. Assess candidates’ backgrounds, skills, and potential fit for client roles through in‑depth interviews and behavioural assessments. Present shortlists of qualified candidates, providing a detailed analysis of each candidate’s fit for the role and organisation.
• Market Research & Industry Expertise: Conduct comprehensive market research to stay abreast of industry trends, compensation benchmarks, and competitor insights. Maintain a network of industry contacts to deepen knowledge of specific sectors and identify potential candidates and clients for future searches. Advise clients on talent strategies, market conditions, and compensation trends based on insights and data.
• Project & Process Management: Manage the entire search process from initiation to offer, ensuring timely and successful communication and placements. Coordinate interviews, candidate assessments, and client debriefs while ensuring a seamless, positive experience for both clients and candidates. Prepare and present status reports, candidate profiles, and hiring recommendations for clients. Adhere to confidentiality standards and ethical guidelines, ensuring discretion and respect throughout the process.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise:

• Experience: 3+ years of experience in legal search and or recruitment.
• Skills: Hunter mentality and drive to search out and secure new business. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility with senior executives. Strong analytical and assessment skills with the ability to evaluate candidate qualifications and potential. Project management skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage multiple assignments in a fast‑paced environment. Proficiency in recruitment and CRM tools, including LinkedIn Recruiter, ATS, and CRM systems. Understanding how the Partner system works in the legal landscape.
• Personal Attributes: Hunter / Growth mindset. Strategic thinker: Able to think critically about client requirements, challenge, consult and advise. Integrity and Discretion: Maintain a high level of professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality. Results‑Oriented: Demonstrate a strong commitment to achieving fee quotas and exceeding client & candidate expectations. Resilient: Thrive in a challenging environment and be comfortable with high stakes searches and tight deadlines.

Why Join Impact X?

• A start‑up opportunity with the backing of a successful, fast‑growing organisation.
• Ownership of strategy, delivery and team building.
• The chance to create a disruptive, tech‑enabled Exec Search offering.
• A culture that embraces innovation, experimentation and learning.
• Clear commercial upside and visibility at senior leadership level.

This role is perfect for someone who is ready to step out of the traditional Exec Search mould and build something genuinely different.

What we can offer you in return:

• Share Options: Enrolled in our share options scheme, rewarding our team as we work towards our ambitious goals in 2026 and beyond.
• Work from Anywhere: Embrace ultimate flexibility with our policy that lets you work from anywhere in the world for up to 4 weeks each year.
• Home Office Boost: Get your home office set up just right with a £200 allowance.
• Invest in You: Take advantage of a £500 annual allowance dedicated to your personal development and growth.
• Generous Time Off: Recharge with 25 days of holiday, plus Bank Holidays, an Employee Enrichment Day, and a special Recharge Day each year.
• Clear Career Path: Know where you’re headed with our transparent progression structure.
• Flexible Working: Whether you prefer the comfort of home or the buzz of working onsite with clients, our flexible model supports your choice.
• Team Fun: Bond with your team through exciting incentives like weekend getaways, fun socials, and team lunches.
• Self‑Development Time: Dedicate 10% of your working week to developing yourself, your client, and our company, Instant Impact.

At Instant Impact, everyone is welcome. We are committed to maintaining and growing our diverse and dynamic team and the inclusive culture we have built. We encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work regardless of age, sexuality, religion, disability, pronouns, neurodiversity, gender, ethnic group, or beliefs. Instant Impact is actively seeking to hire a diverse workforce so we can continue to celebrate inclusion and diversity in its full. Should you need any reasonable adjustments made to this application process, or need this job advert in different formatting, please do not hesitate to contact us.