Executive Search Researcher

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced and analytical Researcher to support the Executive Search team through the generation and delivery of talent and market intelligence, and sourcing executive and senior leadership talent. This role is a critical driver of our talent strategy, providing the market intelligence and competitor insights needed to navigate a complex market. The role will require you to conduct in-depth market mapping, utilising the latest sourcing technology to build diverse talent pipelines, and translate complex data into compelling reports for stakeholders. By engaging credibly with senior-level candidates and delivering first-class search assignments, you will contribute to significant cost savings by reducing reliance on third-party firms.

In addition to your contractual pay, any time worked between 22:00 - 06:00 will attract Night Premium at a rate of £5.25 per hour. This will also apply to existing Partners who have enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.

Salary - up to £65,000 depending on experience

Contract type - 6 Month Fixed-Term Contract (FTC)

Working pattern/flexible working - The Partnership has adopted a hybrid working approach, meaning you'll be able to work a mixture between the office, other Partnership locations and home. The team aims to connect in the office on an ad-hoc basis to attend key meetings.

Location - This role is based at 1 Drummond Gate, London.

• Conduct in-depth market mapping and competitor analysis, reporting on industry moves, leadership successions, and market trends to shape search strategies.
• Identify, track, and credibly engage senior-level candidates across a variety of platforms and digital sourcing channels to build high-quality longlists.
• Translate complex research data and intelligence into clear, visually compelling talent maps and insights reports for stakeholders.
• Adopt and champion inclusive sourcing methodologies, actively engaging with diverse professional networks to continuously expand our reach into underrepresented talent pools.
• Partner closely with the Executive Search Lead and Manager to maintain data integrity, and ensure the utmost confidentiality and data compliance throughout the search lifecycle.

• You will need a proven track record as an Executive Search Researcher, gained either within an in-house function or executive search firm.
• You must possess demonstrable experience in shaping and executing candidate sourcing strategies specifically for senior leadership and executive-level roles.
• You should have outstanding research skills with solid proficiency in data analysis, allowing you to identify market trends, draw conclusions, and present findings with meticulous attention to detail.
• You need a solid understanding of the retail sector, its competitors, and the broader economic factors impacting the business, coupled with the ability to align talent strategies with the Partnership Plan.
• You must demonstrate a curious, proactive, and agile approach to managing multiple projects at speed, combined with the highest level of integrity when handling confidential information.

Closing Date: June 7, 2026

Pay: £50,000.00 - £75,000.00 Annual

Contract Type: Temporary

Hours of Work: 35

Job Level: Partnership Level 7

Where You'll Be Working: London Central Office, 1 Drummond Gate, London, SW1V 2QQ

We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us. We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose. As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect. We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective. As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.

Important points to note: It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.

We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants. We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.