Principal Consultant / Associate Partner – Executive Search
London / UK
Permanent People partnering with a highly respected executive search firm that works exclusively on retained assignments, supporting FTSE 350 businesses, major public sector organisations and some of the UK's most recognisable brands with senior leadership appointments.
As part of continued growth, they're looking to hire experienced search and recruitment professionals at Consultant, Principal Consultant and Associate Partner level.
The Opportunity
You’ll join an established and well-connected team, delivering senior-level appointments across one of the following sectors:
- Consumer & Retail
- Local & Central Government
- Infrastructure (Rail, Airports & Transport)
- Media / Tech
- Packaging
- Not For Profit
The appointments will focus on:
- Finance
- IT
- HR
- Supply Chain & Procurement
Assignments are exclusively retained, with typical fee values ranging from £25,000 to £35,000+ and often involve hiring leadership talent that shapes the future direction of major organisations.
This is a genuine opportunity to operate as a trusted advisor rather than a transactional recruiter.
What You'll Be Doing
- Winning and delivering retained executive search assignments
- Building relationships with senior stakeholders and leadership teams
- Advising clients on market trends, talent strategy and succession planning
- Developing new business opportunities within your chosen sector
- Managing executive search projects from brief through to completion
- Engaging and assessing senior leadership and board-level talent
- Building long-term client partnerships rather than focusing on one-off placements
Who We're Looking For
We're open to individuals from executive search, retained recruitment or high-performing contingent recruitment backgrounds.
You might currently be:
- Executive Search Consultant
- Associate Partner
- Senior Recruitment Consultant
- Sector Specialist operating at mid-to-senior level
Most importantly, you'll be able to demonstrate:
- A strong billing track record (typically £250k+)
- Experience building and managing client relationships
- Credibility with senior stakeholders
- A consultative approach to recruitment
- Ambition to operate in a retained search environment
Previous executive search experience would be advantageous, but exceptional recruiters from contingent markets who can demonstrate quality, commerciality and relationship-building skills will also be considered.
Why Join?
- Work exclusively on retained assignments
- Access to FTSE 350 and high-profile public sector clients
- Average fees of £25,000-£35,000+
- Strong earning potential with consultants typically earning around one-third of the revenue they generate
- A great stepping stone in your executive search career
- Established brand with an exceptional reputation in the market
- High-quality, collaborative culture
- Clear progression from consultant through to Associate Partner and beyond
- Opportunity to become a genuine trusted advisor within your sector
This is an ideal opportunity for ambitious recruiters who enjoy winning business, influencing senior stakeholders and operating at a more strategic level.
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Executive Search Consultant | Principal Consultant | Associate Partner in London employer: Permanent People Rec2Rec
Permanent People Rec2Rec is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee development and collaboration. With a focus on hybrid working, our London office provides a supportive environment where you can thrive while leading a talented team in the IT contract recruitment sector. We are committed to fostering strong client relationships and expanding contractor networks, ensuring that your contributions lead to meaningful and rewarding outcomes.
