Planning Director - Consultancy (Permanent) in London

Planning Director - Consultancy (Permanent) in London

London Full-Time 100000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Rec 2 Rec Search

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and grow the Public Sector practice, driving executive search campaigns.
  • Company: Market-leading Technology Executive Search firm with a strong reputation.
  • Benefits: £100,000+ salary, £250,000+ OTE, 30 days holiday, and equity options.
  • Other info: Hybrid working, structured coaching, and a sociable, high-performing culture.
  • Why this job: Shape a division and influence strategic direction in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven leader in executive search or public sector recruitment with board-level experience.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 100000 £ per year.

Job Description

Director / Head of Division Public Sector London- Hybrid working£100,000+ basic salary (dependent on experience)£250,000+ OTESenior leadership pathway Background required: Search or Public Sector Recruitment The Opportunity A market-leading Technology Executive Search firm is looking to appoint a Director or Head of Division to build and lead its Public Sector practice from London.

This is a genuine leadership hire for a senior search professional ready to shape a division, influence the firm's strategic direction, and operate at the very top of government, defence and public-sector technology markets.

The business is already established in the technology space and has the infrastructure, client base and brand to support serious growth.

You will be given the autonomy to build the team, culture and client relationships in your own image.

The Business This is an executive search firm that operates exclusively at board and senior leadership level, retained or exclusive on every mandate.

Their work spans Public Sector, Government Technology, Defence, AI and Digital Transformation, with clients across the UK, Europe and internationally.

Average fees of £30,000+ per placement, high-value, low-volume, high-impact.

Every consultant in the business, no matter how junior, has billed £120K£150K+ in the past six months.

A stable, experienced team with an average tenure exceeding five years.

No arbitrary KPIs; performance is measured by delivery, credibility and outcomes.

Strong investment in development, coaching and long-term career progression.

Hybrid working with a well-resourced London office.

The Role As Director / Head of Division you will take ownership of the Public Sector practice, setting direction, growing the team and personally leading the most complex and senior mandates.

Define and execute the growth strategy for the Public Sector division.

Lead retained and exclusive search campaigns across government, defence and public sector tech.

Advise senior technology leaders on executive hiring.

Build, manage and develop a high-performing team of search consultants.

Drive business development with new and existing clients at board level.

Represent the firm at senior forums and industry events.

Contribute to firmwide leadership and play a role in shaping overall strategy.

Who We Are Looking For We are looking for a proven leader from an executive search (ideally technology) or senior public sector recruitment background who has operated at or near board level and is ready to run their own division.

Demonstrable track record in executive search or senior public sector / government recruitment.

Confident advising and influencing C-suite and senior government stakeholders.

Experience leading or developing a team or a clear readiness to do so.

Commercially astute, with the credibility and presence to win and retain major clients.

Comfortable with retained or exclusive mandates and a research-led methodology.

Ambitious, intellectually rigorous and motivated by quality over volume.

What's on Offer£100,000+ basic salary, structured to reflect your seniority and experience.£250,000+ OTE with a generous, transparent commission scheme.

Equity or profit-share pathway for the right long-term appointment.30 days holiday plus your birthday off.

Structured executive coaching and a personalised development plan.

A genuine seat at the leadership table with real influence over the firm's direction.

Regular international travel and presence at senior government and technology events.

A sociable, high-performing culture with strong incentives and team events.

If you have a background in executive search or public sector recruitment and the ambition to lead a division within a firm that genuinely invests in its people, we would welcome a confidential conversation.

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Planning Director - Consultancy (Permanent) in London employer: Rec 2 Rec Search

Join a leading specialist search firm in Berkhamsted, where you can thrive in a supportive and high-performing environment that prioritises quality over quantity. With a strong focus on employee development, you will benefit from structured coaching and clear progression routes, all while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid work model. This is an exceptional opportunity to engage with senior stakeholders globally, earn a competitive salary with significant commission potential, and be part of a sociable team that celebrates success together.

Rec 2 Rec Search

Contact Details:

Rec 2 Rec Search Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Planning Director - Consultancy (Permanent) in London

Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions

Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Planning Director - Consultancy (Permanent) at Rec 2 Rec Search!

Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks

Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Rec 2 Rec Search or be willing to refer you for that Planning Director - Consultancy (Permanent) position!

Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences

Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Rec 2 Rec Search who’s on the lookout for their next Planning Director - Consultancy (Permanent) star!

Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online

Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Planning Director - Consultancy (Permanent) role at Rec 2 Rec Search!

We think you need these skills to ace Planning Director - Consultancy (Permanent) in London

Leadership Skills
Strategic Planning
Executive Search Expertise
Public Sector Recruitment
Client Relationship Management
Team Development
Business Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Rec 2 Rec Search. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!

Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.

Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Rec 2 Rec Search

Master the Case Study Game

In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!

Know Your Numbers

Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!

Show Your Leadership Flair

As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Be a Cultural Fit

We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Rec 2 Rec Search. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!