At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead executive searches and engage with senior-level candidates in the Life Sciences and STEM sectors.
- Company: Join Skills Alliance, a global leader in workforce solutions for innovative businesses.
- Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, wellness budgets, and performance incentives up to £8,000 per placement.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with clear progression pathways and mentorship opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting top talent with groundbreaking companies in life sciences.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior-level recruitment and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Role: Senior Associate or Principal - Life Sciences/STEM Executive Search
Start date: ASAP
Location: City of London (3 days in office, 2 days WFH)
About us: Skills Alliance is a PE-backed, global workforce solutions partner specialising in Life Sciences, Medical Technology, and broader STEM markets. Since 2005, we’ve supported some of the most innovative businesses in the world. Our model is built across three core offerings: Executive Search, Staffing, and Enterprise Solutions.
The role: We’re hiring a Senior Associate or Principal to join our Executive Search function. This is a senior delivery role with significant ownership of retained search mandates.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Support and lead retained executive searches from brief through to placement
- Design and execute search strategies, including market mapping and target identification
- Identify, engage, and assess senior-level candidates
- Define and prioritise high-calibre (“tier 1”) talent at the outset of searches
- Oversee and lead candidate qualification and contribute to shortlist recommendations
- Manage candidate processes end-to-end, including interview prep, feedback, and offer negotiation
- Contribute to client interactions, including briefings, updates, and shortlist discussions
- Present candidates with clear rationale and market insight
- Maintain high-quality search documentation and reporting
- Work closely with Client Partners and leadership to drive successful outcomes
- Mentor and support junior team members, with options for line management if wanted
What we are looking for:
- Experience delivering senior-level or retained searches, or operating at a high level in a 360 recruitment role
- Experience building and maintaining candidate networks, with clear examples of successful placements and delivery outcomes
- Comfortable working in a highly detail-oriented environment, managing search documentation, mapping data, and process tracking to a high standard
- Experience working on complex or senior hires (VP level or niche technical roles)
- Ability to manage multiple, concurrent vacancies or search assignments
- High level of drive, resilience, and ambition, with a clear motivation to succeed in a high-performance environment
- Confident engaging with senior stakeholders (C-suite, VP level), with the ability to influence, challenge, and build credibility
- Exposure to technical markets (Life Sciences, Medical Technology, or broader STEM) is highly advantageous.
What we can offer:
- Access to high-value, retained search work from day one
- Clear progression pathways into Delivery Lead / Client Partner roles
- A range of benefits from Private Healthcare, monthly wellness budget, wellness days, birthday off
- Performance incentives including annual holiday incentives and quarterly lunch clubs
- A very competitive package including bonus per placement up to £8,000 per Search delivered at Principal level
- Strong leadership support and a collaborative, high-performance team
- Investment in tech, data, and training to support high-quality delivery
If that sounds like you, apply below or email isabella.morrison@skillsalliance.com for a confidential chat.
Senior Associate - Executive Search in London employer: Skills Alliance
Skills Alliance is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of the City of London, where you can thrive in a collaborative and high-performance culture. With access to high-value executive search projects from day one, clear pathways for career progression, and a comprehensive benefits package including private healthcare and wellness initiatives, we are committed to supporting your professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the Life Sciences and STEM sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate - Executive Search in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the Life Sciences and STEM sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their recent projects and challenges in the market. This will help us tailor our responses and show that we’re genuinely interested in what they do. Plus, it’ll give us some great talking points to impress those senior stakeholders!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine our answers and get comfortable discussing our experience. The more we practice, the more confident we’ll feel when it’s time to shine in front of potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping us top of mind. It shows our enthusiasm for the role and gives us another chance to reiterate why we’re the perfect fit for the position. Let’s make sure we stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate - Executive Search in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Associate in Executive Search. Highlight your experience in delivering senior-level searches and any relevant achievements in the Life Sciences or STEM sectors. We want to see how your background aligns with what we do!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage complex searches and engage with senior stakeholders.
Showcase Your Network:We love seeing candidates who have built strong networks! In your application, mention any connections you have in the Life Sciences or Medical Technology fields. This will show us that you’re well-equipped to identify and engage high-calibre talent.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Skills Alliance and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Skills Alliance
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the Life Sciences and STEM sectors. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and recent innovations. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you engage in meaningful discussions about the industry.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your success in delivering senior-level searches. Be ready to discuss how you've built candidate networks and managed complex hires, as these are crucial for the role at Skills Alliance.
✨Engage with Confidence
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Remember, you'll be interacting with senior stakeholders, so demonstrate your ability to influence and build credibility. Mock interviews with a friend can help you refine your delivery.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about their approach to executive search or how they maintain relationships with clients. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
