SD Exec Talent Partner in Portsmouth

We are seeking an Executive Talent Partner—a commercially strong, relationship-driven executive recruiter who thrives on high-value exclusive retained search assignments within the global STEM sector. This role is designed for an experienced and credible professional with a proven track record in placing C-suite/exec roles, consistently delivering high value assignments, with strong client and candidate CSAT scores.

Your Responsibilities:

• Deliver high-quality, retained executive search projects while continuously adding value to clients and candidates.
• Own and deliver exclusive C-suite and senior leadership assignments from initial scoping through to offer acceptance, start, and onboarding (we provide 12 months free replacement for executive roles).
• Provide best-in-class client and candidate experience, ensuring that we are the go-to partner for executive search across all STEM sectors.
• Lead with credibility and expertise, ensuring a right first time approach in executive placements, measured by offer acceptance rates, time-to-fill, and client/candidate satisfaction.
• This is a 180-degree role, as we have a business growth team who win the new roles, but you will have total accountability for assignment delivery and client management/satisfaction.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Executive Search Expertise: You have deep experience in retained, milestone-based executive search, successfully executing complex assignments ideally for industrial, manufacturing, engineering, and complex services sectors.
• Track Record of High-Value Delivery: You’ve consistently delivered £45k+ fees and thrive in a high-expectation environment.
• Global & Commercial Acumen: While global experience is a plus, we value commercial acumen, senior stakeholder credibility, and a structured executive search process above all.
• Presence & Gravitas: You can hold your own with senior industry leaders and bring a wealth of experience, insight, and confidence to client interactions.
• Process-Oriented & Relationship-Driven: While you own and deliver projects end-to-end, your real strength lies in building trust, managing senior stakeholders, and driving commercial outcomes—not just sourcing.
• Flexible Approach: You may have experience working with dedicated researchers/sourcers in a pair model and understand how to maximize efficiency without being constrained by a rigid delivery structure.
• We’re looking for someone who is hungry, with the right blend of experience, maturity, and dynamism to engage effectively at the executive level.

What We Offer:

• A role with the autonomy, prestige, and challenge of high-level executive search without rigid constraints on how you work.
• A global perspective—our team have filled positions in 59+ countries.
• Flexibility on location—we’re headquartered in Scotland but open to candidates anywhere in the UK - or even beyond- provided they align with our team’s values and culture.
• An opportunity to join a dynamic, high-performing team where executive search is done the right way—focused, exclusive, and process-driven.

Our Hiring Process:

• Showcase your skills, experience, and results.
• Gain a deep understanding of our firm’s values, vision, and approach.
• Solve real-world executive search challenges to demonstrate your expertise.
• Undergo behavioural profiling to assess fit and career alignment.
• Meet the team virtually to get a feel for our culture.

We believe in rigorous hiring and thorough referencing—including client references for those genuinely invested in joining us. If you’re an accomplished executive search professional looking for a role where your expertise, relationships, and commercial acumen are truly valued, let’s talk!