Head of Practice

Who are Spencer Group? Spencer Group is a rapidly expanding and multi award-winning Executive Search firm, specialising across two key sectors that strive to make a difference to our planet; Pharmaceutical Technology and Commercial Education. We source and secure market-leading talent for forward-focussed, commercially driven organisations helping them to expand their teams to meet market demand. As a proven, global search boutique with a 97% delivery rate we are renowned for our rigorous search process and commitment to outstanding quality of delivery.

We combine the agility and pace of a fast-moving boutique with the global reach and in-depth market understanding of a major search firm, to provide our clients with meaningful market intelligence and sector leading candidate engagement methodologies. We have built a reputation on honest expectation management and consistent delivery, we have a flat non-hierarchical and non-political culture, where everybody in the organisation can contribute, not only to their own role and the success of client assignments, but also the fast evolution of our business. We have a fun, non-political and non-hierarchical culture in an environment whereby we take the work that we do very seriously, but ourselves, not so much.

The Role

As a Head of Practice partnering directly with our CEO, Julian, you’ll be at the heart of our mission, working across our two dynamic and purpose-driven practices: PharmaTech and Commercial Education. A key position within Executive Search, you’ll be building and deepening relationships with senior leaders, developing existing accounts, and delivering high-calibre executive search mandates that genuinely make a difference, from transforming businesses to improving outcomes for students and patients worldwide. Your work will combine strategic client development with hands-on delivery, ensuring every search project is executed to the highest standard while creating an exceptional experience for both clients and candidates.

Collaboration is key at Spencer Group, working with other departments such as Marketing and our wider consultant team to drive business development, harness market insights, and bring efficiency and precision to every assignment. This is a role where your expertise will directly shape our success, and where you’ll see the real-world impact of the talent you help place.

What You Will Be Doing

• Assignment Delivery
• Own the full recruitment process from start to finish. You will lead every stage, from the initial client briefing through to successful placement. This includes salary negotiations, contract handling, reference checks, resignation management, and supporting seamless candidate onboarding.
• You’ll focus on building deep, long-term relationships with both clients and candidates, ensuring they return to you time and time again.
• Drive results with precision, taking full ownership of candidate shortlists and placement revenue targets, ensuring they are accurate, achievable, and supported by realistic forecasting.
• Build strong partnerships with hiring managers and executives, gaining a deep understanding of their pain points, hiring needs, and budget requirements so you can deliver strategic, high-impact recruitment solutions.
• Use outstanding, proactive outreach to connect with passive candidates across multiple sourcing channels job boards, social media, professional networks, referrals, conferences, and other creative avenues to attract and secure the very best.
• Develop and maintain relationships with exceptional candidates in key areas, with a focus on commercial leadership talent in PharmaTech and Commercial Education.
• Identify, target, screen, and qualify candidates in line with the agreed client brief, ensuring only those who are truly recommendable make it to the shortlist — and do so in a timely, efficient manner.
• Create a gold-standard candidate and client experience. Provide clear, regular updates and feedback to both candidates and hiring managers throughout the process, and go the extra mile with post-placement aftercare to set them up for long-term success.
• Run projects like clockwork, take charge of assignment timelines, from developing specification documents with marketing, to delivering weekly client updates, generating target company lists, sourcing candidates, developing profiles, and managing the entire journey from shortlist to placement.
• Monitor weekly assignment progress using our health tracking tools, spot potential challenges, and implement solutions quickly to keep things on track.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date CRM records with full candidate and client details, including contact information, CVs, salary data, and agreed actions, so the information is always reliable and ready to use.
• Become a recognised thought leader, developing deep sector expertise and a powerful professional network within your specialist practices, positioning yourself as a go-to industry authority.

Business Development

• As a Head of Practice, you’ll take ownership of strengthening existing client partnerships, developing structured relationship plans that lead to repeat business and long-term trust.
• Turn leads into wins, record and track every lead in our CRM system, following up strategically and consistently to convert opportunities into retained assignments.
• Collaborate with our internal team to develop tailored proposals and impactful overview decks for the business opportunities and leads you generate.
• Partner with Marketing to elevate your visibility and credibility in the sector through thought leadership, engaging content, and active presence on LinkedIn and other relevant platforms.
• Present top-tier candidates to both existing and new clients (MPCs) to open doors, spark conversations, and create new revenue opportunities.

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years’ experience in recruitment delivery within executive search, with a deep understanding of search methodologies, best practices, and current industry trends.
• Previous experience in technology/SaaS sales or education recruitment is a plus.
• Professional and confident in building rapport, influencing decision-makers, and negotiating effectively, with outstanding interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills.
• Analytical, solutions-focused, and target-driven – Skilled at assessing client needs, creating tailored solutions at pace, and maintaining a track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.
• Service excellence mindset – Passionate about delivering the highest quality service to candidates, clients, and colleagues alike.
• Organised, proactive, and collaborative – Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and as part of a high-performing team in a fast-paced environment, while maintaining exceptional organisation and attention to detail.
• Tech-savvy – Confident using CRM systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and other relevant business tools.
• Someone who is driven by purpose and achieving exceptional outcomes for themselves, their candidates and their clients.

What We Offer

• 20 days holiday (you will accrue an additional day per year after 2 years’ service, up to 25 days)
• Bank holidays
• Additional leave between Christmas and New Year (usually 2 – 3 days that does not come out of your allowance)
• Extra day off for your birthday
• Private healthcare
• Career and personal development opportunities
• Flexible and remote working with technology provided for success
• Social events
• Regular incentives