At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to secure top executive talent for Private Equity firms.
- Company: Elite executive search firm focused on high standards and results.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on coaching and leadership growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of executive search while driving your career forward.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in recruitment with a proven track record in business development.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client is an executive search firm that partners exclusively with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies to place executive talent. They're entering their next phase of growth, with £10M in revenue as the first milestone. Getting there means building a sales function that's uncompromising on standards, tight on execution, and judged purely on results. This role exists because growth has exposed a gap: they need someone who can lift the bar, close business themselves, and build a team capable of doing the same at scale.
What the role covers:
- A core member of the senior leadership team
- Full ownership of the function that wins new clients and grows long‑term relationships
- A genuine operator‑leader: closing deals personally while building others to do the same
- Managing a team of high‑calibre graduates and shaping them into top‑tier Private Equity executive search consultants
- Running the function on metrics, coaching, and a relentless push to raise standards
The ambition here is to set the standard for how executive search should be done. Average doesn’t survive. You’ll be tasked with real investment in people. Coaching, training, and leadership development aren’t optional extras — they’re treated as core to the business. Targets are clear, feedback is direct, and outcomes are tracked — ambition gets operationalised, not just talked about.
What you’ll need:
- 5+ years in recruitment or executive search, with a track record of raising the bar wherever you’ve been
- Experience building, managing, and developing high‑performing teams
- Comfort operating in a fast‑paced, high‑intensity environment
- A proven, personal track record of winning new business
Location: Leeds city centre, office‑based
Compensation: Basic salary £40,000–£60,000, OTE £90,000–£150,000
Director Executive Search in Leeds employer: Summit Rec2Rec
As a Customer Success Consultant, you'll join a dynamic team in Epsom, Surrey, where the focus is on delivering exceptional talent to some of Europe's fastest-growing SaaS start-ups. With no cold calling or business development pressure, you can thrive in a supportive environment that prioritises your growth through comprehensive training and direct mentorship from experienced professionals. This role offers a unique opportunity to build meaningful relationships with industry leaders while being part of a collaborative culture that recognises and rewards your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Executive Search in Leeds
✨Dive into the Talent Acquisition Community
Get involved with communities specifically aimed at talent acquisition and recruitment. Follow popular forums, like the HR and recruitment threads on LinkedIn Groups or join Talent Acquisition Meetups in your area. Networking with fellow recruiters and industry experts can lead to hidden job opportunities and insider tips!
✨Show Off Your Expertise at Recruitment Events
Attend recruitment fairs and industry conferences where companies, including Summit Rec2Rec, often showcase their hiring needs. Not only can you meet potential employers face-to-face, but you can also demonstrate your passion and knowledge about the field. Make sure you've got some thoughtful questions ready to impress!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still connected to your university, tap into their career services. Many universities have exclusive job boards and connections with companies eager to hire fresh talent in recruitment roles. Plus, you never know who might be able to put in a good word for you at places like Summit Rec2Rec!
✨Tailor Your Digital Footprint
Make sure your online presence reflects your passion for talent acquisition. Share articles, join discussions, and post about trends in recruiting to establish yourself as a knowledgeable candidate. Recruiters often check candidates out online, so use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your insights and enthusiasm for discovering the right talent!
We think you need these skills to ace Director Executive Search in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Passion for Talent Acquisition:In your cover letter, let your passion for recruiting shine through! Talk about what drew you to talent acquisition. Share experiences where you helped others find their dream jobs or any times you've been involved in hiring processes – it’ll show us at Summit Rec2Rec that you're genuinely invested in the field.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Certifications:Make sure your CV includes any relevant skills or certifications related to recruiting. Mentioning your knowledge of applicant tracking systems, personality assessments, or even any HR-related qualifications can set you apart. This way, we can see straight away that you're not just any candidate but one with the necessary tools for talent acquisition.
Tailor Your CV for the Job:When applying for Director Executive Search at Summit Rec2Rec, tailor your CV to reflect the job description. Highlight previous experiences in recruitment, candidate sourcing, or employee engagement that align with what we’re after. Personalisation shows we’re not just another checkbox on your job applications!
Bring Your Unique Perspective:In your cover letter, don't hesitate to share your unique perspective on what makes a good recruiter. Whether it's building strong candidate relationships or your approach to diversity in hiring, your insights can resonate well with our team. We love a fresh take, so let it shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at Summit Rec2Rec
✨Know Your Sourcing Strategies
In the talent acquisition world, it’s all about knowing the best sourcing strategies. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques you’ve used to find and attract top talent, whether that’s through social media, networking events, or innovative outreach methods. Bring examples that showcase your capability!
✨Value of Employer Branding
Employer branding is a huge part of recruitment, so be ready to chat about how you’ve contributed to building an attractive company image. Think about how you’d pitch Summit Rec2Rec to potential candidates and maintain a consistent brand image across platforms.
✨Demonstrate Your Interviewing Skills
Since this is a full-time gig, hiring managers will want to see your interviewing prowess. Prepare for mock interview scenarios where you might need to assess candidates' cultural fit and skill set. Practise asking competency-based questions to demonstrate your systematic approach.
✨Engage with Data and Metrics
Being data-driven is key in talent acquisition! Expect to discuss how you’ve used recruiting metrics to refine your strategies. Familiarise yourself with common KPIs, like time-to-fill and candidate satisfaction scores, and be ready to back up your insights with data!
