At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research in executive search and talent mapping, managing client relationships and project delivery.
- Company: Taylor Osborne, a boutique executive search firm focused on quality and partnership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, transparent pricing, and meaningful work with real client access.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with genuine autonomy and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of talent acquisition while working closely with senior stakeholders.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in executive search or senior talent roles, with strong research and client engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
Taylor Osborne is an executive search firm built on rigorous research and transparent methodology. We offer executive search, talent mapping, and market intelligence to organisations that need intelligence-led hiring — from FTSE 100s to fast-growing scale-ups. We deliver searches and talent maps for organisations including Unilever, Wellcome Trust, and Johnson Matthey. We work differently from most firms. Our model is project-fee based, not commission-driven — which means our focus is entirely on quality of work and long-term client relationships. Clients own all the IP we generate, our pricing is transparent, and we operate as genuine partners and extensions of internal TA teams rather than transactional suppliers. We are a growing boutique, which means contribution is visible, work is meaningful, and there is real client access from day one.
The Role
You will lead research across executive search, talent mapping, and market insights — from day-to-day delivery to full project ownership. Working closely with the Managing Director as their number two, you will be a senior client-facing presence: running briefings, managing relationships, delivering updates, and contributing to the thinking that drives excellent engagements. You will support key client relationships alongside the MD, step in where needed, and help ensure every client experiences the quality and partnership approach we are known for.
In practice, that means:
- Leading projects end-to-end across search, mapping, and market insights
- Developing search strategies and building target lists of companies and candidates
- Identifying and engaging prospects, and conducting candidate interviews and assessments
- Writing position specifications and progress reports for clients
- Taking client briefs, translating them into research strategies, and executing independently
- Managing client communication and running calls as projects progress
- Documenting candidate qualifications, references, and market intelligence
- Guiding and supporting the team and associates who work with us, setting quality standards and helping them develop their delivery
- Quality-assuring outputs across the team
This is a senior role with genuine autonomy. You will influence how we deliver, help shape the capability of the wider team, and receive full credit for the work you lead.
What you'll need
The essential requirement is the ability to deliver research with confidence and credibility, and to engage directly with senior stakeholders including CHROs, Heads of TA, and C-suite clients. That might mean you have come from an executive search agency. It might mean you have worked in an in-house role. We care more about research rigour, commercial judgement, and client presence than the specific route taken to get here. You will typically have three or more years of experience in executive search or senior talent roles. The ability to manage your own projects and client relationships with minimal oversight. Confidence working on assignments with an international dimension, engaging candidates and stakeholders across multiple geographies. Experience working across sectors — whether business and financial services, consumer, industrial, or similar — and the ability to get up to speed quickly in new markets. Commercial instinct — understanding what clients actually need, not just what they ask for. Confidence engaging at senior levels, whether running a briefing call or challenging a brief where appropriate.
Useful, but genuinely not required:
- Experience building or scaling research functions
- Sector expertise you could eventually lead on as we grow
Practicalities
Reporting to the Managing Director. Based in Leatherhead — we work from the office four days a week as our norm and would consider three for the right person. Salary: Dependent on experience, plus competitive benefits.
How to apply
To apply or to have an initial conversation, please contact Jules directly at jtaylor@taylorosborne.co.uk. The process will involve face-to-face interviews with Julia and the wider team.
Senior Associate, Executive Search in Surrey employer: Taylor Osborne
At Taylor Osborne, we pride ourselves on being a leading executive search firm that values quality and transparency in our work. Our collaborative culture fosters meaningful contributions and offers employees the opportunity to engage directly with high-profile clients from day one, ensuring that every team member's impact is visible. With a focus on professional growth and a supportive environment, we empower our associates to take ownership of their projects while enjoying competitive benefits and a flexible working arrangement in the vibrant location of Leatherhead.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate, Executive Search in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know someone at Taylor Osborne. A personal introduction can make all the difference and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company inside out, understand their values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their approach to executive search. Show them you’re not just another candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll need to communicate your skills and experiences clearly and confidently. Think about how you can demonstrate your research rigour and client presence during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Taylor Osborne.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate, Executive Search in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Research Skills:Make sure to highlight your research abilities in your application. We want to see how you can dig deep and provide insights that matter, just like we do at StudySmarter.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. We love it when candidates take the time to tailor their applications to us. Show us how your experience aligns with our values and the role!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your key points shine through without any fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Taylor Osborne
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Taylor Osborne's methodologies and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their approach to executive search and talent mapping. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage in meaningful discussions about their work.
✨Prepare for Client-Facing Scenarios
Since this role involves direct interaction with senior stakeholders, practice how you would handle client briefings and updates. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed client relationships or navigated challenging conversations.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Instinct
Be ready to discuss how you understand client needs beyond just their requests. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to identify what clients truly require and how you've delivered on those insights in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Team Support
As a senior associate, you'll be guiding others. Think of ways you've supported team members in the past, whether through quality assurance or mentoring. Be prepared to share how you can contribute to the team's development and uphold high standards.
