Executive Search - Business Development Consultant

Based: London, SE1 7TY (Hybrid Working: 3 x Days In Office)

About VMA Group

Established in 1978, VMA Group is a longstanding leader in communications, marketing, digital, and change recruitment and executive search, supporting organisations across the UK, Europe and internationally. For over 45 years, VMA Group has built its business on strong, lasting relationships working as a trusted talent partner across permanent, interim and executive search assignments.

For more than 45 years, the firm has partnered with organisations ranging from independent start‑ups to large multinational corporations and public sector bodies. As a result of this longevity, VMA Group is recognised for its deep sector expertise and its ability to deliver high calibre professionals within corporate communications, marketing, digital and related disciplines.

VMA Group is a market leader in its field, but we aren’t planning on standing still. Our future plans for growth centre around the development of our international executive search service, underpinned by the support of exceptional executive search consultants. And because of these ambitious plans, we’re now seeking great people to join our team.

Role Overview

• Reporting to VMA Group’s CEO - as an 'Executive Search Business Development Consultant' at VMA Group, you will take a lead role in winning senior‑level recruitment and executive search mandates across communications, marketing, digital, sales and change.
• You will play a critical part in shaping and executing VMA Group’s commercial strategy, including winning new business, leading client pitches, and developing strategic sales plans targeted at specific industries and practice areas.
• This role requires strong commercial acumen, highly effective sales skills and the ability to develop and nurture relationships with senior level client stakeholders.
• You will contribute to the continued growth of VMA Group’s executive search offering, leveraging the firm’s longstanding reputation, global reach and sector specialisms.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Client Acquisition

• Identify, pursue and convert executive search opportunities, leveraging VMA Group’s longstanding brand reputation.
• Focus on selling other VMA Group service propositions including our Organisational Design service and Partnership Programmes.
• Lead and deliver compelling client pitches and proposals, articulating VMA Group’s value proposition, methodology and sector expertise.
• Build deep, strategic relationships with senior stakeholders across communications, marketing, digital, sales and change communities.
• Drive revenue growth through disciplined pipeline management, proactive outreach and consultative selling.
• Represent VMA Group at industry events, conferences, professional bodies and networking forums to increase visibility and commercial opportunities.

Strategic Sales & Market Development

• Develop and implement strategic business development plans, focusing on high-potential industries (e.g., financial services, technology, consumer, public sector, not‑for‑profit) and specialist disciplines across communications, marketing, sales, digital and change.
• Work with the CEO to identify priority markets, emerging trends, and opportunities for productised solutions, advisory offerings or new search specialisms.
• Use market intelligence and insight to advise clients on talent availability, compensation trends, organisational design and succession readiness.
• Act as an advisor to senior leadership teams, boards and C‑suite stakeholders, offering insights on market dynamics, candidate profiles and talent strategy.
• Lead client briefings, progress reviews and candidate debriefs with credibility and commercial insight.
• Build long‑term, trust‑based client relationships that reflect VMA Group’s reputation for precision‑driven, expert‑led guidance.

Executive Search Delivery

• Work in partnership with Delivery Consultants and oversee successful search assignments, whilst managing client relationships and providing advice and support to Delivery Consultants as required.

Skills & Experience

• Some proven experience in recruitment, business development or sales, ideally with exposure to communications, marketing, digital, sales or corporate functions.
• Proven track record of delivering and winning client sales pitches and converting high‑value opportunities.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to build and execute sales plans.
• High credibility when engaging with C‑suite and senior leadership.
• Excellent research, assessment and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex assignments simultaneously.
• Strong written communication, proposal creation and verbal influencing skills.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially ambitious, persuasive and strategically minded.
• Collaborative yet autonomous.
• Driven by delivering exceptional client outcomes and building long‑lasting relationships.

What VMA Group Offers

• A chance to represent one of the most respected and established brands in communications and marketing recruitment, founded in 1978.
• Access to a global network of clients and industry communities.
• The opportunity to shape and influence the firm’s executive search growth strategy
• A mature working environment and a competitive remuneration package.

Due to a high volume of applicants, we are unable to respond to everyone. We will get in touch if you are successful in your application.