At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing recruitment team in the US data market.
- Company: Dynamic recruitment firm focused on growth and leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, personal commission, leadership bonus, and career progression.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive office environment in South West London.
- Why this job: Join a successful team and make a significant impact in the US recruitment market.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in recruitment with a focus on permanent placements.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
What’s harder than building a high-performing recruitment team? Taking over one that’s already good… and making it exceptional. Because strong teams don’t need fixing. They need direction, momentum, and the right leadership to scale. That’s where this role comes in.
The opportunity
We are looking for an Associate Director or Director to lead its UK–US data recruitment team. This isn’t a turnaround job. It’s a growth play. You’ll step into a team of 6 experienced consultants, already performing, already billing - with clear scope to expand further. The market? US permanent recruitment. The upside? Bigger deals, stronger fees, and serious earning potential. We’re talking average deal sizes around $53k, with multiple consultants already exceeding $250k billings from Q1 alone.
What you’ll be doing
- This is a true player–manager role. You’ll lead from the front - not the sidelines.
- Managing and developing a team of experienced consultants
- Driving performance, activity and consistency
- Owning and growing a high-value US-focused desk
- Building on existing client relationships and deal flow
- Shaping team strategy as it scales
Billing expectations are there - but balanced. This is leadership first, with commercial impact still in your hands.
What makes this different
Less reliance on volume. The US market changes the game - allowing you and your team to generate more revenue without the grind of extreme hours. It’s a platform to lead well and bill well.
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience leading recruitment teams
- Strong permanent recruitment background
- Commercially sharp, performance-driven mindset
- Ideally exposure to the US market
- Someone who develops people - not just manages numbers
The setup
- 3 days in office (likely moving to 4 as the team grows)
- South west London office
- Team hours: 10am–7pm (Mon–Wed), more UK-aligned later in the week
What’s on offer
- Personal commission + leadership bonus
- Established, high-performing team from day one
- Access to a high-value US market desk
- Clear pathway to build and scale a team further
Associate Director employer: Will's Talent
Join a leading recruitment business in Maidstone that prioritises a supportive team culture and offers exceptional earning potential for high-performing Principal Recruiters. With a focus on flexibility and career advancement, this role provides the perfect environment for experienced consultants to thrive and achieve their professional goals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion during interviews! Be ready to discuss how you can lead and develop a team, and share examples of your past successes. We want to see that fire in your belly!
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company culture and values. Tailor your conversations to show how you align with their vision. This will help you stand out as someone who truly fits the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills:In your application, make sure to highlight your experience in leading recruitment teams. We want to see how you've developed people and driven performance in your previous roles. This is all about showcasing your ability to lead from the front!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. We’re looking for candidates who understand the US market and can demonstrate their commercial acumen. Make it personal and relevant to the role – show us why you’re the perfect fit for our team!
Be Clear About Your Achievements:When detailing your past experiences, focus on your successes. Use numbers and examples to illustrate your billing achievements and how you’ve contributed to team growth. We love seeing tangible results that reflect your impact!
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 this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join the StudySmarter family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Will's Talent
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on your recruitment metrics and achievements. Be ready to discuss your past billing figures, team performance, and how you've driven growth in previous roles. This will show that you understand the commercial side of recruitment and can lead a high-performing team.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've developed teams in the past. Think about specific instances where you've motivated consultants or turned around underperforming individuals. This role is all about direction and momentum, so demonstrate how you can inspire others.
✨Understand the US Market
Familiarise yourself with the nuances of the US recruitment market. Research current trends, challenges, and opportunities. Being able to speak knowledgeably about this will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're ready to take on the high-value desk they’re offering.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the company’s goals. Inquire about their vision for the team’s growth, the support available for consultants, and how success is measured. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to the team's success.