Role: Senior Associate or Principal - Life Sciences/STEM Executive Search
Start date: ASAP
Location: City of London (3 days in office, 2 days WFH)
About us:
Skills Alliance is a PE-backed, global workforce solutions partner specialising in Life Sciences, Medical Technology, and broader STEM markets.
Since 2005, we’ve supported some of the most innovative businesses in the world. From venture-backed start-ups to global pharma, we partner with organisations building therapies, technologies, and products that genuinely improve lives.
Our model is built across three core offerings: Executive Search, Staffing, and Enterprise Solutions. This gives our teams access to deep market insight, established client relationships, and a genuinely global platform. We operate internationally, with offices across Europe and the US, and a strong track record of delivering high-value, retained search mandates at C-suite and VP level.
The role:
We’re hiring a Senior Associate or Principal (open on level) to join our Executive Search function. This is a senior delivery role with significant ownership of retained search mandates. You’ll work closely with founders, investors, and senior leadership teams, taking responsibility for driving searches forward and delivering high-quality outcomes.
What You’ll Be Doing:
* Support and lead retained executive searches from brief through to placement
* Design and execute search strategies, including market mapping and target identification
* Identify, engage, and assess senior-level candidates
* Define and prioritise high-calibre (“tier 1”) talent at the outset of searches
* Oversee and lead candidate qualification and contribute to shortlist recommendations
* Manage candidate processes end-to-end, including interview prep, feedback, and offer negotiation
* Contribute to client interactions, including briefings, updates, and shortlist discussions
* Present candidates with clear rationale and market insight
* Maintain high-quality search documentation and reporting
* Work closely with Client Partners and leadership to drive successful outcomes
* Mentor and support junior team members, with options for line management if wanted
What we are looking for:
* Experience delivering senior-level or retained searches, or operating at a high level in a 360 recruitment role
* Experience building and maintaining candidate networks, with clear examples of successful placements and delivery outcomes
* Comfortable working in a highly detail-oriented environment, managing search documentation, mapping data, and process tracking to a high standard
* Experience working on complex or senior hires (VP level or niche technical roles)
* Ability to manage multiple, concurrent vacancies or search assignments
* High level of drive, resilience, and ambition, with a clear motivation to succeed in a high-performance environment
* Confident engaging with senior stakeholders (C-suite, VP level), with the ability to influence, challenge, and build credibility
* Exposure to technical markets (Life Sciences, Medical Technology, or broader STEM) is highly advantageous.
What we can offer:
* Access to high-value, retained search work from day one
* Clear progression pathways into Delivery Lead / Client Partner roles
* A range of benefits from Private Healthcare, monthly wellness budget, wellness days, birthday off
* Performance incentives including annual holiday incentives and quarterly lunch clubs
* A very competitive package including bonus per placement up to £8,000 per Search delivered at Principal level
* Strong leadership support and a collaborative, high-performance team and direct support/management from a seasoned leader in Executive Search, with 25+ years experience both in industry at large multinational Pharma companies and in Search
* Investment in tech, data, and training to support high-quality delivery
If that sounds like you, apply below or email isabella.morrison@skillsalliance.com for a confidential chat.