Researcher | Schools Practice About the Practice The Schools Practice at Odgers is a market leader in recruiting talent to the schools sector in the UK and internationally. We work with diverse and interesting clients across a wide range of independent, state maintained and international schools to appoint senior executive and non-executive positions. In addition to our track record of Head appointments, we also offer considerable experience in the search for functional leaders such as Bursars and Development Directors. We’re a diverse and passionate team, committed to the transformative power of school leadership. Our executive search approach goes beyond qualifications—we align candidates’ values with the ethos of each organisation to ensure lasting impact. About the Opportunity Our researchers are the foundation of all the work we do at Odgers, playing a critical role in identifying and attracting top talent for senior-level positions. They conduct in-depth market research to understand industry trends, company structures, and key players. Their ability to read, understand and analyse information, and to create comprehensive candidate profiles, will provide the basis for the team to make an informed judgment on whether candidates present a strong match with the client's needs or not. Our researchers support the search process by sourcing potential candidates through a variety of platforms and networks, as well as verifying their credentials. Once the initial phase of identification is complete, our researchers need to spend a good proportion of time on the telephone with candidates and sources, gathering information – the quality of this communication is crucial in providing an accurate picture of candidates and their suitability for our clients. By providing valuable insights on the wider schools landscape, and detailed information on potential candidates, our researchers ensure our consultants make informed decisions and successfully make high-calibre placements for our clients. At Odgers, we have all had different journeys. We don’t measure you against these. Instead, we look for the core characteristics that connect us and make us great. Curiosity You have a hunger for knowledge and a genuine interest in the Schools landscapel; the regulatory framework impacting it; and importantly, the people and leaders driving it forward. Communication You can speak and write clearly, confidently, and concisely with a range of people, from colleagues to senior leaders in this space, and understand that listening is the most important part of communication. Resilience You are not afraid to try; if you make a mistake, you regroup, bounce back, and try again. Collaboration You enjoy working as part of a team, can build strong relationships, and have your own opinions but take on other people’s too. Proactivity We highly value proactive behavior and a strong work ethic in our business as a whole. Our business operates in a non-hierarchical manner in order to promote a culture that is empowering to work in. We are professional, organised and focused but never without a sense of humour. The ideal person will emulate these values and behaviors and in return will find an inspiring work environment where you will have the ability fulfill your appetite for development and professional growth. Odgers is one of the world’s leading Global Executive Search firms. Our reputation for excellence and integrity has been established over 50 years and we are a partnership-driven by the client, candidate, and employee experience. We function as trusted advisors to our clients and candidates and engage with a diverse range of leaders for the most influential roles across a wide variety of industries. The service we deliver is creative, insightful, and most importantly, in partnership; we pride ourselves on maintaining personal relationships. At Odgers, we are proud of our progressive, diverse, meritocratic, and collaborative culture where you will find support, training and career development working with colleagues striving for excellence in all they do. We are UK headquartered with colleagues across 33 countries specialising in over 50 sectors and functions. Hybrid Working Our Hybrid working policy is based on the principles of empowerment, mutual trust and flexibility, recognising that we work best when we make choices about when, where and how we work. At the same time, we are reminded that time together is so important. We are a client-service business in which our relationships and our culture provide a significant advantage. Our offices remain critical to how we work; they are a place for collaboration, learning, and support and an anchor for the culture of which we are so proud. We operate a hybrid working model which would typically see you spending a minimum of 3 days working from the office and the rest remotely. Your work pattern will be reliant on business demands, and we would expect you to manage your time accordingly. Odgers is committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention, and development of a diverse range of talented people. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole selves to work and recognise that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity. We welcome all new employees to get involved by joining one of our Allies groups or simply being part of one of our many initiatives to help us promote Inclusion in our business. Our Inclusion & Diversity agenda is driven by our I&D Council and our Allies Programmes, and we celebrate our diversity each year with our ‘Unlimited Festival’. As an equal opportunities’ employer, Odgers is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination of any kind. We strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join our business, and we will support any requirements for reasonable adjustments Sustainability Modern businesses have a duty to be environmentally responsible and operate sustainably. We believe this represents not only sound commercial sense but also recognises our ethical responsibility to minimise the impact of our activities on the environment and to leave a positive legacy for future generations. We have committed to, and set, science-based decarbonisation targets, and have received verification of these goals from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). These targets will hold us accountable to our sustainability strategy while enabling us to measure our progress. This is complemented by us continuing to provide sustainability insight to our clients and cultivating a track record within sustainable businesses and in placing sustainability leaders. Corporate Social Responsibility We take Charity seriously – but like to have fun too. Our CSR team are always thinking up new events and activities to get involved in and raise funds for our chosen charity British Heart Foundation. We also have a variety of social clubs and learning opportunities to suit everyone such as the Brunch and Learn Session, Odgers choir, the book club or one of the many sports clubs Whats on offer? A competitive base salary, supplemented by our benefits package and discretionary bonus 25 days Annual leave 3 gift days for the Christmas closure bank holidays Private Medical Insurance with Bupa and cash plan with Simply Health Group Company Pension Season Ticket Loan & Cycle to work scheme Give As You Earn Group Income Protection Group Life Assurance Employee Assistance Programme Charity Day Wellbeing Programmes, support and speakers On-boarding, induction training and ongoing professional development Corporate member discounts and benefits available through Bupa and Simply Health including Gyms Discounts Applications We are committed to ensuring everyone can access our website and application processes. This includes people with sight loss, hearing, mobility and cognitive impairments. Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, need to apply in a different format or need any reasonable adjustments made for any interview please contact our Talent Team at careers@odgers.com If you have any comments and/or suggestions about improving access to our application processes, please don't hesitate to contact us at careers@odgers.com Eligibility You must be eligible to live and work in the UK