Executive Search Consultant International Executive Search Consultancy — C-suite & Board Practice Leeds, West Yorkshire | Permanent
The Opportunity
This is a rare chance to join a well-established, internationally active executive search consultancy at the top of its game. Based in Leeds — with excellent public transport connections and free on-site parking — you'll operate as a senior business developer and trusted advisor, winning and leading high-value C-suite search mandates across a broad range of sectors and geographies.
We are sector agnostic. Our clients span industries and our candidate reach is global. If you're a driven, commercially minded search professional who wants to be genuinely rewarded for the fees you generate — without thresholds eating into your commission— this is the role you've been waiting for.
What You'll Be Doing
1. Identifying, targeting and winning new executive search mandates through proactive business development and relationship-led outreach
2. Managing client relationships with a long-term, quality-first mindset — building trusted partnerships, not transactional interactions
3. Leading searches at C-suite level, supported by a dedicated in-house research team who handle meticulous market mapping, talent identification and shortlisting
4. Engaging and nurturing passive candidates across international markets — executives who can drive strategic execution and deliver shareholder value
5. Leveraging a suite of modern recruitment and business development tools to approach candidates and clients with precision and impact
6. Undertaking occasional international travel to meet clients and attend key markets
Typical Mandates
You'll be operating at the very top of the leadership spectrum. Roles you'll typically be retained to fill include: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Chief Digital Officer (CDO), Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).
How We Work
90% of our mandates are won on an exclusive, retained basis — with an upfront, non-refundable retainer. You'll never be in a race-to-fill, contingency environment. Our model is premium, our relationships are deep, and our reputation does a lot of the selling for us. You focus on growing the portfolio; our research team does the heavy lifting behind the scenes.
What We're Looking For
7. Proven experience in executive search, ideally with a track record of winning your own mandates
8. A natural relationship builder — consultative, credible and comfortable at boardroom level
9. Genuinely motivated by financial reward and hungry to earn it through hard work and smart business development
10. Down to earth, collaborative and without ego — a team player who appreciates the research infrastructure around them
11. Sector flexibility — you don't need a niche, but you do need intellectual curiosity and commercial range
12. Comfortable with occasional international travel
What's In It for You
13. No-threshold commission — earn on every pound of fee revenue from day one, no hurdles, no clawbacks
14. Dedicated in-house research team for market mapping, longlisting and candidate engagement
15. Best-in-class tools and platforms to source, approach and track candidates and clients
16. Free on-site parking, plus strong public transport links into Leeds city centre
17. International reach — work with clients and candidates across global markets
18. An established brand with a strong reputation, existing client relationships and a proven delivery model
We welcome applications from experienced executive search professionals at all levels of seniority. If you are motivated by quality over quantity and financial reward over corporate politics, we'd like to hear from you.
How to Apply
Equal Opportunities Employer: We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.
Confidential applications are welcome. All enquiries treated in strict confidence.