Senior Associate – Retained Executive Search
Location: London, UK
Type: Full-Time
Industry: Executive Search
Our Client:
Our client is a leading retained executive search firm based in the heart of London, known for delivering high-impact leadership solutions to a global client base. With a strong reputation across sectors including financial services, technology, consumer, industrials, and professional services, they are trusted advisors to boards and C-suites in sourcing, assessing, and securing top executive talent.
As they continue to expand, we are seeking a highly motivated Senior Associate to join their dynamic team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to play a pivotal role in high-level executive search assignments while developing deep expertise and client exposure within a world-class search environment.
The Role:
As a Senior Associate, you will be responsible for supporting and driving retained search mandates from initial brief through to successful placement. Working closely with Partners and Consultants, you will play a key role in market mapping, candidate engagement, assessment, and project management.
Key Responsibilities:
* Partner with Consultants and Partners to manage and execute retained search assignments across a range of sectors and functions.
* Conduct targeted market research and talent mapping to identify prospective candidates.
* Engage candidates through direct outreach, screening calls, and in-depth interviews.
* Prepare high-quality candidate briefing packs and search documentation.
* Maintain regular client communication and progress reporting throughout the search process.
* Ensure accurate data management and pipeline tracking using our CRM system.
* Contribute to firm-wide knowledge sharing, pitch preparation, and thought leadership initiatives.
About You:
* 3+ years’ experience in retained executive search
* Strong research, analytical, and project management skills.
* Exceptional written and verbal communication.
* Commercial acumen and a client-first mindset.
* Confidence and maturity when engaging with senior executives.
* Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple workstreams under pressure.
* Self-motivated and collaborative with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
* Degree-qualified, with strong academic credentials.