Senior -> Associate Director - Tech Search Consultant – Financial Services, Insurance, Legal £45–£85k base bonus | OTE Year 1: £100k–£120k | London (Hybrid) A high-growth executive search firm is seeking a Senior -> AD Tech Search Consultant to join its specialist Tech into Financial Services practice. This role is ideal for someone currently operating in a high-fee contingent environment who is looking to elevate into retained search. This is not a 360 role—consultants are supported by junior delivery talent and guided by experienced Partners. The right person will bring functional expertise in tech, a background in permanent recruitment, and the mindset to operate as a true strategic partner. Candidate Profile This opportunity would suit an experienced recruiter with 6–8 years’ experience, ideally working with senior individual contributors or leadership hires within technology. They will: Have experience recruiting into Financial Services, particularly within Asset & Wealth Management, Retail Banks, Challenger Banks, or Insurance Be focused on permanent technology roles (e.g., CTOs, Heads of Engineering, senior ICs) Show genuine interest in operating within a retained search model Be collaborative and coachable, with a strong appetite to learn and grow Bring credibility to client conversations and demonstrate comfort in helping originate and win retained work Thrive in an environment where success is based on long-term relationships, quality of delivery, and high average deal value About the Business The company is a specialist search firm exclusively focused on Tech and Product within Financial Services, with a strong reputation and an ambitious growth trajectory. The Search function currently consists of 5 team members, all with fewer than 3 years' experience, billing between £270k–£400k. Their clients include leading names in FS as well as VC- and PE-backed innovators, particularly in insurance, banking, and wealth. The average retained fee is £45k–£50k, split over thirds. The firm has clear strategic goals: £100m valuation target within 5 years Active plans to scale rapidly in the UK and the US (New York, Florida, Austin) Partnering with a VC within the next 12 months A long-term opportunity for someone to progress into a UK MD-level role Responsibilities Lead retained search mandates for senior tech hires across the FS sector Partner with junior consultants to support research and delivery Collaborate with senior leadership to drive BD activity and open new accounts Develop deep, consultative relationships with clients and candidates Learn from Partners while mentoring less experienced team members Compensation & Progression Base salary: £45,000–£85,000 (depending on experience) OTE Year 1: £100k–£120k, with uncapped earnings potential Clear pathway to Director level, with exposure to leadership and potential for future team ownership Incentives structured around profit share, not just billings