Bristol | Hybrid (3 days office) | Executive Search
This role offers an experienced executive search researcher or delivery recruiter the opportunity to take meaningful ownership of delivery across retained assignments, while helping to strengthen the research capability of a growing firm.
As Principal Researcher at Holmes Noble, you will lead research workstreams from briefing through to shortlist, combining rigorous market mapping with thoughtful engagement of senior candidates. You will work closely with Partners and the wider delivery team, playing a central role in maintaining pace, quality and credibility across the search process.
The position has been created as part of Holmes Noble’s continued growth. As the business develops, the role offers the opportunity to shape how research is delivered and to contribute to building a high-performing research function over time.
There is a clear pathway for the remit to broaden as the firm scales, including the potential to take on leadership responsibility as Head of Research.
About Holmes Noble
Holmes Noble is a specialist executive search and leadership advisory firm focused on the industrial landscape.
We partner with organisations across logistics, transportation, supply chain, infrastructure, aerospace & defence, manufacturing and other industrial sectors to appoint leaders who deliver lasting impact. From our base in the UK, we work with clients and senior talent across Europe, the Americas and beyond.
Our approach combines deep sector understanding with a practical, relationship-driven style. We work closely with leadership teams to define what success looks like, delivering search processes that balance pace with rigour and quality.
Holmes Noble operates as a lean, experienced team with a collaborative culture and a strong emphasis on personal ownership and disciplined execution.
The Role
The Principal Researcher will take ownership of research delivery across multiple retained executive search and market mapping assignments.
Working closely with Partners and the Head of Operations, the role will help drive consistency, pace and insight across the search process while maintaining high standards of professionalism and judgement.
Key Responsibilities
Translate client briefs into structured search strategies, including market mapping, targeted sourcing plans and assessment frameworks.
Engage senior candidates
Identify and approach senior leaders across relevant industrial markets, building credible relationships and representing Holmes Noble with professionalism and discretion.
Produce high-quality research outputs
Prepare candidate summaries, market insights and research materials that support clear and well-informed client decision-making.
Maintain momentum across assignments
Manage multiple concurrent searches, ensuring progress through key milestones from briefing through to shortlist.
Contribute to the development of the research function
Support improvements to research processes, reporting structures and data quality as the business continues to grow.
The Individual
The successful candidate will be an experienced executive search researcher or recruitment delivery consultant who combines strong delivery discipline with sound judgement and a collaborative working style.
You are likely to bring:
* Experience gained within an executive search or recruitment firm delivering on senior executive mandates
* Demonstrated search or headhunting delivery track record, including market mapping, candidate outreach and assessment
* Strong candidate engagement skills and the confidence to interact credibly with senior leaders
* The ability to manage multiple assignments while maintaining pace and quality
* A collaborative and low-ego working style, with a high degree of personal accountability
* An interest in the industrial sectors in which Holmes Noble operates
Why this role
This position offers the opportunity to play a central role in the delivery of retained executive search assignments within a growing firm.
You will work closely with Partners and senior stakeholders, take ownership of significant parts of the search process, and contribute to building a strong and scalable research capability.
For the right person, it provides the chance to combine high-quality delivery work with the opportunity to broaden responsibility as Holmes Noble continues to grow.
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