Principal Associate – Executive Search
About the Firm
A long-established global executive search and leadership advisory business, with a strong track record across the industrials, technology, and digital transformation sectors. The firm partners with boards, chairs, management teams, and investors to deliver senior-level executive search and advisory services, supported by affiliates worldwide.
The Role
The Principal Associate role sits between Senior Associate and Consultant, with responsibility for driving high-quality search execution and supporting business growth. This position offers progression to Consultant or the opportunity to specialise and build a sector focus.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead delivery of executive search assignments, from client briefing to candidate placement.
* Manage search processes, timelines, and quality control.
* Identify, assess, and engage candidates; conduct competency-based interviews.
* Prepare role briefs, reports, and client-ready documentation.
* Support Directors with business development, pitches, and practice growth.
* Build and maintain strong client and candidate relationships.
* Mentor and coach Associates and researchers.
* Contribute to knowledge sharing, process improvement, and cross-practice collaboration.
Success Measures
* Effective delivery of 15–20 projects per year.
* Consistently high-quality execution and reporting.
* Positive client and candidate feedback.
* Recognition as a collaborative role model within the team.
Ideal Candidate
* Degree-educated, with 10+ years’ executive search experience.
* Strong project management and client service skills.
* Commercial, strategic thinker with C-Suite relationship experience.
* Highly collaborative and detail-oriented.
* Experience or interest in industrials or related sectors.
* Fluent in business English.
The firm is committed to diversity, inclusion, and delivering transformational outcomes for clients, candidates, and colleagues.