Executive Recruitment Consultant – Private Equity

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Executive Recruitment Consultant to lead retained search mandates for senior‑level and C‑suite positions within private equity‑backed portfolio companies and high‑growth environments. The role will involve partnering directly with PE funds, operating partners and portfolio leadership teams to deliver value‑creating appointments.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver end‑to‑end executive search assignments for senior, director and C‑suite roles.
• Lead retained searches for PE funds and portfolio companies, managing confidential and time‑critical mandates.
• Conduct market mapping, competitor analysis and targeted headhunting of passive senior candidates.
• Partner with boards, founders and PE investors to define leadership competencies and cultural fit.
• Run structured leadership assessments, competency interviews and behavioural evaluations.
• Present high‑quality shortlists with detailed candidate insights.
• Build long‑term relationships with senior leaders, investors and industry specialists.
• Drive business development through networking, referrals and strategic client engagement.

Required profile

• Proven experience in 360 recruitment, senior appointments or executive search.
• Track record recruiting for private equity, PE‑backed businesses or high‑growth scale‑ups.
• Strong capability in headhunting, passive candidate engagement and market intelligence.
• Ability to manage complex, multi‑stage recruitment processes with accuracy and pace.
• Commercial awareness, resilience and a consultative approach to senior stakeholder partnership.
• Experience mentoring or supporting junior consultants (principal level preferred).
• Confident, credible communication style suited to board‑level and investor environments.

Required skills

• Executive search methodologies
• Market mapping and competitor analysis
• Leadership assessment and competency interviewing
• Stakeholder management at board and investor level

What we offer

• Competitive salary range £45,000‑£65,000 per year.
• Opportunity to work on high‑impact retained searches influencing value creation.
• Professional development within a growing executive search & PE practice.