Associate (Exec Search)

ASSOCIATE – ROLE SPECIFICATION 2026

THE COMPANY

The firm is a market-leading executive search business and one of the most established and successful globally in the technology innovation space.

We work with some of the world’s fastest-growing businesses and the investment firms that back them. We conduct searches for venture-capital-backed start-ups and help clients hire the Board, C-suite and leadership teams who enable them to grow from their earliest stages into multi-billion-dollar enterprises.

We have helped build successful consumer app, fintech and software companies, alongside businesses using technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and the internet of things.

Investors, Boards and leadership teams value our advice, collaborative approach, diligence, global reach and expertise in hiring impactful executives. Our one-firm approach puts clients’ needs at the centre of everything we do. We regularly gather feedback to improve the client experience, and our client net promoter score is well above the industry average.

Founded in 2003, the firm has a global team of 60 people, headquartered in London with international offices across the US and Europe. The team is gender balanced, with 26% representing ethnically diverse backgrounds.

The firm is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages people of all genders, races, sexual orientations, religions, ages, disability statuses and backgrounds to apply.

We regularly review our people practices to ensure that the workplace is open, diverse, accessible and inclusive. We also support the wider search industry through initiatives for women in search and paid internships for young people from traditionally under-represented groups.

OUR CULTURE

We prioritise positive outcomes for our team. Individuality is valued and embraced, while cohesion is built through common purpose, shared values and collaboration.

We believe success stems from trust: everyone has a voice, respects and embraces feedback, and can count on one another.

We have strong principles around inclusion, a shared motivation to make a difference and a belief in ongoing development. Environmental and social responsibility sit at the heart of our corporate strategy, and the firm is in the final stages of the B Corp accreditation process.

We are a supportive team that enjoys having fun together, with regular opportunities to socialise and celebrate success.

Every employee, irrespective of level, is invited to become a shareholder and share in the firm’s value creation. We invest in learning and development, with clear pathways for career progression and potential movement between international offices.

All employees enjoy hybrid-working options, attractive rewards and benefits, and the opportunity to contribute to the firm’s wider development through employee-led councils and other initiatives.

THE ROLE

The Associate will work with Partners and Principals on the execution of executive search mandates, owning the research phase of the search process.

They will apply rigorous research methodology, develop domain knowledge and support business-development preparation. They are responsible for focused candidate identification and pipeline planning, as well as capturing, storing and managing search data appropriately.

Research is a critical part of the client solution and is valued as a vital element of our product. Partners, Principals and Associates work collaboratively to deliver solutions for clients.

The Partner team is committed to developing Associates into Principals, supported by a well-defined training programme and career path.

Reporting to a Partner, this role will be based in the UK.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with the formulation and execution of a search strategy.

• Identify sources and prospects through desk-based research and conversations with key influencers in the firm’s network.

• Produce high-quality mapping documents and status-update reports for clients.

• Qualify candidate suitability through in-depth phone screening and informal referencing.

• Approach and engage potential candidates in the search process.

• Maintain positive and professional relationships with candidates and sources throughout the process.

• Capture and share relevant search, sector and market information, trends, data and knowledge.

• Maintain the integrity of the firm’s database and intellectual property at all times.

• Support research for new-business pitches and wider business-development initiatives.

• Attend candidate and client meetings where appropriate.

• Contribute to the broader development of the firm, including recruitment, training, CSR and marketing.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Recent graduate.

• Interest in emerging technology and its impact across industries.

• At least one year’s work experience, ideally in a professional-services environment.

• Executive search or recruitment experience is advantageous but not essential.

• Track record of effective project management.

• Experience working collaboratively with multicultural teams.

ROLE COMPETENCIES

• Highly organised, with the ability to multitask, prioritise and remain calm under pressure.

• Diligent time optimiser who can work quickly while maintaining rigour and attention to detail.

• Results-focused, with the drive to consistently deliver and exceed agreed targets.

• Ability to distil complex information succinctly.

• Complete discretion and integrity.

• Confidence and high emotional intelligence.

• Learning agility and an inquisitive approach to understanding new markets quickly.

• Proactive, positive and solutions-focused.

• Strong relationship-building skills with a respectful, collaborative and flexible style.

CORE COMPETENCIES

TRUST: Builds effective and trusted relationships with colleagues. Demonstrates empathy and discretion when required.

FEEDBACK: Proactively embraces and shares feedback appropriately and constructively. Has a growth mindset and a positive approach to ongoing development.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Manages expectations well and can be relied upon to deliver agreed goals and deadlines. Demonstrates effective time management, tenacity and a proactive, solutions-focused approach.

COMMUNICATION: Demonstrates strong active listening, verbal and written communication, adapting effectively to different situations.

JUDGEMENT: Evaluates key information, weighs options and makes appropriate decisions.

RESILIENCE: Demonstrates resilience in adversity and recovers well from setbacks.

ESG: Contributes to a socially and environmentally sustainable workplace that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion.

BROADER FIRM CONTRIBUTION: Contributes to company initiatives, events and wider firm development beyond day-to-day responsibilities.