Executive Search Consultant (Defence and Aerospace)

Newman Stewart Ltd; Leeds; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading executive search firm is seeking an Executive Search Consultant specialized in Defence and Aerospace to manage senior level searches. This role requires strong communication, business development skills, and experience engaging with senior stakeholders in complex environments. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in executive search or consultative roles, and will be rewarded with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including 25 days holiday and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days' holiday + bank holidays

Opportunities on high profile assignments

Values-driven culture

Regular team events

Qualifications

• Experience in executive search or a consultative environment.
• Successful record generating £180,000 in annual fees.
• Proactive and resilient approach to meeting targets.

Responsibilities

• Win and deliver senior level retained search assignments.
• Build relationships with complex engineering organisations.
• Conduct technical market mapping and candidate sourcing.
• Manage candidate interviews and offer negotiations.

Skills

Strong communication

Relationship building

Business development

Attention to detail

Education

Degree level education or equivalent

Job description

Job: Executive Search Consultant (Defence and Aerospace)

Location: Central Leeds (Hybrid)

Salary: £38,000 - £60,000 + OTE bonus + benefits (depending on experience)

About Newman Stewart

Newman Stewart is a mandate driven executive search firm trusted by leading organisations to deliver confidential and business critical recruitment assignments across the UK and internationally. Renowned for our rigorous research, transparent processes and commitment to exceptional outcomes, we partner with clients to secure high performing talent for senior and specialist roles.

We are now looking to appoint an ambitious and motivated Executive Search Consultant to help strengthen our capability within Defence and Aerospace.

The Role

As an Executive Search Consultant you will deliver senior level retained search assignments across defence primes, aerospace manufacturers, advanced engineering organisations and emerging technology suppliers. The defence and aerospace sector requires professionalism, discretion and an ability to navigate complex technical, commercial and programme driven environments.

This role suits someone who can engage credibly with senior engineering, operational and technical stakeholders and who can deliver structured and transparent executive search processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Win, retain and deliver senior level retained search assignments across defence, aerospace and advanced engineering.
• Build relationships with organisations delivering complex engineering, manufacturing and technology programmes.
• Prepare clear and detailed assignment briefs and manage structured, transparent search processes.
• Conduct technical market mapping, talent identification and targeted sourcing activity.
• Engage senior candidates within secure, specialist and regulated environments.
• Produce structured shortlist reports and communicate clearly with clients throughout assignment delivery.
• Manage interviews, candidate preparation, feedback and offer negotiation.
• Support the development of our Defence and Aerospace capability and contribute to long term commercial growth.
• Operate professionally and in line with the high standards required in secure and specialist markets.

About You

You will be a credible and commercially aware professional with experience in executive search or a consultative environment and confident engaging with senior stakeholders in technically complex settings.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• A successful record in executive search generating £180,000 in annual fees, or strong performance in a consultative and commercially focused role.
• Ability to systematically win new business, secure retained assignments and build trusted, long term partnerships.
• Strong communication, listening and relationship building skills with the confidence to engage senior stakeholders and high level candidates.
• A proactive and resilient approach and the energy required to deliver high standards consistently.
• Strong organisation and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• An interest in defence, aerospace, advanced engineering or technology led markets.
• A collaborative mindset and a desire to contribute to a supportive high performance culture.
• A degree level education or equivalent professional experience is desirable.

What We Offer

• A competitive salary.
• 25 days' holiday + bank holidays.
• Opportunities to work on high profile assignments within Defence and Aerospace.
• A values-driven, transparent culture that recognises and rewards contribution.
• Regular team events, social activities, and celebratory dinners.
• Structured onboarding, training, and mentoring.

How to Apply

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to the success of a high performing executive search team, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please apply now or contact John Tilbrook directly for a confidential conversation. Contact details can be found on the Newman Stewart website.