Executive Search Practice Lead

INSTANT IMPACT; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic talent acquisition firm in London seeks an Executive Search Practice Lead to elevate its Exec Search offering. This role focuses on redefining the search landscape through innovative strategies, leveraging technology, and fostering strong networks within Private Equity. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellence in Exec Search, possess a robust professional network, and exhibit an entrepreneurial spirit while leading a high-performing team. Join a company that values innovation, offers flexible working arrangements, and supports your professional growth with perks like share options and personal development allowances. This role is centered around both leadership and collaboration to achieve ambitious goals.

Benefits

Share Options

Work from Anywhere

Home Office Boost

Invest in You

Generous Time Off

Clear Career Path

Flexible Working

Team Fun

Self-Development Time

Qualifications

• Proven top performer in Exec Search.
• Strong network in Private Equity or HR.
• Ability to thrive as a player-manager.
• Entrepreneurial mindset to build business units.
• Strong interest in technology and AI.

Responsibilities

• Design and own the Impact X strategy.
• Lead and deliver senior-level searches.
• Work closely with leadership to drive growth.
• Expand HR Associate Network for long-term success.

Skills

Exec Search excellence

Networking in Private Equity

Leadership and management

Entrepreneurial drive

Innovation and creativity

Job description

Executive Search Practice Lead

Department: Impact-X (Executive Search)

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: London (Hybrid)

Reporting To: Rob Blythe

Description

Instant Impact helps organisations turn talent into a competitive advantage. Embedding capability, not outsourcing responsibility. Our model replaces fragmented recruitment with integrated talent engines that build performance, pace, and long‑term strength inside the business.

Our solutions:
The Embedded Talent Engine (RPO)
Our RPO embeds expert talent teams into organisations, supported by AI‑powered technology, to build high‑performing people functions and deliver consistent, scalable hiring outcomes.
Impact X Executive Search
Impact X is our executive search capability, connecting organisations with senior leaders and specialist talent who can drive meaningful change and sustainable growth.

Why this role matters
Impact X is on a mission to redefine what exceptional Exec Search looks like. As a relatively new entrant to a crowded Exec Search market, we know differentiation is everything. This role puts you in the driver’s seat to define what Impact X stands for, how we show up, and how we win. We’re looking for a trailblazing leader to work with us to build an innovative approach to search powered by technology, creativity, and deep expertise. There are 2 core focus areas:

1. Elevating People Functions: we have built an incredibly strong network of People Leaders and believe we’re well placed to support Private Equity portfolio companies (and mid‑sized firms more broadly) in elevating their people functions both by hiring permanent CPOs and by providing short‑term senior expertise in areas ranging from AI Transformation to workforce planning.

2. Servicing our RPO clients’ Exec Search needs and using that as a springboard to open up new industry / role verticals. The immediate priority here is Partner hiring for law firms.

Key Responsibilities

Build a market‑leading Exec Search offering

• Design and own the Impact X strategy, positioning and differentiation.
• Disrupt traditional Exec Search by testing new approaches, leveraging AI and technology, and constantly iterating for better performance.
• Shape how we go to market and how our clients experience a modern search partnership.

Turbocharge commercial and delivery performance

• Lead the charge on winning and delivering senior‑level searches.
• Build, coach, and scale a high‑performing team around you.
• Set ambitious targets—and consistently exceed them.

Fuel RPO growth with your network and insight

• Work closely with the Chief Growth Officer and Chief Marketing Officer to turn Exec Search activity into high‑quality RPO opportunities.
• Lead and expand an HR Associate Network to support long‑term strategic growth.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

A track record of Exec Search excellence

You’re a proven top performer with the energy and ambition to take on something new. We value potential and mindset over years served.

A powerful network in Private Equity or HR (ideally both)

Your relationships open doors. You understand the ecosystem and can leverage it commercially.

A true “player‑manager” style

You thrive doing the work and leading others. You want the autonomy and accountability that come with owning a P&L and a team.

Entrepreneurial drive

You’re excited by the challenge of building, running and scaling your own business unit as part of a bigger mission.

Innovation at your core

You’re curious, creative, and passionate about the role technology and AI can play in transforming the search experience.

A hunger to learn, iterate and grow

You bring a growth mindset, always looking for ways to improve, experiment and get better.

Why Join Impact X?

• A start‑up opportunity with the backing of a successful, fast‑growing organisation
• Ownership of strategy, delivery and team building
• The chance to create a disruptive, tech‑enabled Exec Search offering
• A culture that embraces innovation, experimentation and learning
• Clear commercial upside and visibility at senior leadership level

This role is perfect for someone who is ready to step out of the traditional Exec Search mould and build something genuinely different.

What we can offer you in return

• Share Options: Enrolled in our share options scheme, rewarding our team as we work towards our ambitious goals in 2026 and beyond.
• Work from Anywhere: Embrace ultimate flexibility with our policy that lets you work from anywhere in the world for up to 4 weeks each year.
• Home Office Boost: Get your home office set up just right with a £200 allowance.
• Invest in You: Take advantage of a £500 annual allowance dedicated to your personal development and growth.
• Generous Time Off: Recharge with 25 days of holiday, plus Bank Holidays, an Employeerichment Day, and a special Recharge Day each year.
• Clear Career Path: Know where you're headed with our transparent progression structure.
• Flexible Working: Whether you prefer the comfort of home or the buzz of working onsite with clients, our flexible model supports your choice.
• Team Fun: Bond with your team through exciting incentives like weekend getaways, fun socials, and team lunches.
• Self‑Development Time: Dedicate 10% of your working week to developing yourself, your client, and our company, Instant Impact.

At Instant Impact, everyone is welcome

We are committed to maintaining and growing our diverse and dynamic team and the inclusive culture we have built. We encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work regardless of age, sexuality, religion, disability, pronouns, neurodiversity, gender, ethnic group, or beliefs. Instant Impact is actively seeking to hire a diverse workforce so we can continue to celebrate inclusion and diversity in its full. Should you need any reasonable adjustments made to this application process, or need this job advert in different formatting, please do not hesitate to contact us.