Executive Search Researcher

Harrods Careers; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury retail company in London is seeking an experienced Executive Search Researcher to help identify and engage top senior talent. The role includes proactive talent mapping and market research to support succession planning. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in executive research, excellent communication skills, and the ability to connect insights to organizational goals. This is a hybrid role working 3 days in-office with flexibility for remote work.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to identify, map, and engage senior-level talent.
• Strong business acumen connecting talent insights to organizational goals.
• Resilience and adaptability in a fast-moving environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct proactive leadership talent mapping and market intelligence gathering.
• Build and nurture trusted relationships with senior candidates.
• Provide insights and recommendations on market dynamics.

Skills

Executive research

Talent mapping

Relationship building

Analytical mindset

Communication skills

Job description

Overview

Executive Search Researcher

Our Executive Search team are now looking for an Executive Search Researcher to help us build a world-class leadership pipeline and ensure we’re ready for the future. This is a unique opportunity to combine research expertise with strategic talent insights, supporting succession planning and senior hiring across the Harrods business.

About the Role

As our Executive Search Researcher, you will play a pivotal role in identifying, mapping, and engaging exceptional senior talent. Working closely with the Executive Search Partner, as well as senior stakeholders, you’ll conduct deep market and competitor research to ensure Harrods remains well-prepared for future leadership transitions and capability gaps.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting proactive leadership talent mapping and market intelligence gathering.
• Partnering with Talent Acquisition and HR to complement internal succession plans with external talent pools.
• Building and nurturing trusted relationships with senior candidates and executives.
• Providing insights and recommendations to senior leaders on market dynamics and talent availability.
• Maintaining and developing long-term pipelines of high-potential leaders.
• Championing Harrods’ leadership brand and values to senior-level talent.

This is a hybrid role based in Hammersmith 3 days per week, with flexibility to work from home for part of the week in line with our Hybrid@Harrods policy.

About You

You will be someone with proven experience in executive research and talent mapping, ideally within a search, recruitment, or in-house talent team. With a strong grasp of industry and competitor landscapes, you’ll bring a proactive, analytical, and forward-looking approach to building leadership pipelines.

You will also bring:

• Proven ability to identify, map, and engage senior-level talent.
• Strong business acumen, with the ability to connect talent insights to organisational goals.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with credibility at senior levels.
• A curious and analytical mindset, comfortable using executive search tools and platforms.
• Resilience and adaptability in a fast-moving environment with shifting priorities.

About Us

Harrods is one of the world’s leading luxury department stores and a destination for top designers and sought-after brands from across the globe. Our mission is to make visiting our iconic Knightsbridge store one of the world’s most inspiring shopping experiences.

Our Promise to You

Help us make the impossible possible for our customers, and we’ll do something remarkable for you. Alongside a friendly and supportive environment, we offer exceptional opportunities to build your career across our diverse business.

Uniquely You

Whilst our job adverts outline the ideal qualities and experience, we believe in the potential for growth and value individual strengths. If you can demonstrate most of the skills needed to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply. At Harrods, we celebrate and invite applications from all cultures, backgrounds, tastes, and experiences. What makes you unique makes us exceptional.

If you’d like to know more about life at Harrods, search #TogetherHarrods on LinkedIn, or follow us on Instagram @togetherharrods.

Additional Information

Time Type: Permanent

Department: Talent Acquisition (Olivia Atherton)