Principal Consultant

JR United Kingdom; Slough; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in the UK is seeking an experienced Principal Consultant to spearhead client acquisition, candidate delivery, and strategic growth in the life sciences sector. This role champions significant responsibilities, including driving tailored solutions for high-profile clients and nurturing existing partnerships. Ideal candidates will have over 5 years of proven success in recruitment and a performance-driven mindset. The position offers a competitive salary with a commission structure and flexible working options across Reading and London.

Benefits

Competitive base salary + commission structure

Flexible working model

Transparent career progression

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in client and candidate management.
• Proven success in driving market strategies and building client partnerships.
• Ability to nurture and expand existing accounts effectively.

Responsibilities

• Drive market intelligence and create tailored talent solutions for clients.
• Negotiate and manage executive-level engagements.
• Coach and develop junior and senior consultants within your vertical.

Skills

360 recruitment experience

Client management

Consultative approach

Commercial insight

Performance metrics

Job description

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? Principal Consultant at Cpl Life Sciences

? Locations: Reading & London Work Type: Permanent & Contract

Are you a seasoned 360 recruiter ready to lead with impact, drive strategy, and shape future recruitment excellence in the life sciences industry? Cpl Life Sciences is growing rapidly and actively seeking an experienced Principal Consultant to drive success across client acquisition, candidate delivery, and strategic account growth.

Why Cpl Life Sciences?

At Cpl Life Sciences, we connect top-tier professionals with world-renowned pharmaceutical, biotech, and CRO clients. Our recruitment team plays a pivotal role in accelerating breakthroughs in global health, working alongside innovators who develop life-saving therapies.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Principal Consultant, you’ll be entrusted with high-level responsibilities, including:

Client Expansion

• Drive market intelligence and create tailored talent solutions for high-profile clients.
• Build long-term client strategies that generate recurring business and retained mandates.
• Negotiate and manage executive-level engagements across the life sciences landscape.

Revenue Generation & Business Growth

• Tap into both the UK and EU providing full wider coverage
• Identify and capture new commercial opportunities within emerging areas.
• Champion knowledge sharing, performance reviews, and internal best practices.
• Coach and develop junior and senior consultants within your vertical

What We’re Looking For

We're seeking ambitious leaders who bring more than experience - they bring influence.

Proven success in 360 recruitment, with 5+ years experience in client and candidate management.

Skilled in deepening client partnerships and unlocking new verticals, service lines, and geographies within established accounts.

Nurturing and expanding existing accounts with a deep commercial insight and consultative approach to client development.

A demonstrable track record of winning new clients, pitching innovative solutions, and converting opportunities into long-term revenue.

A performance-driven mindset with year-on-year billing success, and the resilience to maintain momentum in evolving markets.

Passionate about performance metrics, with a personal drive to exceed financial targets and inspire team excellence.

Well-versed in building relationships with thought leaders, decision-makers, and passive talent communities.

Why You'll Thrive

We offer an environment that’s primed for ambitious individuals who want to operate at a strategic level in the future.

Competitive base salary + commission structure

Flexible working model across Reading & London offices

Transparent career progression and career pathway platform

Access to high-growth biotech and pharma accounts