Principal Consultant – Board and Leadership Practice

Charity People; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in London is seeking a Principal Consultant for their Board and Leadership Practice. The role involves delivering executive search assignments, building client relationships, and developing new business. Candidates should have proven executive search experience, strong business development skills, and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The position offers a competitive salary, flexible working conditions, and a supportive team culture.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Health insurance

Cycle-to-work scheme

Wellbeing initiatives

Opportunities for volunteering and continuous learning

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an executive search.
• Strong business development capability, including generating new business opportunities.
• Excellent project management skills, balancing multiple assignments effectively.

Responsibilities

• Deliver end-to-end executive search assignments for senior leadership and board roles.
• Build authentic relationships with clients and candidates.
• Develop new business through networking and strategic engagement.

Skills

Executive search experience

Business development

Project management

Strong communication skills

Commitment to EDI

Job description

Principal Consultant – Board and Leadership Practice

Location: Hybrid – London Bridge office & home
Salary: Circa £57,500 plus quarterly and annual bonus, plus Employee Ownership Trust bonus
Contract: Permanent, Full-time

For over three decades, Charity People has been placing executive and non-executive talent into purpose-driven organisations. Alongside this, we’ve built a vibrant and inclusive culture within our own team, one that reflects the values we champion.

We are seeking a Principal Consultant to join our growing Board and Leadership Practice. This is an opportunity to influence and shape leadership appointments that drive impact at the heart of society. You will lead on CEO and Board appointments, working in a consultative, fast-paced environment where equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is not optional – it is a strategic imperative.

Our aim is to establish ourselves as the leading talent and leadership partner for organisations, providing invaluable support and playing a pivotal role in their success and impact. Your expertise will be instrumental in shaping the leadership landscape of the non-profit sector, and your contributions will be integral to our mission of making a positive difference.

What you’ll do

• Deliver end-to-end executive search assignments for senior leadership and board roles.
• Build and nurture authentic relationships with clients and candidates, championing inclusive recruitment practices.
• Develop new business through networking and strategic engagement, expanding our reach across the sector.
• Act as an ambassador for Charity People’s values – integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and expertise – in every interaction.

What you’ll bring

• Proven experience in an executive search.
• Strong business development capability, including generating new business opportunities and winning assignments, and a love of networking.
• Excellent project management skills, balancing multiple assignments effectively.
• A consultative, inquisitive approach with a genuine commitment to EDI.
• Commercial awareness and resilience, with a track record in achieving financial targets.
• Outstanding communication skills and the ability to inspire trust and credibility.

Why join us?

• Competitive salary and bonus structure.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, additional discretionary leave at Christmas, and a paid day off for your birthday.
• Hybrid/ Flexible, family-friendly working arrangements with minimum one day a week in the office (London Bridge)
• Health insurance, cycle-to-work scheme and wellbeing initiatives.
• Opportunities for volunteering, sabbaticals and continuous learning.
• A supportive, inclusive team culture where fun and impact go hand-in-hand.

How to apply

To find out more and to see a copy of our Job Description, please send your latest CV through to us by clicking “Apply”.

Application deadline:

9am on 26th January 2026

Interviews:

• 1st Interview: w/c 2nd February (online)
• 2nd Interview: 12th February (in person)
• Final round: Our preferred candidate will meet some of our partners for an informal chat w/c 19th February

We are committed to building a more representative workforce and encourage applications from disabled people, individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, and LGBTQ+ communities. As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all applicants with a disability (as defined in the Equality Act 2010) who meet the minimum requirements for the role.