Principal Recruitment Consultant - Executive Seach

EXP Talent; England; Hybrid; GBP 67,500 - 82,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Gym discounts

Incentive trips

Potential equity

Job summary

A high-growth recruitment firm in London is looking for a Principal Recruitment Consultant. This role involves leading executive searches, building client relationships, and attracting senior talent. The ideal candidate will have strong 360 recruitment experience and business development skills. The position offers a base salary of up to £75,000 plus uncapped commission, opportunities for progression, and a hybrid working model. Join a team that values high-performance and provides access to international markets.

Qualifications

• Strong experience as an established 360 recruiter or executive search consultant operating at Senior/Principal level.
• Proven billing history and confidence running senior-level mandates.
• Ability to engage C-suite and Heads-of-Function with credibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead executive search assignments across senior and strategic roles.
• Build new client relationships and expand existing accounts.
• Map, attract, and close senior talent through proactive headhunting.

Skills

360 recruitment experience

Business development

C-suite engagement

Resilience and self-motivation

Excellent communication

Job description

Principal Recruitment Consultant - Executive Search

Job Title: Principal Recruitment Consultant

Location: London (3–4 days in office per week)

Salary: Up to £75,000 base + uncapped commission

About the firm

Join a high-growth, specialist executive search firm operating across Legal, Financial Services and Engineering/Technology markets. Known for its deep expertise, high-touch search methodology and rapid expansion, the firm consistently delivers on complex, senior-level mandates across the UK, Europe and the US.

Their work regularly involves senior appointments tied to major transformation programmes, investment cycles and strategic build-outs — with deal values that can sit comfortably in the six- and even seven-figure range

This is a business built on high performance, autonomy and continuous growth, with a proven track record of scaling headcount, revenue and geographic reach year-on-year.

Role overview

As a Principal Recruitment Consultant, you will take full ownership of your vertical — driving new business, leading high-value executive searches and strengthening senior client relationships. You will be trusted with autonomy, expected to deliver consistently, and empowered to influence the growth of the wider team.

Key responsibilities

• Lead full end-to-end executive search assignments across senior and strategic roles.
• Build new client relationships and expand existing accounts, focusing on mandates tied to high-value projects and major organisational change.
• Map, attract and close senior talent through proactive headhunting, networking and market intelligence.
• Own billing performance within your market and consistently deliver against agreed revenue targets.
• Mentor and support consultants, sharing best-practice and building capability across the team.
• Provide market insights and talent advisory to senior stakeholders, positioning yourself as a trusted specialist.
• Collaborate across the business to support growth, operational improvement and the firm’s wider strategic goals.

What we’re looking for

• Strong experience as an established 360 recruiter or executive search consultant, ideally already operating at Senior/Principal level.
• A proven billing history and confidence running senior-level, often complex mandates.
• Ability to engage C-suite, Partners and Heads-of-Function with credibility and commercial sharpness.
• Strong business development skills and a track record of winning new accounts.
• Resilience, self-motivation and a genuine passion for working in a high-performance environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Comfortable working 3–4 days per week in a collaborative London office environment.

What we offer

• Base salary up to £75,000 + uncapped commission.
• Opportunity to work on senior mandates connected to seven-figure deals, giving you access to high-end client work and substantial earning potential.
• A meritocratic progression pathway, with options to move into leadership or a top-biller route.
• Hybrid working (3–4 days in office).
• Access to a high-performance culture with strong training, development and peer learning.
• Exposure to global assignments, international markets and rapidly growing client demand.
• Benefits including private healthcare, gym discounts, incentive trips, and potential equity/long-term reward depending on level.

Why this is a strong next step

This is a rare opportunity to step into a firm that is scaling fast, winning high-value assignments and investing heavily in both its people and its market reach. For an ambitious Principal Consultant, it offers the perfect mix: big roles, big deals, and the ability to directly shape both your earnings and your future career trajectory.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Staffing and Recruiting