Principal Recruitment Consultant - Tech, Retained Search

JR United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading executive search firm in London is seeking a Principal Recruitment Consultant specializing in technology within the Financial Services sector. This role offers the opportunity to work in a high-fee contingent environment and elevate into retained search, with a clear pathway for career progression to Director level.

Benefits

Uncapped earnings potential

Profit share incentives

Clear progression to leadership roles

Qualifications

• 6–8 years’ experience in recruitment, preferably in technology.
• Experience in Financial Services, particularly in relevant sectors.
• Proven ability to operate in a retained search model.

Responsibilities

• Lead retained search mandates for senior tech hires across FS.
• Collaborate with junior consultants to support research and delivery.
• Develop deep, consultative relationships with clients and candidates.

Skills

Recruitment

Collaboration

BD Activity

Client Relationships

Adaptability

Mentoring

Job description

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Principal Recruitment Consultant - Tech, Retained Search, london

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Client:

AT Talent - Rec2Rec

Location:

london, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

3

Posted:

26.06.2025

Expiry Date:

10.08.2025

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Job Description:

Senior -> Associate Director - Tech Search Consultant – Financial Services, Insurance, Legal

A high-growth executive search firm is seeking a Senior -> AD Tech Search Consultant to join its specialist Tech into Financial Services practice. This role is ideal for someone currently operating in a high-fee contingent environment who is looking to elevate into retained search.

This is not a 360 role—consultants are supported by junior delivery talent and guided by experienced Partners. The right person will bring functional expertise in tech, a background in permanent recruitment, and the mindset to operate as a true strategic partner.

? Candidate Profile

This opportunity would suit an experienced recruiter with 6–8 years’ experience, ideally working with senior individual contributors or leadership hires within technology. They will:

• Have experience recruiting into Financial Services, particularly within Asset & Wealth Management, Retail Banks, Challenger Banks, or Insurance
• Be focused on permanent technology roles (e.g., CTOs, Heads of Engineering, senior ICs)
• Show genuine interest in operating within a retained search model
• Be collaborative and coachable, with a strong appetite to learn and grow
• Bring credibility to client conversations and demonstrate comfort in helping originate and win retained work
• Thrive in an environment where success is based on long-term relationships, quality of delivery, and high average deal value

? About the Business

The company is a specialist search firm exclusively focused on Tech and Product within Financial Services, with a strong reputation and an ambitious growth trajectory. The Search function currently consists of 5 team members, all with fewer than 3 years' experience, billing between £270k–£400k.

Their clients include leading names in FS as well as VC- and PE-backed innovators, particularly in insurance, banking, and wealth. The average retained fee is £45k–£50k, split over thirds.

The firm has clear strategic goals:

• £100m valuation target within 5 years
• Active plans to scale rapidly in the UK and the US (New York, Florida, Austin)
• Partnering with a VC within the next 12 months
• A long-term opportunity for someone to progress into a UK MD-level role

? Responsibilities

• Lead retained search mandates for senior tech hires across the FS sector
• Partner with junior consultants to support research and delivery
• Collaborate with senior leadership to drive BD activity and open new accounts
• Develop deep, consultative relationships with clients and candidates
• Learn from Partners while mentoring less experienced team members

? Compensation & Progression

• OTE Year 1: £100k–£120k+, with uncapped earnings potential
• Clear pathway to Director level, with exposure to leadership and potential for future team ownership
• Incentives structured around profit share, not just billings