Senior Researcher

GradBay; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

25 days annual leave + birthday

Enhanced parental leave

Christmas office closure

Researcher bonus scheme

Job summary

GradBay is seeking a Senior Researcher to join its Global Consumer practice from based in Manchester (Didsbury). The role involves mapping global consumer markets, engaging senior leadership, and supporting retained executive search assignments across international markets.

You will work with experienced clinicians in a fast-growing, internationally focused firm and gain exposure to high-profile leadership engagements.

Qualifications

• Experience in professional services, recruitment or executive search.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders.
• Commercial awareness and curiosity about how businesses operate.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail.
• Genuine interest in developing a long-term career in executive search.

Responsibilities

• Research and map global consumer markets and leadership structures.
• Identify and engage senior leadership across international markets.
• Conduct candidate outreach, screening and assessment conversations.
• Support retained executive search assignments from briefing through appointment.
• Manage candidate and client relationships throughout the search process.
• Produce market intelligence and talent insights for clients and internal stakeholders.

Skills

Recruitment experience

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Commercial awareness

Career development

Job description

Based in Manchester (Didsbury)

5 Days in the office

Senior Researcher – Executive Search

Global Consumer Markets | London

About the Opportunity

Our client is an established and growing executive search firm, partnering with some of the world's most recognised consumer brands across sectors including FMCG, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), Consumer Healthcare, Infrastructure and Retail.

Working with organisations across international markets, the business specialises in identifying and appointing exceptional leadership talent, supporting executive and non-executive board appointments as well as senior leadership hires across a broad range of business functions.

Due to continued growth, they are looking to appoint a Senior Researcher to join their expanding Global Consumer practice.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term career in executive search, whether transitioning from a recruitment background or bringing valuable commercial and industry experience.

You will work alongside experienced executive search professionals, gaining exposure to senior-level recruitment processes, leadership assessment, client engagement and international market mapping.

The business is looking for intellectually curious, commercially minded and relationship-driven individuals who are motivated by professional development and long-term career progression.

The Role

As a Senior Researcher, your responsibilities will include:

• Researching and mapping global consumer markets, competitors and organisational leadership structures.
• Identifying and engaging senior leadership talent across international markets.
• Conducting detailed candidate outreach, screening and assessment conversations.
• Supporting retained executive search assignments from initial briefing through to successful appointment.
• Managing candidate and client relationships throughout the search process, ensuring a professional and positive experience.
• Producing market intelligence, research and talent insights for clients and internal stakeholders.
• Building and maintaining relationships with senior executives and industry leaders.
• Identifying emerging market trends and contributing to potential business development opportunities.

The level of responsibility will be tailored to your previous experience and background.

For experienced recruiters, there will be opportunities to take ownership of search delivery and candidate engagement from an early stage.

For those transitioning from an industry or commercial background, structured training and ongoing support will be provided to develop the skills required to succeed within executive search.

About You

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Previous recruitment experience, ideally within professional services, recruitment or executive search. Alternatively, candidates with commercial or industry experience and a genuine interest in executive search and leadership advisory will also be considered.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and building professional relationships.
• Strong commercial awareness and curiosity about how businesses operate, compete and grow.
• Excellent organisational skills, accountability and attention to detail.
• A proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach.
• A genuine interest in developing a long-term career within executive search.

What's on Offer?

• Clear career progression pathway towards Consultant level.
• Exposure to globally recognised consumer brands and senior-level appointments.
• Structured professional development and leadership progression opportunities.
• The opportunity to build a long-term career within an ambitious and growing executive search business.
• Private healthcare.
• 25 days' annual leave plus an additional day off for your birthday.
• Additional annual leave entitlement with length of service.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Christmas office closure.
• Researcher bonus scheme.

Why Apply?

This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious and growing executive search business where career progression is driven by performance, development and individual contribution.

Whether you are an experienced recruiter looking to move into retained executive search or a commercially minded individual looking for a new career direction, this role offers the opportunity to develop specialist expertise while working on high-profile international assignments.

The business is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Reasonable adjustments can be accommodated throughout the application and interview stages where required