Partner - Executive Search

Paul Bridges Group; United States; Remote; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading executive search firm is seeking a Partner to join its Aerospace & Defense practice. This role involves driving client acquisition, advising on leadership needs, and managing high-impact search mandates. The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of experience in executive search, strong networks across defense sectors, and the ability to engage senior leaders effectively. This position offers a remote working opportunity within the U.S., allowing for significant impact in the defense and aerospace domains.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in retained executive search, with a focus on senior leadership roles.
• Established relationships within the Aerospace & Defense industry.
• Proven ability to lead complex consultative engagements.
• Experience with regulated, security cleared or mission critical environments.

Responsibilities

• Drive client acquisition and expand relationships within the industry.
• Advise clients on leadership needs across various functions.
• Lead retained search mandates from inception to delivery.
• Collaborate with internal delivery and research teams to ensure high-quality searches.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline aligned with practice expansion goals.

Skills

Executive Search Experience

Aerospace & Defense Network

Consultative Approach

Industry Expertise

Job description

Partner — Executive Search, Aerospace & Defense Practice

Location: Remote (U.S.)

About the Firm

Our client is a nationally recognized retained executive search firm known for its sector led approach and deep functional expertise. The firm is actively expanding its Aerospace & Defense practice and is seeking a Partner level search professional with a strong track record advising organizations across defense, aerospace, and government services on senior leadership hiring.

This individual will play a key role in scaling the practice across areas such as defense primes, aerospace OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, space and satellite platforms, advanced manufacturing, national security, and private equity backed defense technology businesses.

This is an opportunity to join a platform that partners with mission critical organizations operating at the forefront of innovation, including programs tied to DoD priorities, space commercialization, next generation air and missile systems, and digital transformation across defense infrastructure.

Role Overview

As a Partner within the Aerospace & Defense practice, you will operate as a senior commercial leader responsible for driving new client acquisition, expanding existing relationships, and delivering high impact retained search mandates. You will engage directly with CEOs, CHROs, program leaders, and investors shaping the future of defense capabilities, aerospace innovation, and national security.

Key Responsibilities

Client Development and Relationship Management

• Build and expand relationships with senior executives across defense contractors, aerospace manufacturers, government services firms, space and satellite companies, and PE backed A&D platforms
• Engage with leadership across both established primes and high growth, venture and sponsor backed businesses operating in areas such as autonomous systems, ISR, cyber defense, and advanced materials
• Represent the firm at key industry forums including AUSA, Farnborough Airshow, Paris Air Show, Space Symposium, and NDIA events

Strategic Advisory and Search Execution

• Advise clients on leadership needs across engineering, program management, operations, supply chain, manufacturing, business development, and mission critical functions
• Support talent strategies tied to major contract awards, program ramps, M&A integration, digital engineering initiatives, and classified program buildouts
• Lead retained search mandates end to end, defining role scope, assessing executive talent, and ensuring high quality delivery
• Own the full business development lifecycle, from market mapping and client outreach through to mandate conversion and account growth
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of retained work aligned with practice expansion goals
• Partner closely with internal delivery and research teams to execute searches at a high standard

Market Intelligence and Thought Leadership

• Stay current on sector dynamics including defense budget trends, procurement cycles, space commercialization, supply chain resiliency, additive manufacturing, digital twin technologies, and cyber warfare capabilities
• Provide clients with insight on organizational design, succession planning, and leadership trends within the Aerospace & Defense ecosystem

What You Bring

Executive Search Experience

• 10+ years of experience in retained executive search with a consistent track record placing VP, SVP, and C suite executives
• Strong commercial performance with demonstrated success in originating and converting retained mandates

Aerospace & Defense Network

• Established relationships across defense contractors, aerospace OEMs, government services firms, space and satellite companies, and defense technology platforms
• Exposure to working with organizations operating in regulated, security cleared, or mission critical environments

Consultative Approach

• Proven ability to lead complex, consultative engagements with senior stakeholders across technical and operational functions
• Track record of building long term, trust based client relationships

Industry Expertise

• Strong understanding of Aerospace & Defense market drivers including DoD procurement, program lifecycle management, classified environments, engineering and manufacturing processes, and evolving national security priorities