Researcher (Exec Search)

Potentiam Ltd; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Potentiam Ltd. is a dynamic global offshore solutions provider supporting UK and European clients with locations in SA, Romania, India, and Brazil.

The Researcher role is central to executive search delivery, coordinating non-candidate tasks from briefing through completion while providing broader administrative support to the Lead Delivery Consultant. You will help build candidate pipelines, manage trackers, and ensure efficient search processes, enabling senior consultants to focus on client

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with proficiency in research tools and databases.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organised, with strong diary and inbox management skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Trustworthy and discreet, comfortable acting on behalf on sensitive matters (e.g. NDAs, correspondence).
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-orientated environment.
• Prior experience in executive search, talent acquisition, or a PA/EA support role is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support through the full lifecycle of executive search assignments — from briefing to shortlist presentation and completion.
• Translate client briefs into structured delivery plans and timelines, ensuring clarity of objectives, milestones, and priorities.
• Own and lead desk-based research — identifying target companies, building structured longlists and market maps, and developing candidate pipelines via databases, LinkedIn and internal networks.
• Maintain Search Trackers and the CRM database (Spott) to ensure candidate information is captured and regularly updated.
• Create and maintain interview trackers for designated clients.
• Maintain clear, timely communication with Lead Delivery Consultant and the wider delivery and operations teams, providing regular progress updates and anticipating challenges.
• Keep abreast of relevant sector and market developments to support ongoing searches.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

Research skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Diary management

Discretion

Team collaboration

Exec search exp

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Potentiam is a rapidly growing global offshore solutions provider, connecting skilled technical professionals with leading UK and European companies. With established offices in South Africa, Romania, and India, and our newest location in Brazil, we continue to expand our global presence to support businesses in scaling effectively and sustainably.

Our mission is to help companies build high-performing offshore teams while ensuring our people have clear career development and growth opportunities. Potentiam manages all aspects of HR, payroll, infrastructure, and staff development, while our clients directly oversee their teams’ day-to-day responsibilities and role-specific training.

With ambitious growth plans to reach over 500 team members globally within the next 3–4 years, Potentiam offers an exciting, fast-paced environment where people, purpose, and performance come together.

Potentiam’s client

Our client is a specialist executive search and advisory firm focused exclusively on the Private Markets sector. They partner with private market firms and their portfolio companies to appoint exceptional talent aligned to the business, culture, and stage of growth.

Founded in 2017, the firm was built on the belief that the right leadership decisions drive outstanding performance. They support both fund-level appointments and the development of leadership teams within portfolio companies, taking the time to understand each client’s strategy, operating environment, and value-creation agenda before going to market.

Their expertise spans Private Equity, Private Credit, Venture Capital, Real Assets, and Portfolio Companies. Through deep sector knowledge, rigorous due diligence, and real-time market intelligence, they deliver high-impact appointments that create lasting value.

Purpose of role

The Researcher plays a central role in supporting the successful delivery of executive search assignments and the day-to-day operations of the Lead Delivery Consultant.

Working in close partnership with the Lead Delivery Consultant, the Researcher is responsible for coordinating all non-candidate-facing aspects of the search process — from briefing through to completion — while also providing broader administrative and operational support.

This enables the Lead Delivery Consultant to focus on client relationships and candidate engagement.

Researcher reports to the Head of Delivery and are integral members of the firm’s delivery community, contributing to the continuous improvement of processes, market insight, and overall performance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Search Execution & Research

• Support through the full lifecycle of executive search assignments — from briefing to shortlist presentation and completion.
• Translate client briefs into structured delivery plans and timelines, ensuring clarity of objectives, milestones, and priorities.
• Own and lead desk-based research — identifying target companies, building structured longlists and market maps, and developing candidate pipelines via databases, LinkedIn and internal networks.
• Maintain Search Trackers and the CRM database (Spott) to ensure candidate information is captured and regularly updated.
• Create and maintain interview trackers for designated clients.
• Maintain clear, timely communication with Lead Delivery Consultant and the wider delivery and operations teams, providing regular progress updates and anticipating challenges.
• Keep abreast of relevant sector and market developments to support ongoing searches.

Executive Assistance & Administrative Support

• Check Lead Delivery Consultants emails and flag action points requiring her attention or response.
• Diarise and manage meetings, including lead recruiter’s own diary and client meetings.
• Schedule candidate and client interviews.
• Schedule reference calls.
• Prepare and send NDAs, signing on Lead Delivery Consultants behalf where authorised, and maintain an up-to-date NDA tracker.
• Send briefing documents to candidates where required.
• Pull and circulate notes from Metaview on behalf.
• Update and maintain documents across the search process, ensuring accuracy and that the correct version is always in use.
• Provide general day-to-day support and assistance to Lead Delivery Consultant to enable smooth running of her workload.

Skills/Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with proficiency in research tools and databases.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organised, with strong diary and inbox management skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Trustworthy and discreet, comfortable acting on Alex's behalf on sensitive matters (e.g. NDAs, correspondence).
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-orientated environment.
• Prior experience in executive search, talent acquisition, or a PA/EA support role is a plus..

Location and hours

Monday to Friday

09h00 – 18h00 SAST

Hybrid

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