Research Associate – Executive Search

Research Associate – Executive Search

London | Up to £40,000 basic | Hybrid – 3 days in the office

I’m working with a high-quality, boutique executive search and leadership advisory firm in London that is looking to hire a Research Associate as part of its continued growth.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with at least 12 months’ experience in recruitment, executive search or a research-led environment who wants to build a long-term career within retained executive search.

The business operates a retained-only model, working closely with clients on senior leadership appointments. It combines the feel and autonomy of a boutique with an international reach and network.

The opportunity

As a Research Associate, you’ll work directly with experienced Partners and senior consultants across live executive search mandates.

This is much more than a traditional name-generation or sourcing position. You’ll gain exposure to the full lifecycle of an executive search, including client briefings, market mapping, candidate identification and qualification, candidate management, research and market intelligence.

You’ll also have the opportunity to attend client meetings and candidate interviews, giving you genuine exposure to both sides of the search process from an early stage.

The business is investing heavily in how it uses technology, AI and automation within executive search, and you’ll be encouraged to contribute ideas around improving research, delivery and internal processes.

What you’ll be doing

• Mapping markets and identifying senior-level talent
• Approaching and qualifying candidates for executive search assignments
• Conducting detailed company, sector and market research
• Supporting Partners with pitches, proposals and business development
• Attending client briefings and gaining direct client exposure
• Supporting candidate interviews and managing candidates throughout the process
• Producing high-quality longlists, shortlists and candidate reports
• Developing market intelligence that can be shared with clients
• Using AI and other digital tools to improve research and search delivery
• Contributing to internal projects and the continued development of the firm’s research capability

The markets

The firm operates across a broad range of sectors, including:

Financial Services | Technology & Digital | Consumer & Retail | Energy & Infrastructure | Industrial & Manufacturing | Life Sciences & Healthcare | Professional Services | Transportation & Logistics

This provides an opportunity to develop genuine commercial knowledge across multiple markets rather than being restricted to one narrow specialism.

Who they’re looking for

You’ll ideally have 12+ months’ experience within recruitment, executive search, research or a related environment.

They are particularly interested in people who are:

• Intellectually curious and commercially minded
• Confident communicating with senior professionals
• Strong researchers with excellent attention to detail
• Proactive and self-motivated
• Collaborative and comfortable working closely with senior colleagues
• Interested in technology, AI and new approaches to research
• Keen to develop a long-term career within executive search

Package & working pattern

Basic salary: up to £40,000

Location: Central London

Hybrid: 3 days per week in the office