Senior Associate - Consumer and Marketing Retained Search Firm

Maiden Marc Advisory is partnering with a highly regarded, specialist retained executive search boutique operating across the Consumer, Marketing and Commercial leadership markets, as they look to appoint several Delivery Consultants to support their continued growth.

Our client has built an outstanding reputation for delivering senior executive and C-suite mandates, working with leading international businesses on critical leadership appointments across Marketing, Commercial, People & Culture, and HR functions.

With a highly profitable business model, consistent revenue growth, and an established international client base, the firm offers an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative, entrepreneurial team with genuine long-term development prospects.

Unlike larger, more traditional executive search firms, this boutique offers a genuinely collaborative environment where Consultants work directly alongside experienced Directors and Partners, gaining exposure to senior-level assignments, strategic client relationships, and the commercial side of retained executive search.

The position would suit an ambitious, intellectually curious individual with with 1–4 years of recruitment or executive search experience who enjoys research-led delivery, building relationships with senior professionals, and wants to develop within a growing, highly respected firm.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Executing retained executive search assignments across senior management, executive, and C-suite positions
• Identifying, mapping, and engaging senior-level candidates across Consumer, Marketing, Commercial, and People & Culture functions
• Conducting detailed market research, competitor analysis, and talent mapping to support active mandates and client development
• Approaching, interviewing, and assessing candidates, building long-term relationships with senior professionals
• Producing high-quality candidate reports, market intelligence documents, and client-facing presentations
• Working closely with Directors and Partners throughout the search process, from initial briefing through to successful placement
• Managing candidate relationships and ensuring a consistently high standard of delivery and candidate experience
• Developing a detailed understanding of clients' businesses, leadership structures, and commercial challenges
• Supporting business development initiatives through market intelligence, research, and pitch preparation
• Gradually taking on greater ownership of assignments, client relationships, and commercial responsibilities as experience develops

The ideal profile would include:

• Strong research, market mapping, and candidate identification capabilities
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce detailed, well-structured client-facing materials
• A naturally analytical and intellectually curious approach to understanding markets, organisations, and senior leadership profiles
• Strong interpersonal skills and the confidence to engage with senior-level candidates and stakeholders
• Exceptional attention to detail and a genuine commitment to delivering high-quality work
• A collaborative, team-oriented personality, combined with ambition and a desire to progress
• A proactive mindset, willingness to learn, and the ability to take ownership of responsibilities

Previous experience within Consumer, Marketing, Commercial, or HR executive search would be advantageous but is by no means essential. The firm is open to individuals from a broad range of sector and functional backgrounds who demonstrate the right capabilities and cultural fit.

The opportunity

The firm offers a refreshing alternative to traditional corporate executive search environments, combining the quality and rigour of a leading retained search business with the flexibility, autonomy, and personal approach of a smaller boutique.

Working within a lean team of experienced professionals, successful candidates will benefit from direct exposure to senior leadership, involvement in high-profile international mandates, and the opportunity to develop both their research capabilities and commercial understanding of the executive search industry.

The firm places particular emphasis on hiring intelligent, conscientious, and personable individuals who enjoy working collaboratively and take pride in the quality of their work.

Compensation and benefits

• Strong base salary numbers depending on experience and Performance-related bonus typically equivalent to 25–50% of base salary, linked to individual metrics and company performance
• A strong track record of consistent bonus payments
• Opportunity to become a shareholder after 12 months through the firm's employee equity scheme
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements
• Private healthcare and dental cover
• Unlimited annual leave
• Tailored professional development, coaching, and mentorship from experienced Directors and Partners
• Exposure to senior executive and C-suite assignments across international markets
• Genuine opportunities for progression into senior delivery, client-facing, and commercially focused positions

With a long-term commitment to employee ownership and internal progression, this is an opportunity to join a financially secure, growing business where individuals are encouraged to contribute to the firm's continued success and share in its future.

If you have experience within recruitment or executive search and are looking for a role offering high-quality retained assignments, genuine development, and the opportunity to become part of a growing, collaborative business, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please reach out for a confidential conversation to learn more about the opportunity.