Full job descriptionExecutive Search Consultant C-suite recruiter.
Principal Recruitment Consultant - Executive Search & Private Equity Location: London
Practice: Executive Search – Senior Leadership & Private Equity
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Consultant, perhaps a Senior Consultant, Principal Recruitment Consultant or Managing Consultant with a proven track record delivering senior-level and executive appointments, ideally within Private Equity, PE-backed portfolio companies, or high-growth environments.
You will lead retained search mandates across C-suite, Director, and critical leadership roles, partnering directly with PE funds, operating partners, and portfolio leadership teams. This is a high-impact role where your work directly influences value creation, turnaround strategies, and growth acceleration.
If you have recruited CFOs, COOs, CPOs, CTOs, Heads of Finance, Heads of Operations, or senior commercial leaders for PE-backed businesses, you will thrive here.
Key Responsibilities
*Deliver end-to-end executive search assignments across senior, director, and C-suite roles.
*Lead retained searches for PE funds and portfolio companies, managing confidential and time-critical mandates.
*Conduct market mapping, competitor analysis, and targeted headhunting of passive senior candidates.
*Recruit for deal teams, operating partners, and value-creation leadership roles where required.
*Partner with boards, founders, and PE investors to define leadership competencies and cultural fit.
*Run structured leadership assessments, competency interviews, and behavioural evaluations.
*Present high-quality shortlists supported by detailed candidate insights and leadership evaluation.
*Contribute to the growth of the executive search & PE practice.
*Build long-term relationships with senior leaders, investors, and industry specialists.
*Drive business development through networking, referrals, and strategic client engagement.
What You’ll Bring
*Proven experience in 360 recruitment, senior appointments, or executive search.
*Proven experience recruiting for Private Equity, PE-backed businesses, or high-growth scale-ups.
*Strong capability in headhunting, passive candidate engagement, and market intelligence.
*Ability to manage complex, multi-stage recruitment processes with accuracy and pace.
*Commercial awareness, resilience, and a consultative approach to senior stakeholder partnership.
*Experience mentoring or supporting junior consultants (Principal level).
*A confident, credible communication style suited to board-level and investor environments.
Why Join Us
*Work on retained executive search mandates with PE funds and portfolio companies.
*Access to leadership assessment tools, psychometrics, and advanced search methodologies.
*Warm client portfolio with opportunities to grow your own PE desk.
*Competitive salary, uncapped commission, and annual performance bonuses.
*Hybrid working, flexible hours, and strong investment in professional development.
Ideal Backgrounds
*Executive Search
*Senior Appointments
*Finance, HR, Operations, Commercial, or Technology recruitment
*PE, VC, or high-growth scale-up environmentsPrincipal Recruitment Consultant
*Recruitment Consultant
*Executive Search
*Private Equity Recruitment

*Managing Consultant - Executive Search (Private Equity)
*Senior Executive Search Consultant
*Executive Search Partner
*Principal Search Consultant - C-Suite & Private Equity
*Executive Search Consultant - PE & Portfolio Leadership
*Head of Executive Search (if they manage a team/practice)
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