Executive Search Researcher

About the Role

We are offering an exciting position for an Executive Search Researcher in Brighton with a hybrid work arrangement (3 days onsite, 2 days remote). The role features a base salary up to £45,000, along with an annual commission opportunity ranging between £20,000 and £40,000. This position is ideal for a recruiter who has developed solid foundational skills and wants to advance into a more sophisticated and high-value recruitment environment.

You will join an international executive search firm focusing on senior appointments and retained assignments for global companies spanning Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia. The nature of this role emphasizes research-driven processes, catering to niche markets and complex search assignments, far beyond high-volume recruitment.

Market Sectors

The executive roles you will help fill are critical leadership positions that impact global business operations, covering sectors such as:

• Supply Chain
• Procurement
• Manufacturing
• Engineering
• Commercial Leadership
• Sustainability
• Commodities
• Energy
• Automotive & Mobility
• Chemicals & Materials
• Medical Devices
• Consumer and Industrial businesses

The clients include major global corporations, private equity-backed companies, trading firms, utilities, banks, hedge funds, and industrial technology organizations. These assignments often involve challenging searches for niche and globally located candidates, which elevates the importance of thorough research work.

Distinctive Aspects

This role operates within a low-volume yet high-value recruiting model, with deal values regularly ranging between £30,000 and £100,000. Since it involves retained searches, clients invest in comprehensive, research-based hiring processes rather than simply receiving CVs.

The firm's approach begins with exhaustive market research and talent mapping, followed by longlisting, candidate engagement, and shortlist presentation. This offers exceptional commercial and intellectual development for recruiters wishing to enhance their expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and identify candidates using LinkedIn, CRM databases, referrals, and recommendations
• Create longlists and conduct detailed market mapping
• Screen senior-level candidates and conduct briefing sessions
• Present career opportunities convincingly and handle candidate queries and objections
• Produce candidate summaries and shortlists for clients
• Guide candidates through interview stages
• Collect relevant market intelligence and insights
• Identify potential business leads and commercial opportunities
• Collaborate closely with international sales teams

Career Progression

The role corresponds with the formal Research Consultant remit, encompassing candidate sourcing, briefing, shortlisting, market research, and lead generation. With experience, you will gain exposure to client consultations, managing relationships, compensation analysis, and market trend evaluations, providing a clear path through Researcher, Senior Researcher, to Research Manager roles.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will exhibit curiosity, commercial insight, and an ability to analyze complex market structures effortlessly. Desired traits and experience include:

• Background in high-value recruitment settings
• Proven capability in thorough research and candidate identification
• Commercial awareness and business understanding
• Confidence in communicating with senior professionals
• Quick comprehension of intricate business environments and markets
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail
• Genuine passion for becoming a market expert

While an academic background or clear intellectual curiosity is preferred, practical commercial judgement is equally valued. Furthermore, independence, adaptability, teamwork, and the ability to communicate the company’s value proposition are emphasized.

Why Join This Firm?

• Engage in retained, research-led executive search projects
• Work on senior and executive-level recruitment assignments
• Experience involvement with international markets and diverse global clients
• Benefit from outstanding career advancement opportunities
• Potential to evolve into senior research, management, or broader search roles
• Acquire elite recruitment techniques and commercial knowledge
• Operate within an established global executive search organization

This position particularly suits individuals who relish both the intellectual and commercial facets of recruitment—understanding complex markets, finding elusive candidates, and advising senior clients competently. For motivated candidates, it represents a meaningful advancement in deal size, market complexity, and career trajectory.