Senior -> Associate Director - Tech Search Consultant – Financial Services, Insurance, Legal
£45–£85k base + bonus | OTE Year 1: £100k–£120k+ | London (Hybrid)
A high-growth executive search firm is seeking a Senior -> AD Tech Search Consultant to join its specialist Tech into Financial Services practice. This role is ideal for someone currently operating in a high-fee contingent environment who is looking to elevate into retained search.
This is not a 360 role—consultants are supported by junior delivery talent and guided by experienced Partners. The right person will bring functional expertise in tech, a background in permanent recruitment, and the mindset to operate as a true strategic partner.
???? Candidate Profile
This opportunity would suit an experienced recruiter with 6–8 years’ experience, ideally working with senior individual contributors or leadership hires within technology. They will:
- Have experience recruiting into Financial Services, particularly within Asset & Wealth Management, Retail Banks, Challenger Banks, or Insurance
- Be focused on permanent technology roles (e.g., CTOs, Heads of Engineering, senior ICs)
- Show genuine interest in operating within a retained search model
- Be collaborative and coachable, with a strong appetite to learn and grow
- Bring credibility to client conversations and demonstrate comfort in helping originate and win retained work
- Thrive in an environment where success is based on long-term relationships, quality of delivery, and high average deal value
???? About the Business
The company is a specialist search firm exclusively focused on Tech and Product within Financial Services, with a strong reputation and an ambitious growth trajectory. The Search function currently consists of 5 team members, all with fewer than 3 years' experience, billing between £270k–£400k.
Their clients include leading names in FS as well as VC- and PE-backed innovators, particularly in insurance, banking, and wealth. The average retained fee is £45k–£50k, split over thirds.
The firm has clear strategic goals:
- £100m valuation target within 5 years
- Active plans to scale rapidly in the UK and the US (New York, Florida, Austin)
- Partnering with a VC within the next 12 months
- A long-term opportunity for someone to progress into a UK MD-level role
???? Responsibilities
- Lead retained search mandates for senior tech hires across the FS sector
- Partner with junior consultants to support research and delivery
- Collaborate with senior leadership to drive BD activity and open new accounts
- Develop deep, consultative relationships with clients and candidates
- Learn from Partners while mentoring less experienced team members
???? Compensation & Progression
- Base salary: £45,000–£85,000 (depending on experience)
- OTE Year 1: £100k–£120k+, with uncapped earnings potential
- Clear pathway to Director level, with exposure to leadership and potential for future team ownership
- Incentives structured around profit share, not just billings
