Senior Associate - Executive Search

Job description

Role: Senior Associate or Principal - Life Sciences/STEM Executive Search

Start date: ASAP

Location: City of London (3 days in office, 2 days WFH)

About us:

Skills Alliance is a PE-backed, global workforce solutions partner specialising in Life Sciences, Medical Technology, and broader STEM markets.

Since 2005, we’ve supported some of the most innovative businesses in the world. From venture-backed start-ups to global pharma, we partner with organisations building therapies, technologies, and products that genuinely improve lives.

Our model is built across three core offerings: Executive Search, Staffing, and Enterprise Solutions. This gives our teams access to deep market insight, established client relationships, and a genuinely global platform. We operate internationally, with offices across Europe and the US, and a strong track record of delivering high-value, retained search mandates at C-suite and VP level.

The role:

We’re hiring a Senior Associate or Principal (open on level) to join our Executive Search function. This is a senior delivery role with significant ownership of retained search mandates. You’ll work closely with founders, investors, and senior leadership teams, taking responsibility for driving searches forward and delivering high-quality outcomes.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Support and lead retained executive searches from brief through to placement
• Design and execute search strategies, including market mapping and target identification
• Identify, engage, and assess senior-level candidates
• Define and prioritise high-calibre (“tier 1”) talent at the outset of searches
• Oversee and lead candidate qualification and contribute to shortlist recommendations
• Manage candidate processes end-to-end, including interview prep, feedback, and offer negotiation
• Contribute to client interactions, including briefings, updates, and shortlist discussions
• Present candidates with clear rationale and market insight
• Maintain high-quality search documentation and reporting
• Work closely with Client Partners and leadership to drive successful outcomes
• Mentor and support junior team members, with options for line management if wanted

What we are looking for:

• Experience delivering senior-level or retained searches, or operating at a high level in a 360 recruitment role
• Experience building and maintaining candidate networks, with clear examples of successful placements and delivery outcomes
• Comfortable working in a highly detail-oriented environment, managing search documentation, mapping data, and process tracking to a high standard
• Experience working on complex or senior hires (VP level or niche technical roles)
• Ability to manage multiple, concurrent vacancies or search assignments
• High level of drive, resilience, and ambition, with a clear motivation to succeed in a high-performance environment
• Confident engaging with senior stakeholders (C-suite, VP level), with the ability to influence, challenge, and build credibility
• Exposure to technical markets (Life Sciences, Medical Technology, or broader STEM) is highly advantageous.

What we can offer:

• Access to high-value, retained search work from day one
• Clear progression pathways into Delivery Lead / Client Partner roles
• A range of benefits from Private Healthcare, monthly wellness budget, wellness days, birthday off
• Performance incentives including annual holiday incentives and quarterly lunch clubs
• A very competitive package including bonus per placement up to £8,000 per Search delivered at Principal level
• Strong leadership support and a collaborative, high-performance team and direct support/management from a seasoned leader in Executive Search, with 25+ years experience both in industry at large multinational Pharma companies and in Search
• Investment in tech, data, and training to support high-quality delivery

If that sounds like you, apply below or email isabella.morrison@skillsalliance.com for a confidential chat.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

London Area

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

22-04-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English