Graduate Executive Search Associate

Gain first-hand insight into how senior leaders shape growing businesses. This graduate executive search role offers rare commercial exposure, varied research assignments and the chance to build confidence through meaningful conversations from day one.

The Company

Based in central Leeds, this specialist executive search consultancy supports private equity firms and their portfolio businesses with senior leadership appointments. The team works across multiple industries, giving you a broad view of how companies grow, transform and make important hiring decisions. You will join a focused, ambitious environment where preparation, accountability and continuous improvement are central to how people work and develop.

The Role

As a Graduate Executive Search Associate, you will build commercial awareness by researching markets, understanding different business models and speaking with senior professionals. You will contribute to live executive search assignments rather than observing from the sidelines, with coaching available as you learn. The variety of clients, sectors and leadership roles means no two searches are identical. Over time, you will strengthen your judgement, communication and relationship-building skills while taking greater ownership of your market.

• Research industries, companies and senior leadership markets.
• Map high-calibre executive talent across varied business sectors.
• Engage CEOs, CFOs, COOs and other senior professionals.
• Build long-term relationships with candidates and client contacts.
• Support live executive search assignments from initial research onwards.
• Develop commercial awareness through regular coaching and feedback.

Benefits and Perks

This is a performance-focused business that gives graduates direct exposure, practical support and clear expectations. As well as a starting salary of £28k-£30k, you will also get the following benefits:

• Uncapped commission and transparent progression opportunities.
• Structured training, daily coaching and weekly reviews.
• Mentoring from senior consultants, leading performers and the founder.
• Exposure to private equity firms and C-suite business leaders.
• Modern technology, AI tools and an industry-leading CRM.
• Frequent and varied team social events.

Requirements

Must-Have

• A First-Class Honours degree.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Evidence of part-time work, society involvement or extra-curricular activity.
• Genuine ambition to build a long-term professional career.

Nice-to-Have

• A can-do mindset and willingness to apply feedback.
• No previous recruitment, executive search or sales experience is required.

Apply now

Build commercial confidence, broaden your business knowledge and contribute to high-value search work from the outset. Apply today to start your executive search career in Leeds.