Senior Executive Search Consultant – Healthcare Leadership

Location: London | Sector: UK Private Healthcare & NHS | Desk: Warm – Existing Client Base

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Are you an experienced recruiter ready to move into — or further establish yourself in — true executive search? We're looking for a Senior Executive Search Consultant to join our specialist team, working retained mandates to place Director, Board and C-Suite leaders across the UK healthcare sector.

This is a high-quality, relationship-led desk focused on some of the most significant leadership appointments made in NHS and private healthcare organisations. The roles you'll work on matter — the people you place will shape the future of healthcare organisations at the highest level.

About Us

We've built our reputation on doing things the right way. That means genuine relationships, not transactional ones. With clients and candidates alike, we invest time in really understanding what people need — and we deliver. Our clients trust us with their most important hires because they know we'll handle every search with the professionalism, discretion and depth it deserves. If you believe that great recruitment is built on trust, expertise, and long-term partnerships, you'll fit right in.

The Role

You'll be running retained executive search assignments at Director, Board and C-Suite level across both NHS and private healthcare. The appointments you manage will include roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Deputy CEO, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Director of Strategy, and HR Director — among others.

Working on a retained basis means you'll be operating as a true search partner to your clients, not simply responding to briefs. You'll be conducting thorough market mapping, approaching passive candidates with care and confidence, managing senior stakeholders through structured processes, and delivering considered, well-presented shortlists that reflect genuine search work.

You'll step into a warm desk with an established client base across the sector, giving you a strong foundation to build from from day one.

What You'll Be Doing

Leading end-to-end retained search processes for Director and C-Suite appointments. Building and maintaining trusted, long-term relationships with Chairs, CEOs, HR Directors and Board members. Conducting proactive market mapping and headhunting to identify and engage the best passive talent. Managing candidates with the level of care and confidentiality that senior appointments demand. Developing your client portfolio further within NHS and private healthcare. Representing your clients' organisations with credibility and professionalism at every touchpoint.

What We're Looking For

Proven experience in executive search or senior-level recruitment, ideally within healthcare, public sector or a professional services environment. Demonstrable experience managing retained assignments or a genuine ambition to move into retained search from a senior contingency background. Comfortable holding peer-level conversations with C-Suite and Board stakeholders. Highly professional, discreet and considered in your approach. Someone who takes the quality of their work seriously and understands that at this level, reputation is everything. A genuine interest in healthcare and the leadership challenges facing the sector.

Why Join Us?

 

Warm desk with active clients and existing retained relationships. A team that understands and values proper search methodology. The opportunity to work on genuinely important, high-profile appointments. A culture built on relationships, quality and long-term thinking. Competitive base salary and commission structure reflecting the seniority of the work.

How to Apply

If you are ready for the next stage of your recruitment career, contact Barrie Dewhirst in the strictest confidence on 07487 508210 or email [email protected]

Equal Opportunities Employer: We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

Confidential applications are welcome. All enquiries treated in strict confidence.