Verbatim Pharma
Executive Search
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Associate Director – Executive Search
Location: Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire (Hybrid – 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home)
Join Verbatim Pharma's Executive Search Division
Following our busiest year to date, we're looking to appoint an experienced Associate Director to join our Executive Search Division.
Verbatim Pharma partners with leading pharmaceutical, biotech, CRO, CDMO, and clinical trial services organizations across Europe and North America, delivering retained executive search assignments for senior leadership and commercial appointments.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing executive search business, taking a leading role in the delivery of international retained searches while helping to develop long-term client relationships and supporting the continued growth of our Executive Search Division.
The Role
As an Associate Director, you'll take ownership of retained executive search assignments from client briefing through to successful completion.
- Working closely with Directors and clients, you'll lead search strategy, engage senior executives, provide market intelligence, and ensure every assignment is delivered to the highest professional standard.
- You'll also mentor members of the research team and play an active role in developing both our people and our Executive Search Division.
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Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of retained executive search assignments across Europe and North America.
- Build trusted relationships with clients throughout the search process.
- Develop search strategies, market maps, and talent intelligence reports.
- Identify, approach, and assess senior executives and C-suite candidates.
- Conduct detailed competency-based interviews and candidate evaluations.
- Prepare candidate reports, market insights, and client presentations.
- Manage candidate engagement from initial approach through to offer acceptance.
- Mentor and support Executive Researchers on active assignments.
- Contribute to business development activities, client meetings, and proposal preparation.
- Represent Verbatim Pharma with professionalism and integrity in all client and candidate interactions.
About You
We're looking for an experienced executive search professional who enjoys partnering with clients and delivering exceptional retained search assignments.
Essential
- Previous experience working within an executive search firm.
- Proven experience delivering retained executive search assignments.
- Experience managing senior stakeholder and client relationships.
- Strong executive interviewing and candidate assessment skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Commercial awareness with a consultative approach.
- Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
- Experience managing multiple executive search assignments simultaneously.
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Desirable
- Experience contributing to business development and winning new assignments.
- Experience mentoring Researchers or junior consultants.
- Life sciences executive search experience is advantageous but not essential.
What We Offer
- Hybrid working (3 days in our Berkhamsted office, 2 days working from home).
- The opportunity to work on retained executive search assignments with leading pharmaceutical, biotech, CRO, CDMO, and clinical trial services organizations.
- Exposure to senior leadership and C-suite hiring across international markets.
- A collaborative, ambitious, and supportive culture.
- Genuine opportunities for progression as our Executive Search Division continues to expand.
- Competitive salary, bonus, and benefits.
If you're looking to join an ambitious executive search business where quality, professionalism, and long-term client partnerships come first, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply via LinkedIn or contact us directly for a confidential conversation.
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