Your success won't simply be measured by how well you manage three people. It will be measured by how much you raise the standard of search across the entire organisation.

Transforming the Function

We are not looking for someone to simply manage the existing model. We want someone who will challenge it. You will have the autonomy to assess how the function currently operates and determine what needs to change.

This will include:

• Reviewing the current R&D model, structure and ways of working
• Identifying what is working, what isn't and where the biggest opportunities sit
• Building a clear operating model for the function
• Creating practical SOPs and processes that improve consistency without creating unnecessary bureaucracy
• Introducing new technology, tools and ways of working where they genuinely improve delivery
• Establishing KPIs and reporting that demonstrate the commercial value of R&D
• Developing a more performance-led and commission-based approach to Research & Delivery
• Creating incentives and measures that reflect the value the team creates
• Building a scalable model that can grow with the business

If you see a better way of doing something, we want you to change it.

Strategic Leadership

This role sits beyond the R&D function. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will have genuine influence over the wider business.

You will:

• Contribute to the overall strategy and direction of Phipps Cameron
• Help shape how search fits into the wider commercial strategy
• Bring insight from the search market into wider business decisions
• Work closely with the leadership team on major business initiatives and change
• Challenge existing thinking and identify opportunities to improve how we operate
• Provide a senior voice on delivery, client experience and operational performance
• Take collective ownership for the performance and success of the wider business

We are looking for someone who wants a seat at the table and is prepared to use it.

Who This Role Would Suit

This role would suit an experienced search leader who wants genuine ownership of a function.

You may currently be:

• Leading an R&D or Research team
• Managing a search delivery function
• Running a search practice
• An experienced billing consultant with a strong passion for search who is ready to build something bigger
• An R&D Manager ready to step up and have wider influence across a business

What matters most is that you have the credibility, commercial judgement and leadership capability to define a standard, build a team around it and influence an entire business.

You’ll be someone who:

• Leads from the front
  • You’re comfortable staying close to searches, candidates and clients rather than operating purely at management level.
• Builds relationships
  • You develop trust quickly and can become a credible partner to clients on difficult and complex briefs.
• Has exceptionally high standards
  • You are rigorous on research, qualification, detail and execution.
  • Good enough isn't good enough.
• Is commercially confident
  • You can challenge a brief, manage expectations and have difficult conversations when needed.
• Develops people
  • You know how to coach, challenge and develop a team while creating real accountability.
• Thinks strategically
  • You can step out of the day-to-day, see the bigger picture and contribute meaningfully to business strategy.
• Thinks practically
  • You can put better processes and structure in place without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
• Challenges the status quo
  • You don't accept “that's how we've always done it” as an answer.
  • You see problems as opportunities to improve.

What Success Looks Like

In your first 12–18 months, you will have:

• Built a high-performing and accountable R&D team
• Established clear standards and processes for search delivery
• Increased consistency and quality across assignments
• Created clear visibility of R&D performance and contribution
• Developed a clear commercial model and performance framework
• Improved collaboration between Sales and R&D
• Embedded R&D as a critical part of the Phipps Cameron proposition
• Developed the capability and career paths within the team
• Created a scalable model that can support the next stage of company growth
• Established yourself as a key strategic voice within the SLT

Ultimately, Research & Delivery should be one of Phipps Cameron's biggest competitive advantages.

Why Phipps Cameron?

We’re not a generalist recruitment business. Our roots are in Corporate Development, and that specialist knowledge shapes how we approach search. We work with the people making strategic decisions around acquisitions, investment, integration, divestment and capital allocation — from PLCs to PE-backed businesses. Our networks run deep. Our referencing is rigorous. And our clients expect us to get difficult searches right. Research & Delivery is central to that proposition. This role gives you the opportunity to decide what excellent delivery should look like at Phipps Cameron and then build the team, processes, culture and commercial model to deliver it.

You’ll have:

• Ownership of a talented Research & Delivery team
• Genuine influence over how the function develops
• A seat on the Senior Leadership Team
• The opportunity to introduce and embed new processes and standards
• The autonomy to challenge and improve the existing model
• A role that is both operational, strategic and client-facing
• Scope to develop the commercial model and incentives
• A high-performance environment where contribution is recognised
• Significant room to develop both the function and your own career

The Opportunity

This is not a role for someone who wants to simply inherit a team and keep things moving. It’s for someone who wants to build...

• Build the team.
• Build the processes.
• Build the standards.
• Build the culture.
• Build the commercial model.

And ultimately, build Research & Delivery into a genuine competitive advantage for Phipps Cameron.

You’ll have a genuine seat at the leadership table, the autonomy to make change and the opportunity to leave a significant mark on how we deliver search across the business. If you want to shape how Research & Delivery operates, rather than simply manage what already exists, we’d like to hear from you.

Apply directly or get in touch for a confidential conversation.