FIFTEEN WEST
Senior Associate - Executive Search

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
My client is a specialist global executive search and leadership advisory firm, partnering with leading financial institutions to identify and attract senior leadership talent. Operating on a retained search model, they deliver executive search, interim management, market intelligence, succession planning and talent advisory solutions across international markets.
With offices across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia, my client has built a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture where individuals are encouraged to take ownership of their careers. The business values curiosity, high performance, and teamwork, providing an environment where people can develop quickly while working on complex, senior-level mandates.
The Role
An opportunity has arisen for a Senior Associate to join the Financial Services practice in London. Working closely with Partners, you will play a key role in the execution of retained executive search assignments, managing delivery from initial briefing through to candidate placement while building strong relationships with both clients and candidates.
Key Responsibilities
Search Delivery
- Translate client briefs into effective research and search strategies.
- Conduct market mapping, research, and candidate identification for retained search assignments.
- Independently assess and interview senior candidates.
- Support and, where appropriate, lead client update calls and candidate presentations.
- Produce high-quality pitch documents, search reports, and client updates.
- Present market insights and candidate shortlists to clients.
- Build trusted relationships with client stakeholders throughout the search process.
- Manage candidate engagement through to offer acceptance, overcoming challenges where required.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Business Development
- Develop long-term relationships with senior candidates and clients.
- Generate market intelligence and share insights that support future business opportunities.
- Identify opportunities for new retained search mandates and introduce qualified leads to Partners.
- Attend client meetings and pitches, contributing to business development activity.
- Use market knowledge to add value during both client and candidate conversations.
The Successful Candidate
The successful candidate will likely have:
- 2+ years' experience within executive search.
- Experience delivering executive search assignments from briefing through to completion.
- A background recruiting senior professionals within Financial Services, ideally across Commercial or Retail Banking, with exposure to C-suite or executive-level mandates.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to engage senior executives.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to think strategically.
- A proactive, self-motivated approach with excellent organisational skills.
- High attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
- Resilience and the ability to perform in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
What's on Offer
My client offers the opportunity to work on high-profile executive search assignments with leading global financial institutions and high-growth organisations. You'll be part of a collaborative, high-performing team where progression is based on performance and capability rather than tenure.
The business provides exposure to senior decision-makers, international search work, and a supportive environment that encourages professional development, entrepreneurial thinking, and long-term career growth, alongside a competitive salary and benefits package.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location