At Candela Search, we are driven by the ambition to become one of the world's most recognised and revered technology search firms.
Our mission is to connect dynamic scale-ups and established multinationals with transformative technology and digital leadership talent, striving to be the absolute best in our field.
Role responsibilities
Search Execution & Delivery:
- Lead and manage the end-to-end search process in collaboration with Consultants and Partners.
- Attend and contribute meaningfully to client briefings; translate briefs into effective research strategies and timelines.
- Develop and execute market mapping, competitor analysis, and candidate identification.
- Engage directly with candidates to assess interest, suitability, and alignment with client needs.
- Independently pre-screen the majority of candidates, maintaining strong conversion rates from interview to shortlist.
- Conduct rigorous interviews alongside Consultants and Partners, contributing insights and recommendations.
- Take ownership of candidate relationship management throughout the search lifecycle.
- Lead candidate closing conversations and address objections with confidence and sound judgment.
- Participate in and occasionally lead client update calls in the Consultant’s absence.
- Build direct relationships with client contacts and become a trusted point of communication.
- Demonstrate excellent research and analytical capabilities by mapping markets, conducting competitive analysis, and assessing leadership talent.
- Maintain a high level of organisation and self-direction, effectively managing multiple searches and priorities with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Team Leadership & Operational Excellence:
- Direct and support research teams in the execution of assignment delivery plans.
- Act as a mentor to junior team members, supporting their development and onboarding.
- Identify and proactively resolve delivery challenges or escalate where appropriate.
- Support team-wide initiatives to improve processes, tools, and overall effectiveness.
Business Development & Strategic Growth:
- Contribute to business development by supporting Partners with research, pitch preparation, and client insights.
- Identify and act on market intelligence to generate qualified leads and pitch opportunities.
- Take the lead in drafting strategic business development plans and driving their implementation.
- Establish a network of candidate and client contacts and begin positioning yourself as a trusted advisor.
- Leverage market and commercial insights to inform search strategy and client discussions.
Key Requirements
We’re looking for a proactive, detail-oriented, and intellectually curious Senior Associate who thrives in a fast-paced, client-focused environment. In this role, you’ll play a critical part in supporting Consultants and Partners across all phases of executive search, from initial scoping and market mapping to candidate engagement and delivery. You’ll be trusted to manage key elements of search execution while contributing insights that help shape client strategy.
You’ll work closely with senior colleagues to ensure the smooth running of complex assignments, often acting as a bridge between research and client delivery. Whether preparing briefing materials, coordinating interviews, or helping craft compelling candidate narratives, you bring precision, professionalism, and a collaborative spirit to everything you do.
The ideal candidate combines strong analytical and research capabilities with excellent communication skills. You’re someone who enjoys solving talent challenges, thrives on teamwork, and is eager to grow by learning from experienced mentors while making a meaningful impact.
Benefits
- Personal Brand: Build your professional identity along with Candela’s, a mutually exciting and beneficial opportunity. Access to a world-class portfolio of clients and high-growth companies.
- Culture: Enjoy being part of an inclusive, fun, and supportive team, where work-life balance is put before profit.
- Professional Development: Work alongside proven leaders in their field who are committed to mentoring and developing talent to excel.
- Annual Leave: 25 days + 3 days at Christmas.
- Pension: company pension plan with contributions.
- Healthcare plan: including medical, physiotherapy, dental, optical and audiological cover.
- Lifestyle: Up to 50% off gym memberships and further discounts on lifestyle products and services, discounted health assessments and cycle-to-work scheme. On-site gym and cafe.
- Hybrid working: three days in our London office (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) and two days working from home.
- Remote working: work two weeks a year from anywhere.
- Team rewards: Quarterly and yearly recognition rewards.
- Team socials: offsite trips, regular team lunches, team building days out, 5* ski trips.
- Office location: Hammersmith, London.
