Senior Researcher

PARTNER is a specialist professional and executive search firm focused on the industrials market - mining, infrastructure, aviation, construction, energy, property & development and related sectors. We work with boards, executive teams and senior leaders to appoint the people who run complex assets, projects and operations. Our value lies in deep sector understanding, disciplined search and genuinely honest advice.

As a boutique firm, we take on a limited number of mandates so we can do them properly – thoughtful market mapping, high-touch candidate engagement and careful assessment, rather than volume recruitment. Clients work directly with experienced partners from briefing through to appointment, supported by rigorous research and a calm, grown-up approach to search.

We're known for building long-term relationships, representing our clients with professionalism and care, and supporting candidates respectfully throughout the process. PARTNER is a good fit for organisations that want a search partner who understands industrials, tells the truth, and stays focused on getting the right leader, not just a quick hire.

The opportunity

Working closely with a Delivery Partner / Search Lead, you'll own the front-end of our search process, from market mapping and candidate engagement through to shortlisting and early-stage assessment. You'll be a key face of PARTNER with candidates and a thought partner to the delivery team on complex, senior mandates across mining, infrastructure, energy and related sectors.

This is a hands-on role with real variety, autonomy and exposure to senior executives across the industrials landscape.

Key responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Build strong, trusted relationships with candidates and clients throughout the search lifecycle, representing Partner Executive with professionalism and warmth.
• Collaborate with the search delivery lead to shape search strategies, develop candidate briefing documents, advertising copy and other position marketing materials.
• Attend client briefing meetings to deeply understand the role, context and success profile for each assignment.
• Lead market mapping and research in mining, infrastructure, energy and broader industrials, preparing targeted longlists and competitor maps using a range of tools and sources.
• Be the first point of contact for inbound position enquiries, managing candidate care and providing clear, timely information.
• Proactively approach and engage prospective candidates via phone, email, LinkedIn and other channels to generate interest in opportunities.
• Conduct initial interviews (video, phone and in-person) to assess candidates against agreed role criteria, culture and leadership profile.
• Provide the delivery lead with a curated list of pre-qualified candidates, including structured interview notes and insight on motivation, fit and risk.
• Keep assignments moving by providing regular updates and feedback to the Delivery Partner on pipeline, challenges and market insights.
• Attend client shortlist meetings and contribute to discussion around candidates, market feedback and search progress.
• Support end-to-end assignment delivery, including coordinating interviews, managing candidate logistics, and assisting with background and reference checks.
• Contribute to knowledge and IP, updating talent pools, maintaining accurate records and sharing market intelligence with the broader team.

About you

You're likely to bring:

• Experience working in professional or executive search, talent mapping or senior recruitment, ideally with exposure to mining, infrastructure, energy or broader industrials.
• Strong research and analytical skills – you enjoy digging into complex markets, spotting patterns and turning data into useful insight.
• Confidence in approaching and engaging senior-level candidates, often in a headhunting context.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to write clear briefing notes, candidate summaries and client-ready documentation.
• High levels of organisation and attention to detail, able to manage multiple assignments, priorities and deadlines at once.
• Comfort using search tools and platforms (e.g. LinkedIn Recruiter, databases, industry sources) and learning new systems quickly.
• A collaborative, low-ego style – you enjoy working as part of a small, tight-knit team where everyone rolls up their sleeves and contributes.

What we offer

• The chance to work directly with experienced Partners on high-impact mandates across mining, infrastructure, Aviation, Construction, Property and Development.
• Genuine impact – your research and candidate work will be central to the success of each assignment, not buried in a large delivery machine.
• Exposure to a broad range of industrial leadership roles, building a deep understanding of how different businesses and executives operate.
• A clear opportunity to grow your career – whether that's deepening your expertise as a senior researcher or, over time, progressing toward a delivery / consultant pathway if that interests you.