Principal - Executive Search

Principals act as the senior second on searches, and will independently lead some Level 2/3 and CFO-1 searches. They blend search design, calibration, and candidate engagement with growing client credibility, while taking increasing responsibility for mentoring, pitch opportunities, commercial outcomes, and stakeholder management.

Accountabilities:

• Support Partners on searches; lead end-to-end delivery of some Level 2/3 searches.
• Translate discovery insights into a clear search strategy, accurately defining the client’s CFO requirements (“decoding the CFO need”).
• Ability to pivot search strategy based on client and market feedback. search strategies.
• Build and manage realistic search timelines, providing accurate forecasting and delivering to agreed milestone
• Accurately assess a candidate’s capability and fit against set criteria.
• Run calibration calls and present candidates with clear guidance and recommendations.
• Manage candidate pipelines, ensuring timely, high-quality execution.
• Provide market intelligence that drives client decision-making.
• Report on progress, timelines, risks, and mitigation plans.
• Lead the research effort and approach to ensure effective search execution.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure candidates progress through the process in a timely manner.
• Mentor and train junior team members to build overall team capability.
• Qualify and approve fund mapping completed by Analysts
• Lead on relevant CFO -1 outreach for CFOs who they know well/searches they have led
• Support Growth and Partners with pitch materials, as well as overseeing and approving output from Associates
• Leverage CFO network to generate BD leads for CFO-1 retainers

The role is measured by: Search delivery pace and quality, quality of candidate assessment and screening, search strategy input, and pipeline health across mandates.

Technical Skills:

• Strong command of search processes from calibration to close.
• Skilled in candidate engagement and negotiation.
• Ability to generate and communicate clear market insights.
• Commercial literacy in reporting and forecasting.
• Strong ecosystem knowledge (CFO archetypes, VC/PE, high-growth tech).

Human Skills:

• Clear communicator, confident in client and candidate interactions.
• Highly proactive, works at pace with strong ownership of deliverables.
• Effective at project managing multiple searches, priorities and deadlines.
• Skilled stakeholder manager, able to balance internal and external relationships with sound judgement.
• Collaborative, supportive mentor and adaptable team player.
• Adaptable and resilient, able to pivot strategies based on feedback.
• Values-driven, linking personal contribution to Altima’s mission.

• Work with market-leading CFO search specialists in the start-up tech ecosystem
• Develop research and candidate management skills
• Join a collaborative team that values knowledge and humility
• Clear development pathways
• Competitive benefits including 28 days' annual leave + bank holidays, private health insurance, L&D budget, gym membership, and more