Principal Search Consultant

About Us
Oaklands Global is a dynamic and ambitious aviation and aerospace consultancy, specialising in both contingent and retained recruitment solutions for a diverse portfolio of industry-leading global clients. We have an outstanding track record of delivering world-class professionals across a wide spectrum of business units on an international basis.
Overview
As the Principal Search Consultant you will be a key member of the Oaklands Global search team, driving the profitability of existing and newly acquired customers. You will help our customers by creating competitive advantage, providing valuable insights and delivering a market-leading and world-class service.
Responsibilities
As Principal Search Consultant you will win new business and also manage and grow a portfolio of existing accounts increasing revenue in each account. Initially the role will see a mix of your time spent 60% account management (including candidate sourcing) and 40% business development (initially). You will make critical contributions to the business in a variety of areas, including:
General
Consistently reach or exceed assigned monthly personal revenue targets.
Build and nature an industry specific portfolio of aviation professionals.
Target the passive candidate market using tools including LI recruiter and social media platforms.
Conduct briefing calls with clients to fully qualify searches.
Manage the full search process from candidate identification to placement.
Research prospective accounts in targeted markets and pursue leads to hand over to the Managing Director.
Understand the target markets, including industry, Company, project, Company contacts, and which market strategies can be used to attract clients.
Collaborate with the team to ensure that requirements are met, and projects delivered within agreed timeframes.
Effectively build a lead pipeline.
Maintain relationships with current clients and identify new prospects, broadening points of contact and maximising revenue potential across customer base.
Possess a strong understanding of our products, our competition in the industry and positioning.
Follow the latest industry developments and stay up to date on corporate competitors.
Ability to develop and deliver client presentations and new business plans in collaboration with the Managing Director.
Upsell and cross-sell the company’s services to existing clients in other business areas and geographical locations.
Involvement in long-term Brand Development.
Operational
Develop and implement scalable ‘best practice’ behaviour across the account management cycle.
Foster culture of ‘knowledge sharing’, building central repository of tips, tactics and techniques to optimise account management performance.
Ensure correct and consistent use of company CRM (LOXO) to track recruitment and account activities.
Oversee quality and accuracy of CRM data inputting and maintenance.
Present Managing Director with weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual performance reports on personal/team activity and target attainment.
Collaborate with leadership team to identify and resolve any resource or technology gaps within account management workflow.
Team
Actively participate in attraction and recruitment of new consultant hires in collaboration with Managing Director.
Build and develop employer brand materials and staff retention strategy, ensuring company remains competitive in attracting and retaining top-performing sales candidates.
Develop and implement clear market segmentation policy to ensure assigned focus area and/or customer list for every consultant.
Desirable Qualities:
The Account Manager will display a range of qualities which will not only be essential for success in the role, but also for development of the account manager delivery team and the ongoing strengthening of corporate culture, including:
Tenacity – a ‘no excuses’ mindset focused on accountability for results and determined pursuit of overachievement.
Problem-solving – a creative, pro-active approach to removing obstacles and building solutions.
Anticipation – a quickness to react to potential or emerging issues before they develop.
Positivity – a contagious enthusiasm and energy to deliver great work.
Collaboration – a desire to bring people and teams together, sharing ideas and expertise.
Excellence – an insistence on the highest quality and resistance to corner-cutting or sub-par standards.
Structure – a focus on development of scalable, repeatable processes and supporting documentation.
Curiosity – a desire to explore new ways of doing things, innovate and challenge the status quo.
Desirable Experience:
Proven account management expertise – A strong track record in delivering both contingent and retained recruitment services is essential.
Aviation and aerospace industry experience – Highly desirable, as it brings valuable industry insight and networks.
Exceptional communication, resilience, and empathy – The ability to engage, influence, and build trust with clients and candidates.
Strong senior stakeholder relationship management – Experience in managing and advising senior decision-makers effectively.
Expertise in sourcing hard-to-find talent – Skilled at penetrating the passive candidate market and building lasting relationships.
Full UK driving licence – A necessity for travel as required.
Multilingual skills – An advantage in working across global markets.
Willingness to travel internationally – Open to attending client meetings, industry trade shows, and events worldwide.
Non-Desirable Traits:
Lack of self-motivation – We need individuals who take initiative, not those who require constant supervision.
Resistance to learning and growth – If you’re unwilling to step out of your comfort zone, this role is not for you.
Avoidance of direct communication – Confidence in picking up the phone and engaging with people is essential.
Sense of entitlement without substance – Success is earned through effort, not just expected.
Poor organizational skills – In a fast-paced environment, structure and efficiency are key.
Unreliability and lack of accountability – We need people who can be trusted to follow through on commitments.
Inability to work effectively from home – This role requires focus, discipline, and the ability to manage your workload independently.
What we offer:
Uncapped earnings (Y1 predicted OTE £55k-£60k+)
10% commission on all placements made
Competitive basic salary
Company pension
Private medical insurance
23 days holiday (+1 per year of service) + national holidays
Your birthday off
Flexible working - two days per week WFH (Excl. Monday)
Half day Friday
Standard working hours Mon-Thurs: (Apply online only). Fri: (Apply online only)
Share scheme (eligibility after 12 months of service)
What else:
Ongoing training and development
Fun yet hardworking professional environment
Career progression
The opportunity to be part of a best in class and ambitious company
This role has been specifically designed for someone with a passion for head hunting and experience working as a Strategy Account Manager within an executive search or contingent recruitment business. Someone who enjoys unlocking opportunity to add value to their customers and also likes to follow up qualified leads in a consultative manner to add new businesses to their portfolio