Client Development, Associate Consultant | Executive SearchWe are solving some of the toughest talent and leadership hiring challenges in the life sciences world.It happens through deep networks, market intelligence, trust, credibility and timing.This role sits right at the centre of that.This is not a traditional graduate recruitment role.And it’s definitely not a job where you sit quietly building lists or waiting for instructions.This is a front-row seat to how complex leadership hiring problems are solved inside a high-performing life sciences executive search firm.If you’re curious about:How senior leaders are identified - and how trust, credibility and long-term relationships are built by consistently adding valueHow the toughest leadership hiring challenges are framed, strategised and executedHow networks become a genuine competitive advantageHow high-impact commercial work actually happens behind the scenes…this role will stretch you in all the right ways.Why this role exists:At Fraser Dove International, we hire graduates with a clear objective: to build the next generation of Executive Search Consultants and future leaders of our business.Over the past decade, we’ve developed industry-leading executive search talent from the ground up. Many of our most senior leaders - including those leading practices and offices across Farnham, London, New York and Basel - started their careers at FDI in junior roles. They didn’t just learn how to execute searches. They learned how to build networks, earn trust, influence outcomes and solve complex leadership challenges.As Founder and CEO, I genuinely believe FDI is the home of the best emerging talent in the life sciences executive search industry - and our clients tell us that too.This role exists to continue that legacy.The purpose of this role:The Client Development Associate role exists to help us solve the hardest talent and leadership hiring problems our clients face - often before they formally exist as “searches”.You are here to:Strengthen and grow FDI’s leadership networks across life sciencesBuild deep market understanding in complex, specialist areasIgnite, engage and compound commercial conversations that turn relationships into long-term partnershipsSupport and learn directly from FDI Principals and Partners - experienced executive search leaders shaping the partnerships, processes and decisions that matter mostThis role is about leverage, influence and long-term value creation.You are not measured on candidates placed.You are measured on network strength, pipeline growth, quality of relationships, insight generated, and opportunities created.Where you sit in the business:You’ll work closely with some of the most experienced Principals and Partners in the firm.You’ll see first-hand:How senior client relationships are built and sustainedHow leadership hiring decisions are shaped long before mandates are signedHow judgement, insight and credibility influence outcomesYou’ll be trusted with real responsibility early, contributing to work that directly shapes client outcomes, long-term relationships and the growth of the firm.What you’ll actually be doing:Network Growth & Relationship BuildingGrowing and curating high-quality networks of senior life sciences leadersResearching and mapping leadership ecosystems across target organisations and marketsSupporting thoughtful, professional outreach and warm introductionsStrengthening relationships through structured, consistent follow-upMaintaining a living, high-value network that underpins our search and advisory workMarket Research & Talent IntelligenceResearching companies, leadership teams, ownership structures and growth signalsIdentifying hiring trends, succession risks and capability gapsContributing to Talent Intelligence and market insight shared with clientsFeeding real-time intelligence into commercial, advisory and strategic conversationsPipeline Development, Opportunity Creation & Business DevelopmentSupporting early-stage client conversations and strategic introductionsHelping prepare Principals and Partners for meetings, pitches and discussionsLearning how commercial influence works in executive search - without “selling”Supporting follow-ups that convert conversations into long-term partnershipsHelping ensure momentum, insight and opportunity are never lostHigh-Impact Partner & Team SupportWorking alongside senior consultants on priority initiativesSupporting podcasts, events, roundtables and wider community activityActing as a connector across people, information and opportunityHelping turn insight into action across the businessWho this role is for:This role is for people who:Like to win - and understand that winning is built over timeHave an intrinsic drive to succeed, not just hit short-term targetsAre fearless learners, comfortable being stretched, coached and challengedWant accountability, exposure and responsibility early in their careerCare about impact, reputation and long-term successThis could be:Your first professional roleA graduate role with serious stretch and exposureA second role where you want more trust and responsibilityYou don’t need recruitment experience.You do need curiosity, confidence, resilience and ambition.What we care about (more than your CV)You’re naturally curious and commercially mindedYou communicate clearly, confidently and professionallyYou follow things through and take ownershipYou enjoy building relationships over timeYou’re comfortable learning by doingYou bring positive energy, momentum and intent into a teamWhat success looks like (first 12 months)You’re a trusted extension of our Principals and PartnersYou understand where the toughest leadership hiring challenges sit in the marketYou contribute insight that shapes client conversations and commercial outcomesYou’ve helped strengthen and grow high-value leadership networksYou’re confident operating in senior, commercial environmentsThis role is a launchpad into executive search, not a holding pattern.What you’ll get in return:Direct exposure to senior leaders and complex hiring challengesA genuinely supportive, high-performance cultureReal trust and responsibility early in your careerClear progression into Executive Search Consultant rolesCompany incentives, socials and team eventsHybrid working (1 day WFH after probation)Generous holiday allowanceMost importantly:You’ll be doing work that really matters - to clients, to patients, and to your own career.