Executive Search for a Consultant Leader in the Retirements & Benefits sector

Introduction
We were hired to appoint a Consultant Leader in the Retirements & Benefits sector. The employer is a UK consulting firm in this sector. The brief was to find a proven leader for complex client portfolios. They had tried networks and advertising without success. We ran an executive search delivering a robust evidence led shortlist.

The challenge

• Secure a Consultant Leader in pensions and employee benefits.
• Deep UK DB and DC expertise. Strong knowledge of The Pensions Regulator requirements and governance.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and complex schemes. Protect member interests.
• Improve compliance, data quality and audit readiness. Build strong relationships with trustees and sponsors.
• Balance people leadership with commercial acumen. Deliver profit and growth in the sector.
• Flexibility to travel to client sites across the UK.

Our approach

• Calibrated the brief and success profile with the leadership team.
• Mapped target firms in the sector. Mid tier consultancies and boutiques. Big Four pensions teams. Insurers and administrators with advisory capability.
• Engaged high performing and referenceable leaders.
• Ran a structured assessment. Covered funding strategy, journey planning, governance uplift, risk management, client growth and people leadership.
• Verified qualifications and regulatory knowledge. Took deep references from trustees, sponsors and peers.
• Produced evidence led summaries with a consistent scorecard. Protected confidentiality.

The result

• Delivered an excellent shortlist within five weeks.
• The appointed Consultant Leader had a strong record in governance, client growth and service improvement.
• Early outcomes included clearer client strategy, tighter controls and stronger team development. Margins improved without loss of quality.

Why it worked

• Headhunting reached high performing passive candidates in the sector.
• A clear brief and a structured assessment created confidence.
• Tight timelines kept momentum. The move from shortlist to offer was decisive.

Contact us
If you are hiring a Consultant Leader in pensions and employee benefits we can help.
Call 0207 160 6996
Email info@executiveheadhunters.co.uk
Visit executiveheadhunters.co.uk
Book a confidential discussion with a Director to plan your search.