We 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 value
- How the toughest leadership hiring challenges are framed, strategised and executed
- How networks become a genuine competitive advantage
- How 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 sciences
- Build deep market understanding in complex, specialist areas
- Ignite, engage and compound commercial conversations that turn relationships into long-term partnerships
- Support and learn directly from FDI Principals and Partners - experienced executive search leaders shaping the partnerships, processes and decisions that matter most
This 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 sustained
- How leadership hiring decisions are shaped long before mandates are signed
- How judgement, insight and credibility influence outcomes
You’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 Building
- Growing and curating high-quality networks of senior life sciences leaders
- Researching and mapping leadership ecosystems across target organisations and markets
- Supporting thoughtful, professional outreach and warm introductions
- Strengthening relationships through structured, consistent follow-up
- Maintaining a living, high-value network that underpins our search and advisory work
- Researching companies, leadership teams, ownership structures and growth signals
- Identifying hiring trends, succession risks and capability gaps
- Contributing to Talent Intelligence and market insight shared with clients
- Feeding real-time intelligence into commercial, advisory and strategic conversations
Pipeline Development, Opportunity Creation & Business Development
- Supporting early-stage client conversations and strategic introductions
- Helping prepare Principals and Partners for meetings, pitches and discussions
- Learning how commercial influence works in executive search - without “selling”
- Supporting follow-ups that convert conversations into long-term partnerships
- Helping ensure momentum, insight and opportunity are never lost
High-Impact Partner & Team Support
- Working alongside senior consultants on priority initiatives
- Supporting podcasts, events, roundtables and wider community activity
- Acting as a connector across people, information and opportunity
- Helping turn insight into action across the business
Who this role is for:
This role is for people who:
- Like to win - and understand that winning is built over time
- Have an intrinsic drive to succeed, not just hit short-term targets
- Are fearless learners, comfortable being stretched, coached and challenged
- Want accountability, exposure and responsibility early in their career
- Care about impact, reputation and long-term success
This could be:
- Your first professional role
- A graduate role with serious stretch and exposure
- A second role where you want more trust and responsibility
You do need curiosity, confidence, resilience and ambition.
What we care about (more than your CV)
- You’re naturally curious and commercially minded
- You communicate clearly, confidently and professionally
- You follow things through and take ownership
- You enjoy building relationships over time
- You’re comfortable learning by doing
- You bring positive energy, momentum and intent into a team
What success looks like (first 12 months)
- You’re a trusted extension of our Principals and Partners
- You understand where the toughest leadership hiring challenges sit in the market
- You contribute insight that shapes client conversations and commercial outcomes
- You’ve helped strengthen and grow high-value leadership networks
- You’re confident operating in senior, commercial environments
This 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 challenges
- A genuinely supportive, high-performance culture
- Real trust and responsibility early in your career
- Clear progression into Executive Search Consultant roles
- Company incentives, socials and team events
- Hybrid working (1 day WFH after probation)
Most importantly:
You’ll be doing work that really matters - to clients, to patients, and to your own career.
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