Head of PE Finance (Executive Search)

Location: London (Hybrid)

We are partnering with a high-growth, PE-backed specialist search firm to appoint a Head of PE Finance (Search).

This is a critical, confidential hire to lead and scale a high-performing practice focused exclusively on senior finance appointments into private equity-backed tech and tech-enabled businesses.

The Opportunity

You will take ownership of a growing Office of the CFO practice, leading a team (c.4 heads when fully staffed) delivering mandates across the C-1 / C-2 layer under the CFO, including:

• Financial Controllers
• Finance Directors / Heads of Finance
• FP&A / Reporting leadership
• Senior / qualified Accountants and Finance Managers

This is a player-manager role — combining hands-on revenue generation, client ownership, and leadership. The business offers retained, contingent and interim offerings to their clients.

Why This Role Is Different

• Pure private equity focus – almost all work is with PE funds and their portfolio companies
• Deep finance specialism – a true Office of the CFO vertical
• High-value mandates – strong mix of retained and exclusive search
• Leadership and ownership – real influence over the direction and growth of the practice

Key Responsibilities

• Own and scale the PE Finance / Office of the CFO practice
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of consultants across full 360 recruitment
• Act as a senior, client-facing rainmaker, building relationships with:
• Private equity funds (operating partners, CFOs, finance leaders)
• Portfolio company CFOs and finance leadership teams
• Personally win and deliver high-value senior finance mandates
• Run searches end-to-end:
• Mandate scoping
• Market mapping and headhunting
• Shortlisting, assessment, and offer management
• Build a best-in-class network of PE-literate finance professionals
• Partner with leadership on strategy, performance, and process

Ideal Profile

Private Equity Exposure

• Strong track record recruiting into PE-backed or investor-led businesses
• Established or credible network across funds and portfolio companies
• Comfortable operating in a PE environment (value creation, exits, buy-and-build, etc.)

Accountancy & Finance Expertise

• Proven experience across senior finance recruitment (FDs, Controllers, Heads of Finance, FP&A)
• Strong understanding of finance structures and career paths
• ACA / ACCA / CIMA (or equivalent knowledge) advantageous

Leadership & Rainmaking

• Experience leading or mentoring consultants
• Consistent biller and business developer — not a pure management role
• Highly client-facing, credible with senior stakeholders
• Ability to build and drive a high-performance, values-led culture

Compensation & Setup

• Base salary: £70,000 – £90,000 (depending on experience)
• Strong commission / bonus structure aligned to senior billers
• Hybrid working (London-based) with a collaborative office environment

Who This Will Suit

• Senior 360 recruiters / team leads from:
• PE-focused or finance search firms
• Specialist A&F desks within larger recruitment businesses
• Individuals looking for:
• Ownership of a vertical
• A platform to build a PE-focused finance search practice
• Clear progression into senior leadership

Apply / Enquire

For a confidential discussion, please send your CV or a short profile via LinkedIn or email.