Principals act as the senior second on searches, and will independently lead some Level 2/3 and CFO-1 searches. They blend search design, calibration, and candidate engagement with growing client credibility, while taking increasing responsibility for mentoring, pitch opportunities, commercial outcomes, and stakeholder management.
Accountabilities:
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Support Partners on searches; lead end-to-end delivery of some Level 2/3 searches.
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Translate discovery insights into a clear search strategy, accurately defining the client’s CFO requirements (“decoding the CFO need”).
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Ability to pivot search strategy based on client and market feedback. search strategies.
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Build and manage realistic search timelines, providing accurate forecasting and delivering to agreed milestone
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Accurately assess a candidate’s capability and fit against set criteria.
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Run calibration calls and present candidates with clear guidance and recommendations.
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Manage candidate pipelines, ensuring timely, high-quality execution.
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Provide market intelligence that drives client decision-making.
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Report on progress, timelines, risks, and mitigation plans.
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Lead the research effort and approach to ensure effective search execution.
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Collaborate with team members to ensure candidates progress through the process in a timely manner.
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Mentor and train junior team members to build overall team capability.
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Qualify and approve fund mapping completed by Analysts
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Lead on relevant CFO -1 outreach for CFOs who they know well/searches they have led
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Support Growth and Partners with pitch materials, as well as overseeing and approving output from Associates
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Leverage CFO network to generate BD leads for CFO-1 retainers
The role is measured by: Search delivery pace and quality, quality of candidate assessment and screening, search strategy input, and pipeline health across mandates.
Requirements
Technical Skills:
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Strong command of search processes from calibration to close.
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Skilled in candidate engagement and negotiation.
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Ability to generate and communicate clear market insights.
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Commercial literacy in reporting and forecasting.
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Strong ecosystem knowledge (CFO archetypes, VC/PE, high-growth tech).
Human Skills:
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Clear communicator, confident in client and candidate interactions.
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Highly proactive, works at pace with strong ownership of deliverables.
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Effective at project managing multiple searches, priorities and deadlines.
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Skilled stakeholder manager, able to balance internal and external relationships with sound judgement.
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Collaborative, supportive mentor and adaptable team player.
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Adaptable and resilient, able to pivot strategies based on feedback.
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Values-driven, linking personal contribution to Altima’s mission.
Benefits
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Work with market-leading CFO search specialists in the start-up tech ecosystem
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Develop research and candidate management skills
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Join a collaborative team that values knowledge and humility
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Clear development pathways
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Competitive benefits including 28 days' annual leave + bank holidays, private health insurance, L&D budget, gym membership, and more
