PA and EA Recruitment for Executive Search Firms

PA and EA Recruitment for
Executive Search Firms

Executive search firms need PAs and EAs who bring the same professionalism and discretion to their work as the consultants they support. Managing complex, often confidential research processes, coordinating client meetings at the most senior levels, and handling sensitive candidate information all require support staff of a particular calibre. Oriel Partners has placed PAs and EAs with executive search firms and search consultancies across London and the UK.

Our co-founder Olivia Coughtrie specialises in executive search and professional services recruitment, with a deep understanding of what search firms need from their PA and EA support. We recruit exclusively in this space and assess every candidate against the professional standards, communication skills, and discretion that executive search environments demand. Whether you need a permanent EA for a senior partner or temporary cover during a busy search cycle, we can help.

Specialist sector knowledge: our co-founder Olivia Coughtrie specialises in executive search firm recruitment, and our consultants understand the professional standards and confidentiality requirements these businesses rely on.

Thoroughly assessed candidates: every candidate is interviewed and assessed by us before we make an introduction, and discretion is always part of that assessment for executive search placements.

Professional calibre as standard: we look specifically for candidates who bring the communication skills, gravitas, and client-facing confidence that executive search environments expect.

Permanent and temporary placements: whether you need a permanent EA for a partner or short-term PA support during a particularly active search cycle, we can help with both.

Trusted by leading search firms: our repeat business rate reflects the quality of our placements and the long-term relationships we build with the firms we support.

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OUR EXECUTIVE SEARCH PA AND EA HIRING PROCESS

Initial consultation

To build a comprehensive picture of your executive search firm’s hiring needs, a consultant will arrange to meet with you at a time that suits your schedule. We take time to understand your firm’s approach, your team structure, and the specific professional standards and confidentiality requirements the role demands.

Shortlisting candidates

Your consultant will search our specialist network and use targeted channels to identify candidates with the right background for executive search environments. We specifically look for candidates who bring the professional calibre these firms expect, and we do not compromise on quality.

Shortlisting PA and EA candidates for executive search firms

Interviewing candidates

Every candidate is screened, interviewed, assessed, and personally briefed by us before they meet any of our clients. We make sure they understand the professional standards, client-facing expectations, and confidentiality requirements of your firm before they come to see you.

Interviewing PA and EA candidates for executive search firms

Securing a candidate

Once you have identified the right person, we will manage the process through to start date. If the initial shortlist does not produce the right match, we will go back to work and compile a new one. Please get in touch to discuss your executive search firm’s hiring requirements.

Securing a PA or EA for an executive search firm

EXECUTIVE SEARCH PA AND EA RECRUITMENT FAQs

Common questions executive search firms and search consultancies ask us about our PA and EA recruitment service. For more information about our process, please get in touch.

What makes Oriel Partners a good choice for PA and EA recruitment in executive search?

Our co-founder Olivia Coughtrie specialises in executive search and professional services recruitment, and our team understands the specific professional standards, client-facing expectations, and discretion requirements of this environment. We recruit exclusively in PA and administrative roles, and we assess every candidate against the communication skills and professional calibre that executive search firms expect. Every introduction is backed by a face-to-face interview and candidates are thoroughly briefed prior to being submitted.

What types of PA and EA roles do you recruit for in executive search firms?

We recruit across the full range of PA and EA roles in executive search, from research coordinators and team assistants through to senior EAs supporting managing partners and leadership teams. We place both permanent hires and temporary support staff, and we are experienced in roles that require a high degree of professionalism, discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive information with care.

Can you help us find temporary PA cover for our executive search firm?

Yes, absolutely. Temporary recruitment is a core part of what we do. We work to identify a first suitable candidate within two hours of receiving a brief, and our target is to have 95% of temporary requests filled same-day or next-day. For executive search environments, all temporary candidates are assessed for professional standards and discretion before we make any introduction.

Do your candidates understand the confidentiality requirements of executive search work?

Yes. Confidentiality is part of our assessment process for all executive search placements. We discuss the sensitivity of the information candidates will handle during interview, assess their understanding of professional boundaries, and check their track record in comparable environments through thorough reference checks. We only make introductions when we are confident a candidate meets the standard your firm expects.

How quickly can you place a permanent EA for our executive search firm?

We work to provide a first shortlist within 48 hours of receiving a permanent brief. From there, the timeline depends on interview availability and the specifics of the role, but our target is to have an offer accepted within two to four weeks. If you have a particular start date in mind, please let us know and we will work around it.

"Our firm has partnered with Oriel Partners on several Executive Assistant and Receptionist searches this year. The team at Oriel have consistently delivered high quality candidates, in addition to being a pleasure to work with. They listen to our needs and really understand the culture of our firm and what is important to us in a search. They are very responsive and also willing to provide insights on the market, which we find really helpful. I look forward to working with Oriel Partners again on our next search."

Talent Director, Mid-Market PE Firm

"Olivia and the team at Oriel are trusted advisors to our business. We have worked with Olivia for many years, and I can always rely on her to find the best solution for us. Olivia is able to advise and guide us through the process, no matter how tricky, as she not only knows our roles and our business well, but she has taken the time to get to know her candidates and can advise and guide them into roles that are fulfilling and suited, which, as a client makes for an appointment that works and lasts! Her level of client and candidate care is second to none and I have recommended her personally to a number of our clients as I know I can trust that Olivia and her team will deliver the highest level of service, ethically and responsibly for all involved."

Sam Boon, Recruitment and Talent Manager, Odgers Berndtson

"It’s the first time we have used Oriel Partners and we would definitely use their agency services again for the right role. The service is professional yet friendly, at pace and a successful placement made in a timely manner."

Sara Roden, HR Lead, Keep Britain Tidy

Recruit specialist PAs and EAs for your
executive search firm

Oriel Partners

PA and EA Recruitment for
Executive Search Firms

From Our Co-Founder