RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT — AI & IT TECHNOLOGY

RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT — AI & IT TECHNOLOGY Preston, Lancashire | Hybrid Working (Target-Based) | Competitive Salary + Commission

ABOUT US

We are an established and well-regarded recruitment agency based in Preston, specialising exclusively in senior talent acquisition across the AI and IT technology sectors. Our consultants are true specialists in their fields — they understand the unique challenges of these fast-moving markets, keep pace with emerging technologies and trends, and are well connected within the global AI and technology community.

We are a relationship-led business. That means we invest in people — our clients, our candidates, and our team. We don't do transactional. We do trusted. And that reputation has been built carefully over many years of operating at the senior end of these specialist markets.

As we continue to grow, we're looking for an experienced recruitment consultant who shares that ethos and is ready to make their mark on a thriving desk.

THE ROLE

This is a hands-on, full 360° recruitment consultancy role focused exclusively on senior talent across the AI and IT technology sectors. You'll be working with a broad range of clients — from AI software vendors and machine learning platform providers to global technology consultancies, systems integrators, and enterprise end-users — building relationships, winning new business, and making quality senior permanent placements that make a genuine difference to the organisations and individuals you work with.

Preston is a growing commercial hub at the heart of Lancashire, with excellent transport links via the M6, M55 and direct rail connections to Manchester, Leeds and London. It sits within easy reach of the North West's thriving technology and digital economy, providing an ideal base from which to serve a broad and expanding client base across the UK's AI and IT technology landscape.

You'll be given access to a strong suite of tools and a market-leading CRM to help you identify, engage and convert your target audience — but make no mistake, this role is about people, not just process. The ability to build trust quickly and sustain long-term relationships at senior levels is what sets our best consultants apart.

Hybrid working is available once you are consistently hitting your targets — we believe flexibility is earned and then fully supported.

THE TALENT YOU'LL PLACE

You'll be sourcing and placing senior professionals across the full breadth of the AI and IT technology sectors, including:

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

• AI Engineers & Machine Learning Engineers
• Data Scientists & AI Research Scientists
• NLP Specialists & Computer Vision Engineers
• AI Product Managers & MLOps Engineers

Data & Analytics

• Data Architects & Senior Data Engineers
• Business Intelligence Directors & Analytics Managers
• Big Data Specialists & Data Platform Leads
• Chief Data Officers (CDOs) & Data Strategy Consultants

Software Engineering & Development

• Principal Software Engineers & Software Architects
• Full Stack, Back End & Front End Developers
• DevOps & Site Reliability Engineers (SREs)
• API & Integration Specialists

Infrastructure, Cloud & Security

• Cloud Architects & Cloud Infrastructure Managers (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• DevSecOps Engineers & Cybersecurity Architects
• Network & Infrastructure Directors
• Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs)

Project, Change & Transformation

• IT Programme Directors & Senior Project Managers
• Digital Transformation Leads & Change Directors
• Enterprise Architects & Technology Strategists
• Business Analysts & IT Strategy Consultants

Commercial & Leadership

• Senior Business Development Managers & Account Directors
• Pre-Sales Consultants & Solutions Engineers
• Heads of AI & Technology Practice Leaders
• Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), Chief Information Officers (CIOs) & C-Suite Appointments

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Proactively win new clients across the AI and IT technology vendor, consultancy and enterprise markets
• Manage and develop an existing client base at senior and executive levels
• Manage the full 360° recruitment process from business development to senior placement
• Source, engage and qualify senior AI and IT technology professionals
• Attend and network at key industry events and conferences within the AI and technology community
• Conduct thorough candidate interviews and provide honest, consultative guidance at senior levels
• Negotiate executive packages, offers and terms with confidence and professionalism
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records across our CRM platform
• Consistently deliver an exceptional level of service to clients and candidates alike
• Represent the business as a trusted specialist ambassador within the AI and IT technology community

TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY

You'll have access to a comprehensive toolkit designed to help you work smarter and engage effectively with your market, including:

• A market-leading CRM to manage your client and candidate relationships
• Job board access and specialist candidate database tools
• LinkedIn Recruiter and social sourcing platforms
• AI-powered sourcing and candidate engagement tools
• Market intelligence and targeting tools to support your business development activity

We invest in the right tools so you can focus on the conversations that matter.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for an experienced recruiter who knows what good looks like and is ready to bring that to a business that will back them fully. You'll need to be resilient, driven, and genuinely passionate about the AI and IT technology sectors and the senior talent within them.

• Proven experience in recruitment within AI, IT technology or a closely related sector — essential
• Demonstrable track record of winning new clients and building lasting senior-level relationships
• Strong record of making quality permanent placements at mid to senior levels
• Excellent negotiation skills — comfortable discussing executive packages, terms and fees
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple senior roles and complex stakeholder relationships
• Determined and resilient — you don't give up when it gets competitive
• A natural communicator who puts relationships at the heart of everything they do
• A genuine understanding of the AI and IT technology landscape — including key vendors, consultancies and market dynamics — will set you apart
• Familiarity with the Lancashire and wider North West technology community is a strong advantage
• Willingness to attend industry events and actively build your profile within the AI and technology community

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Uncapped commission structure — your billings directly reflect your earnings
• Hybrid working once you are consistently hitting targets — we support flexibility for those who earn it
• Access to a strong CRM and full suite of AI-powered sourcing and engagement tools
• Attendance at key AI and IT technology industry events and conferences
• A collaborative, experienced team of genuine sector specialists around you
• Clear progression opportunities within an established and growing business
• A genuine specialist environment — not a generalist, high-volume model

How to Apply

If you are ready for the next stage of your recruitment career, contact Barrie Dewhirst in the strictest confidence on Show phone numberor email  Show email

Equal Opportunities Employer: We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

Confidential applications are welcome. All enquiries treated in strict confidence.