Executive Recruitment Firms & Headhunters in Edinburgh, Scotland
Connect & work with the best Edinburgh executive recruiters, headhunters, job recruiting firms, employment agencies, staffing agencies, and executive search recruitment firms in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
Top Executive Recruitment Firms in Edinburgh
Connecting top-tier executive leadership with opportunity
Edinburgh is one of the most dynamic business hubs in the United Kingdom, known for its strength in financial services, technology, professional services, life sciences, and the public sector. With many organisations headquartered in or operating out of the city, demand for experienced, visionary leadership is consistently high. To attract and retain this level of talent, companies increasingly rely on specialised executive recruitment firms who understand the nuance of leadership hiring.
Executive recruitment isn’t just about filling roles, it’s about strategic alignment. Firms that operate in this space go beyond resumes and qualifications. They assess leadership competencies, cultural fit, succession planning needs, and long-term impact. For candidates, working with an executive recruiter means discreet access to unadvertised roles and tailored career guidance at the highest level.
Whether you’re a business seeking transformational leadership or an executive exploring your next move, the following firms represent the very best in Edinburgh. Each has a reputation for discretion, market insight, and successful outcomes for both clients and candidates.
Top Executive Headhunters & Executive Recruitment Firms in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Livingston James
Livingston James is a trusted name in executive search with deep roots in Scotland’s business community. They specialise in board-level and senior executive appointments across the private, public, and third sectors. As a 100% employee-owned business, they offer a uniquely invested approach to every search engagement. Their consultants are known for building lasting relationships and delivering leaders who create long-term impact.
Website: Livingston James Job Postings
Address: 1st Floor, 69a George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2JG
Phone: 0131 220 2209
Executive Recruit
Executive Recruit provides dedicated executive search services across key leadership functions including CEO, CFO, COO, and Director-level roles. Their Edinburgh-based consultants take a bespoke, strategic approach to each assignment, ensuring alignment with business culture, growth stage, and performance goals. With a focus on middle to upper executive placements, they are a reliable partner for firms ready to scale and transform.
Website: Executive Recruit Job Postings
Address: 14 Albany Street, Edinburgh EH1 3QB
Phone: 0131 392 9199
AWS Executive
AWS Executive specialises in senior-level recruitment for charities, social enterprises, and public sector organisations. Their services include executive search for Chief Executives, Directors, Trustees, and Heads of Department roles. The firm stands out for its values-led approach, ensuring mission alignment between client and candidate. If you’re hiring within a purpose-driven organisation, AWS Executive is a trusted partner with deep sector understanding.
Website: AWS Executive Job Postings
Address: 21 Young Street, Edinburgh EH2 4HU
Phone: 0131 341 5533
Page Executive
Part of the globally recognised PageGroup, Page Executive offers a robust executive recruitment service from their Edinburgh office. Their consultants manage searches for C-suite, board, and director-level positions across finance, HR, legal, digital, and operations. Their strength lies in combining local market expertise with an international talent network. They are an ideal partner for organisations undergoing change, scaling, or global expansion.
Website: Page Executive Job Postings
Address: Contact via website for Edinburgh office
Phone: Refer to website for direct contact options
Aruba Exec
Aruba Exec is a boutique search firm focused on high-growth and innovative sectors such as tech, cleantech, and healthtech. They specialise in hiring for leadership positions including CEO, CTO, VP, and Director roles for start-ups, scale-ups, and VC-backed firms. Their data-driven executive search process ensures high precision, fast turnaround, and strong candidate fit for disruptive and forward-thinking businesses.
Website: Aruba Exec Job Postings
Address: Edinburgh-based, contact through website
Phone: Available via online contact form
Denholm Associates
Denholm Associates is a trusted executive search firm for marketing, commercial, and digital leadership roles across Scotland. With strong sector networks and a highly consultative approach, they deliver well-aligned senior candidates in industries ranging from consumer goods and financial services to technology and creative. They are known for their human touch, market knowledge, and partnership-style client relationships.
Website: Denholm Associates Job Postings
Address: Maritime House, 8/4 The Shore, Edinburgh EH6 6QN
Phone: 0131 554 6191
Executive Headhunters
Executive Headhunters operates nationally with a specialised team in Edinburgh. They recruit across a wide range of industries, offering executive search, interim leadership, and board-level succession planning. Their flexible approach allows them to serve both SMEs and global organisations. The firm also provides leadership advisory services, helping clients define and refine what they need at the highest levels of their organisation.
Website: Executive Headhunters Job Postings
Address: Edinburgh office, contact via website
Phone: 0131 341 1966
Odgers Berndtson
Odgers Berndtson is one of the UK’s most prestigious executive search firms with a strong presence in Edinburgh. They recruit senior leaders across corporate, government, and academic sectors. Their Edinburgh team is known for managing high-stakes searches with global reach, rigorous assessment, and confidentiality. For businesses seeking transformational leaders with proven track records, Odgers Berndtson brings unmatched credibility and scope.
Website: Odgers Berndtson
Address: 35 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JX
Phone: 0131 220 2035
Hudson RPO
Hudson RPO delivers scalable talent acquisition solutions including executive search, embedded recruitment, and employer branding. With operations across the UK and a strong Edinburgh presence, they specialise in technology, life sciences, and professional services sectors. Their executive search function is supported by deep data insights and DE&I best practices. Hudson is well-suited to growing firms looking for an end-to-end hiring partner.
Website: Hudson RPO Job Postings
Address: Contact via website for Edinburgh services
Phone: Available through direct inquiry
Why Executive Search Matters in Edinburgh
In a competitive and talent-short market like Edinburgh, executive search firms offer more than just recruitment, they provide strategic hiring support. From identifying future leaders to helping build inclusive C-suites, they drive business transformation. These firms understand the high stakes of leadership roles and apply the rigour needed to ensure great hires.
Choose with Strategy in Mind
Your ideal executive search partner should understand your industry, your culture, and your growth trajectory. Consider whether you need local market knowledge, global reach, niche expertise, or purpose-driven alignment. Engage early, ask the right questions, and ensure they understand your leadership challenges and aspirations.
Ready to Lead or Hire? Take the First Step
Whether you’re stepping into a boardroom role or searching for the right leader to shape your future, the firms above are ready to help. Reach out to the one best suited to your goals and begin the confidential, professional journey toward success. Executive recruitment in Edinburgh is not just about filling roles, it’s about finding the people who will define your future.
Edinburgh, Scotland Recruiters and Headhunters by Job Sector
Headhunters Directory: Your guide to the best recruitment firms in Scotland!
Headhunting and Recruiting Questions?
Job search answers and tips!
Here are the top 10 questions people have when it comes to using a headhunter or recruiter at an employment agency for their job search, along with answers to each question that we hope you will find helpful during your search for a new job.
What is a headhunter or recruiter?
A headhunter or recruiter is a recruitment professional who helps job seekers find employment opportunities and helps companies recruit to fill job openings with the best available talent.
How do I find a good headhunter or recruiter?
You can start by asking for recommendations from friends and colleagues, searching online for reputable recruiting firms (Headhunters Directory.com is the original free guide to the best headhunters, executive recruiters, and employment agencies), and checking industry associations for recruiters that specialize in their sector of employment.
How do headhunters and recruiters at employment agencies get paid?
Headhunters and recruiters are typically paid a percentage of the candidate’s first-year salary by the hiring company. Remember that the client is the hiring authority (the employer) not the job seeker, so a headhunter may work with you during your job search, however headhunters and recruiters are working for the employer to recruit the best candidate for any open role.
Can a head hunter or recruiter guarantee me a job?
No, a headhunter or recruiter cannot guarantee you a job. They can help you find job opportunities and provide advice on your job search, but ultimately it is up to you to impress the hiring company and secure the job. Learn more about who headhunters and recruiters work for here. Working with a headhunter can certainly expand the number of available job opportunities for you to consider as they will have access to at times a hidden job market. Learn why some job opportunities are never advertised.
Will a headhunter or recruiter only recommend me for jobs that match my skills and experience?
Yes, a reputable headhunter or recruiter will only recommend you for jobs that match your skills and experience. This helps ensure that you are a good fit for the position and the hiring company. Your skills and experience are key to deciding which roles you should be considering and apply to. Learn more about the benefits of working with a headhunter.
How can I make sure the headhunter or recruiter is the right fit for me?
You should research the headhunter or recruiter before committing to working with them. Look for reviews and testimonials from past clients, check their credentials and experience, and ask questions to ensure they understand your needs and goals. The recruiters and headhunters showcased here on Headhunters Directory – Scotland will include a link to their web site where you can learn much more about their recruitment specializations, recruitment methods, and processes. You can also view open roles / job postings they are working to fill, and employment sectors they specialize in. Learn more about how a headhunter / recruiter can help you land your next job opportunity.
Can I work with multiple head hunters or recruiters at the same time?
Yes, you can work with multiple headhunters or recruiters at the same time, but it’s important to communicate clearly and avoid applying for the same job through multiple recruiters. Update the headhunter as to your status with any role you are in the process of applying to. Learn more about how to work with a headhunter.
How long does it take to find a job through a head hunter or recruiter?
The timeline for finding a job through a head hunter or recruiter can vary depending on your skills and experience, the job market, and the hiring company’s needs. Like all good things it can take time, so it’s important to be patient and stay in communication with your recruiter to ensure the best chances of success.
What should I expect during the interview process with a hiring company?
Your headhunter or recruiter can provide you with information and advice on the interview process, including what to wear, what to expect in the interview, the format of each interview, and how to prepare for common interview questions. It is critical to contact the recruiter after the interview to give them your feedback so they are able to proceed to the next step with the employer efficiently.
Here are some of the most common interview questions, and great answers you can review to help you ace that interview!
Can I negotiate my salary with the hiring company?
Yes, you can negotiate your salary with the hiring company, and your headhunter or recruiter can help you with this process by providing guidance and advocating for your interests. It’s important to research the industry and position to ensure you are asking for a reasonable salary based on your skills and experience. The headhunter or recruiter you are working with should be able to give you some guidance as to what is available for the role they are working on. It is important to note that being too far out of the available salary range will likely be a waste of everyone’s time. Your job search can become much more productive with the assistance of professional headhunters, employment agencies, search firms, and executive recruiters.
The Competitive Edge: How Education and the Right School Can Transform Your Job Prospects
Job seekers aiming to boost their marketability and value to employers should prioritize continuous skill development, especially in high-demand areas like technology, communication, and leadership. One of the most effective ways to upgrade these skills is by pursuing further education or specialized training. Whether it’s a degree program, certification, or short course, selecting the right institution is key. CollegeAndUniversityGuide.com is an excellent resource for finding the best universities and colleges in Scotland tailored to your goals, making it easier to identify top programs that align with evolving industry needs and increase your competitive edge in the job market.
Headhunters, Recruiters, Staffing and Employment Agencies in Scotland are very happy to help!
