Why now is the perfect time to work in private equity recruitment 

Private equity recruitment is evolving rapidly, creating a dynamic and rewarding environment for professionals in the field. This article reveals why now is the perfect time for consultants to consider a career move and specialise in private equity recruitment.

As a headhunter, choosing a sector to specialise in is crucial to building a successful career. The industry you work in determines your ability to attract high-quality clients and candidates, build a strong reputation, and ultimately maximise your earnings potential. 

So, why is 2025 the year to move into private equity recruitment? 

Private equity recruitment in the UK and USA is booming – Increased deal activity, rebounding exit activity, focus on specialised sectors like technology and healthcare, and advancements in AI technology are all factors driving growth compared to previous years, with an expected market value of  $593.28 billion in 2025. Here are just a few reasons why you would consider making the move into private equity recruitment.

Private equity recruitment in 2024 vs 2025 

With a myriad of factors affecting economic conditions over the past 18-24 months, particularly global political changes, 2024 was a year of uncertainty for the industry. The result of this led to hiring decisions often being delayed or put on hold, particularly at the senior-end of the market. Hunt Scanlon reported “a double-digit downturn in demand for executive recruiting.”

However, this is all changing in 2025, with a turnaround starting in the second half of last year. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence data, the total deal value rose 24.7% year over year. With increased deal flow, transformation and turnaround projects were top of the agenda for many, leading to a marked increase in C-Suite hiring for Private Equity specialist firms late last year. 

Market outlook in 2025 

Alter Domus says, “there is a quiet optimism that 2025 will be breakout year for deal activity.” As a result, Talent Leaders are predicting a strong year of recruitment activity in the sector. 

To hire successfully, PE firms must navigate a number of challenges that are re-shaping the talent landscape, including: 

• Increased salary expectations 
• Hybrid workforces  
• Evolving skill requirements 
• Competition for talent 
• Engaging the right candidates 

The sector will need the support of expert recruitment agencies and executive search firms to advise on these elements and engage talent. As a result, it is a great time to move into PE recruitment, and those that make the leap can benefit from the following:

1. Higher Fees & Earnings Potential 

• Private Equity recruitment, especially those leveraging the US market, benefit from significantly higher fee value than almost any other industry, given the specialised and senior-level nature of roles, and financial impact these individuals will have for both PE Funds and their Portfolio.
• You can command 25-30% fees on significantly higher pay packages, compared to more transactional levels of fees.
• Typical deal sizes on C level searches are £100k-£600k 

2. Exclusive, Long-Term Relationships 

• Being a higher value market there is significant opportunity to work on retained searches and once committed with your clients the opportunity for repeat business is high. PE recruitment relies heavily on deep, long-term partnerships with firms and investors. 
• Even if not retained, PE firms value strategic hiring, which increases the chance of exclusivity. 
• The sector allows for innovative retained models and recurring revenue from strategic projects, you could start the year with £100k of committed revenue before you have placed a candidate! This sector is reinventing the partnership model.

3. Access to a Niche & Elite Market 

• Working in a specialised market, with top-tier funds, portfolio companies, and investors can elevate a recruiter’s credibility and network. 
• You will be working with the worlds market makers.

4. Strong Demand for Talent 

• PE & VC recruitment is fairly defensive in terms of demand – firms continue to seek investment professionals, operating partners, and fundraising experts. 
• When the investment side is quiet, portfolio companies continue to need strong leadership, creating opportunities for recruiters to place C-suite and senior operational roles. 

5. More Strategic, Less Volume-Driven 

• PE hiring is highly strategic, focusing on quality over quantity. Unlike high-churn sectors like banking, PE recruitment is more consultative and requires market intelligence. 
• Recruiters often advise on talent strategies, compensation trends, and succession planning, making the role more advisory than transactional. 

6. Career Longevity & Industry Stability 

• Whilst other recruitment sectors can be cyclical, private equity remains a long-term industry, with firms continuously raising new funds and acquiring businesses.  Experienced PE recruiters often become trusted advisors over many years to funds, securing a strong position in the industry. 

Why should you consider private equity recruitment? 

As we’ve explored throughout this article, the landscape of private equity recruitment is undergoing considerable change, reshaping how firms approach talent acquisition and retention. There is significant for recruiters to make a wave in the PE sector.  

If you’re considering a move into the space, be sure to connect with our specialist rec-to-rec, Peter Bryant. Plus, keep an eye on our latest vacancies for more opportunities coming soon.