Principal Constultant

Principal Consultant – Grafton Recruitment – Dublin

Salary: €50,000–€70,000 + attractive commission structure

Join the experienced team at Grafton Recruitment in Dublin as we continue to grow. This senior, client-facing role offers the opportunity to lead high-value projects, shape commercial strategy, mentor colleagues, and deliver exceptional outcomes for clients and candidates across specialist markets. The successful person will work with a high degree of autonomy, influence senior stakeholders, and contribute to the continued success and development of the business.

About Grafton Recruitment

For over 40 years, Grafton Recruitment - part of Gi Group - has provided outstanding recruitment services across Europe and beyond. We specialise in permanent, executive and specialist hires across multiple sectors. Our mission is to empower people and organisations by finding, nurturing and managing talent, backed by strong values, best-in-class tools and a collaborative culture.

The role

As a Principal Consultant, the successful person will lead a portfolio of strategic client accounts, deliver end-to-end senior-level recruitment assignments and play a central role in developing business within their sector. This role suits a commercially minded recruitment professional with a proven track record in senior hires, strong business development capability and the ability to coach and inspire colleagues.

Key responsibilities

• Own and develop a portfolio of key client relationships, acting as a trusted adviser on talent strategy and senior appointments

• Lead full lifecycle recruitment for senior and specialist roles: briefing, research, sourcing, assessment, offer negotiation and onboarding

• Win new business through targeted market activity, thought leadership, tender responses and long-term account planning

• Deliver consistent commercial performance against revenue and margin targets, while ensuring an exceptional candidate and client experience

• Provide mentoring, coaching and training to more junior consultants to build capability and share best practice

• Use and maintain the ATS/CRM to ensure accurate activity records, pipeline management and robust forecasting

• Collaborate cross-functionally with colleagues across Grafton and the wider Gi Group to leverage resources and deliver integrated solutions

What we’re looking for

• Proven recruitment experience (typically 5+ years) with demonstrated success placing senior or specialist roles

• Strong track record in business development and managing complex client relationships

• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills

• Commercially focused, with strong negotiation skills and attention to margin and delivery

• Ability to lead by example, coach colleagues and contribute positively to team culture

• Organised, proactive and resilient, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Proficient using ATS/CRM systems and MS Office; comfortable working with data to inform decisions

What we offer

• Competitive salary and an attractive commission/bonus structure

• Career progression and leadership opportunities within a respected international group

• Comprehensive training, professional development and mentoring

• Hybrid working to support work–life balance and flexible working arrangements

• Company incentives, recognition programmes and regular team social events

• Access to market-leading tools, candidate pools and international networks

If you are a senior recruitment professional who thrives on delivering commercial results, building long-term relationships and developing others, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to join our talented, supportive team and make a meaningful impact.