Life At Raw Selection
Why join us?
Raw Selection is a genuine executive search firm, working exclusively with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies across Europe and the US, based right here in Leeds
We are recruiters, but not just any recruiters. We specialise in senior-level roles such as CEOs, Partners, and Managing Directors across top-tier companies in America. Why? These roles come with higher fees, so if you're a recruiter looking to earn more for the work you do, Raw Selection is the place for you.
Why our team likes working here:
- No sharp elbows. Got a question? Just ask. It doesn't matter what level you're at; everyone supports each other here.
- A focus on your goals. At Raw Selection, you’re building a career, but ultimately, you’re working for yourself and your dream, we want to help you get there.
- Uncapped earning potential. Your fees are your fees. Managers don’t take a cut here, what you earn is yours.
- Clear career progression. You’ll know exactly what steps to take to secure your next promotion. Across the business, we aim to promote associates to senior within 6 months. Check out our career progression stories below.
Established in 2017, we still have lots to learn, lots to do, and even more to achieve, and we need your help to get there.
what people are saying about us!
I enjoy the intensity and fast-paced environment of Headhunting C-suite Talent in the Private Equity Arena. PE-Backed Executive Search requires, almost ‘Working a Rubik’s Cube’ to unearth the right CXO that can deliver on an investment thesis.
The in-depth conversations around business execution with CXO’s is an eye opener as much as it is mentally stimulating; the best part delivering for a client and retaining professional client/candidate relationships for the foreseeable future.
No day is the same, much less a PE backed CXO mandate- all thrilling in its own way!
Sean Butt
Our Values
Can-do Mindset
Feedback
Healthy Competition
Make Mistakes
Our Progression Stories
Haleema Hussain
Vice PresidentHaleema joined Raw Selection in 2020, two weeks before lockdowns hit. Haleema was previously in a research role but aimed to move into a Business Development role, winning, managing and developing clients. Haleema spent the early part of her career with Raw Selection, partnering directly with Alex Rawlings, the Founder & Managing Partner, on fulfilling a wide range of search assignments.
Haleema then made the transition to the sales side, taking in the industry-leading training and development programme Raw Selection offers, and now is a regular at banging the gong for a new retainer sold. The success brought about the opportunity to enrol on the firm's management and leadership development programme, and I was promoted to a management role in 2023.
Haleema has built the Private Equity division focused on the USA from scratch and has been self-crowned the Queen of Massachusetts and, more recently, the Queen of the East Coast for Private Equity appointments.
Haleema has broken every record on Private Equity and in 2024 achieved a placement fee of £137,000 for a HR Operating Partner in Massachusetts.
Haleema now has two goals
1. To become the firms first ONE MILLION pound biller
2. To build the Private Equity division to the largest for revenue out of any firm globally
Haleema is widely regarded as the hardest working person in the business, is passionate about self-development and holds herself and those around her to the highest standards.
- 2020
- Associate
- 2022
- Senior Associate
- 2023
- Vice President
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
Check out all the cool perks you get when you join our team!
Clear career path
Dedicated marketing team
Excellent L&D
External Training Sessions
No data entry or data research
No dress code
3pm Friday finish
Weekly incentives
Team lunches / breakfasts
Travel incentives
Conference visits
Open commission scheme
Company wide trips abroad
Pay Day 2pm finish
Beer fridge
Whole team lunches and early finish when we make a placement
Closed for two weeks over Christmas
25 days holiday plus bank holidays off
Who you'll be working with
At Raw Selection we are subject matter experts first, recruiters second. We work collaboratively behind the scenes to find exceptional talent for your Private Equity firm and Portfolio Company. All while removing the risk from Executive Search of course.
Alex Rawlings
Founder and Managing Partner
Alex founded Raw Selection in 2017 and has been dedicated to growing the business and proving exceptional service for our clients ever since. On the off chance Alex takes a day off, he’ll be spending it with his son, his dog Toby, or on DIY projects that (sometimes) get finished. Ask Alex about: When his last day off was. Seriously. Nobody knows
Eleni Buras
Principal of Marketing
Eleni Buras leads Marketing and Brand at Raw Selection, bringing more than a decade of international performance marketing experience to the team. Formerly with Google and a seasoned marketing leader, she’s been instrumental in scaling multiple 7- and 8-figure brands across Europe and North America. Most notably, Eleni played a pivotal role in growing a business from £20 million to over £100 million in revenue during her tenure. At Raw Selection, Eleni drives our end-to-end marketing strategy. Her mission is clear: increase both candidate and client leads to help our recruiters earn more and bill more. She sharpens our brand, fuels commercial growth, and ensures every campaign delivers measurable impact. Eleni’s presence signals a shift in how we approach marketing—bringing the same standard of rigour, performance focus, and strategic clarity that we bring to executive search. Her work ensures our marketing not only reflects but enhances the quality of the talent we deliver.
Jack Burns
Principal
Jack joined us out of University at the start of 2020, and immediately took to the world of Private Equity. Since then, he has seen the quickest career progression of anyone in the business, joining us an Associate, he now heads up his own team, securing C-Suite executives in Aerospace and Defence, Industrial and Manufacturing. Ask Jack about: Cooking, Derby FC, being voted the most Italian in the office, and why he's not allowed to make recommendations on work nights out anymore.
Ben Williams
Vice President
Ben brings over 20 years of recruitment experience to Raw Selection, with a strong focus on the FinTech and Financial Software sectors. Prior to joining Raw Selection, he successfully ran his own search firm for 8 years, placing mid to senior professionals in the UK and internationally. Based in Harrogate and a proud father of two, Ben joined Raw Selection to scale his success by leveraging our best-in-class infrastructure, proprietary technology, and support systems. At Raw Selection, Ben is a vital part of our mission to deliver world-class executive talent to Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies.
DOWNLOAD OUR EXECUTIVE SEARCH E-BOOKS
EBook
How to convert more leads to vacancies
Learn how to effectively follow up with leads and convert them into opportunities. This guide provides actionable strategies to engage busy decision-makers.
EBook
Inside Raw Selection: Culture, Vision & Opportunity
Get an inside look at Raw Selection—our vision, values, and what makes us the top choice for recruiters who want more than just a job. This guide reveals our unique culture, growth plans, and why we're building the best executive search firm in Private Equity. Perfect for those considering joining a high-performance team with global ambition.