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.
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
History of Raw Selection
2017
Raw Selection was founded
Raw Selection was founded in 2017. The business started in the spare room of Alex's house, receiving no investment to grow the business. This was also the year the Raw Selection YouTube channel was created! It now has over 2000 subscribers.
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
Andrew Thomson
Vice President
Andrew joined us in November 2024, bringing 8 years of executive search experience to help Private Equity firms secure C-Suite and Senior Executives for their portfolio companies. He leads our resource team and made the move from Scotland to join us. Ask Andrew about: His cool James Bond jacket.
Alice Chapman
Head of Operations
Alice joined Raw Selection in 2019 and quickly got to work on improving our brand, website, customer experience, offering, and company culture. Anything that goes wrong in the office (or in people’s personal lives) can always be traced directly or indirectly back to Alice, whether she was involved or not. Ask Alice about: How to break the most amount of company items in the shortest amount of time.
Garo Kassabian
Senior Associate
Garo brings over 5 years of executive search experience to our sourcing team. Originally from New Zealand, Garo has a sharp eye for finding top talent and plays a key role in connecting the right people with the PE firms and their portfolio companies. Fun fact, Garo used to be in a band (We’re still waiting for him to treat us to a performance!) Ask Garo about: Bristol, his thoughts on Paw Patrol, Green Street - his favourite Christmas movie.
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.