Research Associate
Location: South Africa (Office-Based)
Type: Full-Time
Future Pathway: Progression to 360 Recruitment Consultant
About Atomic Practice Recruitment
Atomic Practice Recruitment is a fast-growing specialist recruitment consultancy focused solely on public practice. We collaborate with firms across the UK — from the Big 4 to respected independents — helping them find top-tier talent across audit, tax, outsourcing, and advisory.
Founded by industry expert Gideon, Atomic is built upon deep sector knowledge, unwavering service standards, and genuine partnerships with clients and candidates. Our mission? To be the most trusted name in public practice recruitment.
As we continue to scale, we are looking for a Research Associate to join our delivery team — someone with a sharp eye for detail, a passion for people and careers, and a drive to grow within the recruitment industry.
The Role
This is a research and delivery-focused position, providing essential support across live recruitment assignments. You will help us identify, approach, and assess candidates for roles ranging from £30,000 to £150,000 in base salary. You will be part of a tight-knit, high-performance team where your work has direct impact — and where you will be supported to grow into a full 360 Consultant role over time. Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting detailed candidate searches across platforms like LinkedIn and our internal database.
- Supporting market mapping, headhunting, and talent research initiatives.
- Managing inbound applications and updating candidate data accurately in our CRM.
- Assisting with scheduling, interview prep packs, and client-facing documentation.
- Formatting and proofing CVs, candidate reports, and presentations.
- Maintaining research lists and delivering timely administrative support.
- Making first-line calls to candidates to confirm interest and gather initial details.
What We are Looking For
We are after someone investigative, organised, and ready to build a career in recruitment. You enjoy digging into data, thrive in a structured environment, and can switch gears quickly in a fast-moving setting. You will ideally have:
- 1–2 years’ experience in recruitment, research, HR, or professional services.
- Familiarity with sourcing tools (LinkedIn essential).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- A proactive mindset and professional phone manner.
- Tech literacy — Excel, Word, Outlook, ideally CRMs but not essential. (Bullhorn or similar is a plus)
- A degree or diploma is advantageous but not essential.
Personal Attributes
- Detail-driven and highly organised.
- Self-starter with a sense of urgency and accountability.
- Calm under pressure and able to juggle multiple tasks.
- A team player who is eager to learn and grow.
- Professional, presentable, and trustworthy.
- Resilient, with a results-focused mindset.
- Confident communicator with a natural curiosity about people.
Why Join Us?
At Atomic, you will be part of something exciting. You will work closely with experienced consultants, learn directly from the founder, and be immersed in a culture that values quality, integrity, and career progression.
This is the ideal role if you are looking for a launchpad — a chance to build foundational expertise and grow into a fully-fledged recruitment consultant.
Ready to start your Atomic journey?
We would love to hear from you.