We recruit exceptional business services talent with professional services firms to build stronger businesses.
With more than 20 years' experience, we are the undisputed market leading recruitment company focused on sourcing transformational business services talent to innovate, lead strategy and shape culture.
Market Insights
The Current Debate: AI and the Evolution of Functions Much of the recent conversation around AI in professional services has...
The COO is now one of the most significant and sought-after appointments a professional services firm can make. Here, we...
In our latest report The future of Leadership, we share our market-leading knowledge and research, from C-suite revolution, leading in...
BD & Marketing Business development and marketing teams across professional services continue to show a clear shift towards more commercially...
Who we are
Totum Partners is a global recruitment, executive search and talent advisory firm specialising in business services talent for law firms, accountancy practices, real estate, management consultancy and other professional services, including PE backed.
Our bespoke search expertise and talent consulting services are tailored towards individual client needs. Our deep sector knowledge allows us to understand shifting trends, challenge assumptions and find truly innovative talent.
As an employee-owned business and a certified B-Corp, we believe in the power of relationships and business as a force for good.
Our services
Leadership
Totum specialises in sourcing exceptional business leaders who operate at the most senior level of business services firms. From CEOs to COOs, CMOs to CTOs, we’re proud of our ability to source senior directors and business leaders who can deliver strategic transformation and growth for your business.
Business Development & Marketing
Modern business development and marketing functions are pivotal to supporting strategic growth in professional services firms, deepening client relationships, improving client service delivery and applying commercial expertise.
Our industry-leading business development and marketing team has unrivalled expertise in how the function is evolving, allowing us to meet every firm’s business development and marketing needs.
Finance
From understanding profitability drivers across clients, departments and locations to modernising working capital procedures, the finance function is the engine room of modern professional services.
Our dedicated finance team has considerable expertise in placing both traditional and specialist finance roles.
General Management & Operations
Totum excels in placing operations management roles, often helping firms with their first-ever placement of such a role. From Head of Operations and Practice Manager roles through to Chief Operating Officers, firms are looking for individuals to shape and drive operational strategy.
Knowledge Management
The knowledge management function is a rapidly evolving one, with technological innovation, digitisation and changing regulation impacting how firms see knowledge management.
Totum has the expertise, contacts and experience in finding knowledge management professionals who can deliver superior value to clients, taking your firm to the next competitive level.
People & Culture
The people and HR function has never been more critical to the success of professional services firms. At senior levels, people professionals are key in setting a firm’s strategic vision, driving commercial agendas and building an engaged culture.
With a focus on ESG matters, responsible business is a sub-division of people and HR that is also seeing huge growth.
Risk & Compliance
The changing risk landscape means risk leaders are in high demand across professional services firms. Totum specialises in finding risk leaders who can drive and implement the correct risk management culture, but also enable firms to seize new business opportunities.
Technology
The impact of technology, artificial intelligence and data is revolutionising how professional service firms operate. First-class technology recruitment for firms is non-negotiable, but the market is hugely competitive. We have a deep understanding on how technology is transforming capabilities and a vast network of exceptional talent to meet your needs.
Transformation & Innovation
The rapidly-evolving professional services landscape means firms are constantly creating new business roles and innovating in their approach to effective management. Transformation and innovation is a constant challenge, and roles here cover a huge variety of areas.
Totum has the expertise to help across all advisory, legal operations, transformation and innovation roles – from first hires to scaling existing teams.
Non-Executive Directors
Totum has considerable experience in supporting firms to recruit their first, or replace existing, non-executive directors (NEDs). These positions provide leadership teams with independent insights, advising on leadership challenges and helping to shape business objectives.
Totum has a track record in finding NEDs who make a profound difference to a firm, aligning our market expertise with individual requirements.
"Totum are quite simply best in class. We use them for major strategic hires in business services and can’t imagine going elsewhere. Smart, personable and efficient."
William Peake, Global Managing Partner Harneys
“No one knows the legal business services talent space like Totum. Given their longstanding commitment to the space and connections to individuals, you need to ask yourself: why wouldn’t I use them to fill my most senior positions?”
Axel Koelsch, Chief Operating Officer, Lawfront
“Totum exceeded our expectations with their relatable style and insightful approach in the recruitment of our Knowledge and Expertise Director. Their advice and transparent communication were instrumental to our success. Totum's proficiency in identifying talent that is both high performing and culturally aligned is commendable.”
Geoff Gishubl, Chief Operating Officer, Ashurst Australia
“Totum demonstrates a deep understanding of law and patent firm expectations and culture and presents excellent shortlists of candidates with experience in both professional services and beyond.”
