“Buchanan understood exactly what I was looking for in my next role. They guided me through a competitive process and helped me secure an offer that exceeded my expectations. Their advice and communication gave me confidence at every stage, and I felt fully supported throughout. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a role in the Middle East, their local and international knowledge is second to none.”
The Situation:
An experienced Saudi associate returning from Los Angeles was looking to move back to her home country. A senior partner in Riyadh needed an exceptional associate to act as his right-hand, taking responsibility on deals and becoming his second-in-command.
The Challenge:
The candidate was highly sought after and had already begun preliminary discussions with other Elite US firms, setting expectations at the top of the market.
Key challenges included:
- Ensuring the offer reflected her calibre and competing opportunities.
- Demonstrating the senior partner’s vision and the level of responsibility the role entailed.
- Aligning the candidate’s career ambitions with the firm’s objectives while navigating other interests.
The Approach:
We managed the process closely, keeping the candidate and client aligned:
- Highlighted the unique aspects of the role, including the senior partner’s vision and the autonomy she would enjoy.
- Reassured the candidate that the firm was serious about her and outlined exactly what success in the role would look like.
- Worked with the firm to ensure a competitive offer, ultimately translating interest into tangible incentives.
The Outcome:
Ongoing communication clarified responsibilities, progression opportunities, and expectations. This allowed the candidate to confidently evaluate the offer and led the firm to increase the salary by $60k to secure her acceptance.
The Result:
The candidate accepted the offer, returning to Saudi Arabia to be closer to her family and joining a firm where she will enjoy significant autonomy and a clear path to partnership. This placement highlights the value of strategic guidance, market insight, and proactive negotiation in securing top talent.
