250286 Framework Agreement for the Provision of Specialist and Executive Search Services
Queen's University Belfast · Education
In brief
Queen's University Belfast has cancelled this procurement.
It is a framework worth up to £4,362,500 excluding VAT: the most the buyer expects to spend across all suppliers, not one contract.
The contract runs for 1 year, up to 4 years with extensions, starting 1 June 2026.
It is split into 7 lots, so a supplier can bid for part of the work.
Built from the notice's own fields. Always check the official notice before you bid.
What the notice says
The University wishes to establish a framework for the provision of Specialist and Executive Search Services. The appointed suppliers will deliver diverse, high-quality candidates as required for the role, through a combination of market search, networking and advertising. The successful suppliers must be able to demonstrate a strong working knowledge of the employment markets from which candidates may be drawn. This will include Higher Education institutions but also other sectors where relevant candidates may be found. There should be a strong focus upon the employment markets within the island of Ireland as well as Great Britain, the EU and internationally. The appointed suppliers will…Read the full description
Lots
| Lot | Trade | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Lot 1A: Temporary Specialist Roles 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2027 What this lot coversThis lot is for the search and selection of highly qualified candidates for specialist temporary roles in both academic and professional services areas. The Supplier is required to identify suitable candidates to fill roles normally at Grade 7 to 10 (or academic grades AC2 to Professorial Range 4). Temporary positions are likely to be for a minimum of 12 months' cover, such as interim appointments or maternity leave cover, in some cases appointments may be required for a shorter period. | Recruitment and staffing | £4,362,500 |
| Lot 1B: Permanent Specialist Roles 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2027 What this lot coversThis lot is for the search and selection of highly qualified candidates for specialist permanent roles in both academic and professional services areas. The Supplier is required to identify suitable candidates to fill roles normally at Grade 7 to 10 (or academic grades AC2 to Professorial Range 4). | Recruitment and staffing | £4,362,500 |
| Lot 2A: Temporary Executive level roles for Professional Services 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2027 What this lot coversThis lot is for the search and selection of highly qualified candidates for executive level temporary roles in Professional Services (Non-Academic Operations). The Supplier is required to identify suitable candidates to fill the roles of Director and above, with a salary of over £112k per annum. Temporary positions are likely to be for a minimum of 12 months' cover, such as interim appointments or maternity leave cover, in some cases appointments may be required for a shorter period. | Recruitment and staffing | £4,362,500 |
| Lot 2B: Permanent Executive level roles for Professional Services 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2027 What this lot coversThis lot is for the search and selection of highly qualified candidates for executive level permanent roles in Professional Services (Non-Academic Operations). The Supplier is required to have the expertise in both national and international markets to identify suitable candidates to fill the roles of Director and above. | Recruitment and staffing | £4,362,500 |
| Lot 3A: Temporary Executive level roles for Academic Operations 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2027 What this lot coversThis lot is for the search and selection of highly qualified candidates for executive level temporary roles in Academic Operations. The Supplier is required to have the expertise in both national and international markets to identify suitable candidates to fill the roles of Head of School and above. Temporary positions are likely to be for a minimum of 12 months' cover, such as interim appointments or maternity leave cover, in some cases appointments may be required for a shorter period. | Recruitment and staffing | £4,362,500 |
| Lot 3B: Permanent Executive level roles for Academic Operations 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2027 What this lot coversThis lot is for the search and selection of highly qualified candidates for executive level permanent roles in Academic Operations. The Supplier is required to have the expertise in both national and international markets to identify suitable candidates to fill the roles of Head of School and above. | Recruitment and staffing | £4,362,500 |
| Lot 4: International Roles for Overseas Locations 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2027 What this lot coversThis lot is for the search and selection of highly qualified candidates for both academic and professional services roles based in overseas locations. The Supplier is required to have the expertise in both national and international markets to identify suitable candidates to fill the roles based in overseas locations normally with a salary from £45,349 per annum (for example, any international Queen's University campus). | Recruitment and staffing | £4,362,500 |
Who won
| Winner | Lot | Value | Dates |
|---|
Values as the award notice gives them, excluding VAT where stated.
Timeline
- Tender notice · UK4, notice 010676-2026
- Tender notice · UK4, notice 017440-2026
- Tender notice · UK4, notice 019152-2026
- Procurement termination notice · UK12, notice 059544-2026
About the buyer
Procurements
54Awards
40Suppliers it has used most for recruitment
- Afaraed Ltd1 contract
From notice 010676-2026 on Find a Tender, first published 5 February 2026, last updated 24 June 2026. We last checked for changes on 28 September 2026.