Progress Your Career in Employee Share Schemes with a Specialist Recruiter
Employee Share Schemes are now a core part of how organisations attract, retain and reward their people.
As these schemes grow in use and complexity, so does the demand for professionals with the technical expertise to design, implement and advise on them.
For more than 30 years, Harvey Sutton has supported lawyers, consultants and in-house specialists working within Share Schemes.
Many of the candidates we work with have known us across multiple stages of their career, trusting our experience, discretion and market insight to help them move into roles that reflect their ambitions.
Whether you are a qualified Incentives lawyer, a consultant with tax expertise or looking to transition between the legal and advisory sides of the profession, we are well placed to guide your next step.
A Specialist and Evolving Area of Expertise
Work within Share Schemes requires deep technical understanding, attention to detail and the ability to advise confidently across legal, tax and governance matters.
Typical exposure includes:
- Designing and implementing incentive arrangements
- Advising on the tax, legal and commercial considerations of share plans
- Supporting ongoing scheme management and compliance
- Providing technical guidance to clients, HR teams and senior stakeholders
- Advising on corporate transactions involving share awards
- Drafting scheme rules and related documentation
- Managing client relationships and building long-term advisory capability
Most professionals entering this field begin either:
- As Solicitors within Incentives/Share Schemes teams at law firms
- As Consultants or Advisors within tax or reward practices at accounting and consulting firms
The experience gained on each side is valuable, and the movement between them is increasingly common as organisations seek broader skill sets.
Legal and Consulting Pathways
Legal roles in this area tend to be more transactional and documentation-focused, while consulting positions often involve broader advisory work, client relationship management and commercial development. As the market matures, many candidates choose to expand their experience across both pathways.
We have supported numerous professionals – particularly lawyers – who wish to transition into consulting to broaden their advisory skills. This wider experience often enhances long-term career prospects, especially for those seeking future in-house roles.
Types of Share Schemes
Professionals in this sector frequently work across a range of plan types, including:
EMI – Enterprise Management Incentives
EOT – Employee Ownership Trusts
CSOP – Company Share Option Plans
LTIP – Long-Term Incentive Plans
SIP
– Share Incentive Plans
SAYE
– Save As You Earn
Growth Shares and
bespoke arrangements
Candidates already familiar with these schemes will find opportunities across both advisory practices and in-house teams, with growing demand for those capable of managing complex, multi-jurisdictional arrangements.
Take Your Next Step in Share Schemes
If you are planning your next move within Share Schemes, whether in private practice, consulting or in-house, Harvey Sutton can support you with clarity, discretion and market-leading expertise.
Get in touch to discuss current opportunities or register your CV.
Why Share Scheme Professionals Work With Us
Harvey Sutton has been a trusted recruitment partner in this specialist area for more than three decades. Candidates choose us because we offer:
- Strong relationships with leading law firms, consulting practices and in-house teams
- Insight into roles not yet advertised
- Confidential discussions with senior decision-makers
- Advice grounded in deep sector knowledge
- Opportunities that reflect your skills, ambition and preferred working environment
We understand the differences between legal, advisory and in-house roles – and help you make informed decisions about which direction is right for you.