PE BD Professionals - thoughts on the lateral market right now?

I've chatted with a few here over DMs but figured I'd make a dedicated thread for more thoughts/observations.  I've seen a handful of mid-level opps (VP/Director) but it feels like most searches have been at the Analyst/Associate or MD/head of BD level.  What are y'all seeing out there? 

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Damn, hope that's not a sign of things to come.  Was in one process end of 2022 for a VP/Director level and missed out (HH feedback was they decided to go more junior, i.e., cheaper, but haven't seen the hire announced yet so TBD if they were just blowing smoke) and am in process for one VP slot now that's been slow rolling due to the holidays.

Someone has to help deploy this record dry powder!

 
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yes frustrating to see but i've been experiencing similar things. firms are a) dragging out their processes, b) after final rounds, may decide not to pull the trigger at all or c) just testing waters for interested participants and d) if offered, may decide to just low-ball or go for a cheaper junior resource. i've been through several processes for mid-level where one was 10 rounds and after final, they said probably not the right time now for them, and another process ended up hiring someone significantly more junior 

 

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