i hold dual citizenship (us and uk).  my husband (us citizen) and i
would like to move back to the uk.  what would be the process for my
husband to obtain employment in the uk?  would he need to be hired
first by a uk company?

<Working in the UK.

As the husband of a UK citizen your husband will have the right to
work in the UK, intially for two years. After two years he can apply
for further leave to remain.

He must get a visa before travelling to the UK.

He will need to fill in a visa application form VAF2-settlement. He
must apply for the visa in the US.

There is no requirement to have a job lined up before entering the UK.

Source: UK Visas.
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1018721067257

You can apply online via the British Embassy website.
A settlement visa costs $494.00
http://www.britainusa.com/visas/articles_show_nt1.asp?i=65035&L1=41000&a=41033

The British Embassy.
http://www.britainusa.com/

In the long term, he may consider applying for British Citizenship.
The legal requirements  are that he:
Is aged 18 or over when the application is made.
Of sound mind, so that you understand the step you are taking.
Can communicate in English to an acceptable degree.
Has sufficient knowledge about life in the UK.
Of good character. 
Has lived in the UK for three years.
Source: Home office.
http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/6353/11406/guideannew.pdf>


<Search strategy:>


<"uk visas">
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<home office uk>
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<uk embassy usa>
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<Hope this helps.>

this was excellent.  it helped to clarify a murky topic.