Specialist Executive Recruiter - FMCG & Retail

Placements24; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

commission structure

Professional development

Collaborative team

Industry network access

Job summary

Placements24 is hiring an Executive Recruiter for the FMCG and Retail sectors with a deep market network and strong search experience. The role focuses on senior leadership placements, requiring on-site work in East London and the broader Eastern Cape market.

The successful candidate will lead complex retained searches, build strategic client relationships, and contribute to business development through market insight and targeted outreach.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in executive search or senior-level recruitment with FMCG/ Retail focus.
• Proven track record in completing complex executive searches.
• Deep knowledge of FMCG and Retail markets and talent landscapes.
• Exceptional research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong ability to build rapport with senior candidates and clients.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to articulate complex information.

Responsibilities

• Conduct retained executive searches for senior leadership roles (CEO, MD, Sales/Marketing Directors, Operations Manager) within FMCG and Retail.
• Develop search strategies including market mapping and competitor analysis.
• Source and engage passive candidates through research, networking, and direct outreach.
• Conduct thorough assessments including interviews, psychometrics, and reference checks.
• Present shortlisted candidates with detailed profiles and recommendations to clients.
• Manage client relationships with regular updates and expert guidance throughout the search.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Stay updated on industry trends and key talent movements in FMCG and Retail.
• Support business development by identifying new client relationships.

Skills

Executive search

Senior-level recruitment

FMCG

Retail

Networking

Candidate assessment

Client management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier recruitment consultancy with a significant presence in East London, Eastern Cape, is seeking a highly skilled and specialized Executive Recruiter to lead their efforts within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and Retail sectors. This is a full-time, on-site position requiring a professional with deep market knowledge and an extensive network of senior-level contacts. You will be responsible for identifying and securing top executive talent for leading brands and retailers, managing complex search assignments from inception to completion. This role is crucial for supporting the growth of businesses in East London and the wider Eastern Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct retained executive searches for senior leadership roles (e.g., CEO, MD, Sales Director, Marketing Director, Operations Manager) within FMCG and Retail.


• Develop comprehensive search strategies, including market mapping, competitor analysis, and target identification.


• Proactively source and engage high-caliber passive candidates through advanced research, networking, and direct outreach.


• Conduct thorough candidate assessments, including in-depth interviews, psychometric evaluations, and reference checks.


• Present shortlisted candidates to clients with detailed profiles and insightful recommendations.


• Manage client relationships, providing regular updates and expert counsel throughout the search process.


• Collaborate with internal research and consulting teams to ensure the highest quality of service delivery.


• Stay abreast of industry trends, market dynamics, and key talent movements within the FMCG and Retail sectors.


• Contribute to business development by identifying and cultivating new client relationships.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in executive search or senior-level recruitment, with a strong focus on FMCG and/or Retail industries.


• Proven track record of successfully completing complex executive searches.


• In-depth knowledge of the FMCG and Retail markets, including key players, challenges, and talent landscapes.


• Exceptional research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.


• Outstanding ability to build rapport, credibility, and trust with senior-level candidates and clients.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex information clearly.


• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple high-priority search assignments simultaneously.


• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and as part of a high-performing team.


• Based in or able to commute to East London.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and an attractive commission structure based on successful placements.


• Opportunity to lead high-impact executive searches for prestigious clients in the FMCG and Retail sectors.


• Be part of a highly regarded recruitment consultancy in East London.


• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.


• Supportive and collaborative team environment.


• Significant contribution to the leadership development of key industries in the Eastern Cape.


• Access to advanced recruitment tools and a strong industry network.