Lead Recruiter

Hirewell; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Hirewell is seeking a Lead Recruiter to own our leadership hiring. You will partner directly with executives and hiring managers to identify, assess, and close Director, Senior Director, and VP-level candidates across the business.

This is a high-visibility role for someone who is equally comfortable running a confidential executive search, advising a C-suite leader on market realities, and coaching a team of recruiters on best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle recruiting for Director and VP roles, from intake through offer negotiation and close
• Partner with senior leaders to define role scope, success profiles, compensation ranges, and search strategy
• Source passive leadership talent through direct outreach, market mapping, referrals, and professional networks
• Run confidential and sensitive searches, including replacement and succession hires, with strong discretion
• Conduct in-depth screening interviews that evaluate leadership scope, team-building track record, strategic thinking, and culture add
• Build and manage interview plans, calibrate interviewers, and facilitate debriefs to drive timely, evidence-based decisions
• Advise on executive compensation structures, including base, bonus, equity, and relocation, and lead negotiations
• Deliver a premium candidate experience, keeping senior candidates engaged through long processes
• Provide hiring managers with regular market intelligence, pipeline updates, and recommendations on competing offers
• Mentor and guide junior recruiters and coordinators, and help set standards for sourcing, assessment, and candidate care
• Maintain accurate data in the ATS and report on pipeline health, time to fill, offer acceptance, and quality of hire
• Contribute to employer branding efforts that attract senior talent

Job description

We're looking for a Lead Recruiter to own our leadership hiring. You'll partner directly with executives and hiring managers to find, assess, and close Director, Senior Director, and VP-level candidates across the business. This is a high-visibility role for someone who is equally comfortable running a confidential executive search, advising a C-suite leader on market realities, and coaching a team of recruiters on best practices.

What You'll Do

• Lead full-cycle recruiting for Director and VP roles, from intake through offer negotiation and close
• Partner with senior leaders to define role scope, success profiles, compensation ranges, and search strategy
• Source passive leadership talent through direct outreach, market mapping, referrals, and professional networks, not just inbound applicants
• Run confidential and sensitive searches, including replacement and succession hires, with strong discretion
• Conduct in-depth screening interviews that evaluate leadership scope, team-building track record, strategic thinking, and culture add
• Build and manage interview plans, calibrate interviewers, and facilitate debriefs to drive timely, evidence-based decisions
• Advise on executive compensation structures, including base, bonus, equity, and relocation, and lead negotiations
• Deliver a premium candidate experience, keeping senior candidates engaged through long processes
• Provide hiring managers with regular market intelligence, pipeline updates, and recommendations on competing offers
• Mentor and guide junior recruiters and coordinators, and help set standards for sourcing, assessment, and candidate care
• Maintain accurate data in the ATS and report on pipeline health, time to fill, offer acceptance, and quality of hire
• Contribute to employer branding efforts that attract senior talent