Executive Recruitment Consultant - Public Sector & NPO

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive remuneration package

Professional development opportunities

Access to a robust client network

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Executive Recruitment Consultant for our Pretoria, Gauteng office. You will lead executive search projects for senior roles in government and NPO clients, building strong relationships with key stakeholders.

The role combines strategic client engagement with hands-on executive search in a hybrid setup, offering professional development and a platform to shape leadership across the public sector.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of executive recruitment experience focusing on public sector or NPO sectors.
• Experience recruiting for director-level and C-suite roles.
• Strong understanding of public sector structures, procurement processes, and NPO governance.
• Excellent networking, relationship-building and influencing skills.
• Hybrid work experience and ability to work from Pretoria-based office.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Public Administration, Law, HR or Social Sciences.

Responsibilities

• Conducting executive search assignments for senior roles within government and NPO clients in the Pretoria area and beyond.
• Developing and nurturing strategic partnerships with key decision-makers in public sector entities and non-profits.
• Understanding governance, policy, and cultural nuances of public sector and NPO environments.
• Identifying, engaging, and assessing high-caliber candidates for leadership positions.
• Managing complex stakeholder expectations and facilitating selection processes.
• Conducting market analysis and providing strategic advice on talent acquisition in public and NPO sectors.
• Leading client meetings, presentations, and proposal development.
• Ensuring adherence to ethical recruitment practices and compliance regulations.
• Mentoring junior consultants and contributing to team knowledge sharing.
• Achieving ambitious targets for client satisfaction and successful placements.

Skills

Executive recruitment

Public sector

Senior hiring

Networking

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Education

Public Administration

Law

HR

Social Sciences

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished recruitment consultancy with a strong reputation, is looking for an experienced Executive Recruitment Consultant to join their Pretoria, Gauteng office. This specialized role focuses on sourcing and placing senior leadership and executive talent within the public sector and Non-Profit Organization (NPO) domains. You will be instrumental in building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders in government departments and charitable organizations, understanding their unique challenges and requirements. This position offers a compelling opportunity to shape leadership within vital sectors of the economy. The role combines strategic client engagement with hands‑on executive search, operating within a hybrid model that balances office presence with remote flexibility. We are seeking a candidate with a profound understanding of the public sector landscape and a passion for impactful placements. You will be joining a team dedicated to ethical recruitment and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducting comprehensive executive search assignments for senior roles within government and NPO clients in the Pretoria area and beyond.
• Developing and nurturing strategic partnerships with key decision-makers in public sector entities and non‑profits.
• Understanding the specific governance, policy, and cultural nuances of public sector and NPO environments.
• Identifying, engaging, and assessing high‑caliber candidates for leadership positions.
• Managing complex stakeholder expectations and facilitating robust selection processes.
• Conducting market analysis and providing strategic advice on talent acquisition in the public and NPO sectors.
• Leading client meetings, presentations, and proposal development.
• Ensuring adherence to ethical recruitment practices and compliance regulations.
• Mentoring junior consultants and contributing to team knowledge sharing.
• Achieving ambitious targets for client satisfaction and successful placements.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in executive recruitment, with a significant focus on the public sector and/or NPO space.
• Proven ability to recruit for senior‑level positions (Director, CEO, CFO, etc.).
• Deep understanding of public sector structures, procurement processes, and NPO governance.
• Exceptional networking, relationship‑building, and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly.
• Experience working within a hybrid or flexible work environment.
• A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g., Public Administration, Law, HR, Social Sciences).
• Must be based in or willing to commute to Pretoria, Gauteng .
• High level of integrity and discretion.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration package with performance‑based incentives.
• Opportunity to work on high‑impact executive search mandates.
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and work‑life balance.
• Access to a robust client network and market intelligence.
• Collaborative and supportive professional environment.
• Contribution to meaningful sectors through impactful placements.
• Generous annual leave and other statutory benefits.
• Modern office facilities in Pretoria .
• Potential for involvement in strategic advisory projects.