Executive Search Consultant - Financial Services

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading compensation

Performance-driven bonus

Access to exclusive networks

Career progression

Continuous learning opportunities

Meritocratic environment

Leadership in major assignments

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, seeks an experienced Executive Search Consultant to lead senior-finance talent placements across banks, asset managers, insurers and fintechs in South Africa. You will conduct market research, manage end-to-end searches (C-suite to MD), and build trusted client relationships while maintaining confidentiality and delivering high-caliber outcomes.

This role offers a career-defining platform within a premier executive search firm to shape leadership across major

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years in executive search or senior HR/talent roles within financial services.
• Proven track record in closing complex executive mandates.
• Deep knowledge of the South Africa financial services landscape and sub-sectors.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• High degree of discretion, integrity and professional acumen.
• Proficiency with executive search databases and networks.
• MBA/Finance/Economics desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth market research to identify key executive talent within the financial services sector.
• Execute end-to-end executive search assignments for senior leadership roles (C-suite, Board, MD).
• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with senior stakeholders at client organizations in Sandton and beyond.
• Identify, engage and assess high-calibre passive candidates with discretion and professionalism.
• Prepare candidate profiles, interview summaries, and market maps for client presentations.
• Advise clients on talent strategy, market dynamics, and compensation benchmarking.
• Collaborate with partners and consultants to deliver search outcomes.
• Represent the firm professionally in client meetings and industry events.
• Contribute to the firm's knowledge base and leadership in financial services recruitment.

Skills

Executive search

Relationship management

Market research

Senior stakeholder engagement

C-suite experience

Networking

Discretion & integrity

Education

MBA / Finance / Economics

Tools

Executive search databases

Professional networks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier executive search firm located in the bustling financial hub of Sandton, Gauteng , is actively recruiting an experienced Executive Search Consultant to join their distinguished Financial Services practice. This critical role involves identifying and engaging top-tier executive talent for leading financial institutions, including banks, asset management firms, insurance companies, and fintech organizations across South Africa . The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of the financial services landscape, sophisticated search methodologies, and an impeccable track record in high-level placements. This position offers the opportunity to work in a highly professional, client-focused environment, contributing directly to the strategic leadership of major corporations. This is a career-defining opportunity for a seasoned professional seeking to operate at the highest echelon of recruitment in Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth market research and intelligence gathering to identify key executive talent within the financial services sector.
• Execute end-to-end executive search assignments for senior leadership roles (C-suite, Board, Managing Directors).
• Develop and maintain strong, trusted relationships with senior stakeholders at client organizations in Sandton and beyond.
• Proactively identify, engage, and assess high-calibre passive candidates, ensuring confidentiality and professionalism.
• Prepare comprehensive candidate profiles, interview summaries, and market mapping reports for client presentations.
• Advise clients on talent strategy, market dynamics, compensation benchmarking, and competitive talent landscapes.
• Collaborate closely with partners and consultants to deliver exceptional search outcomes.
• Represent the firm professionally in client meetings and industry events.
• Contribute to the firm's knowledge base and thought leadership in financial services executive recruitment.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in executive search, management consulting, or a senior HR/Talent Acquisition role within financial services.
• Demonstrated success in conducting and closing complex executive search mandates.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the financial services industry in South Africa , including its various sub-sectors and key players.
• Exceptional research, analytical, and networking skills.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, influencing, and presentation abilities.
• A high degree of discretion, integrity, and professional acumen.
• Proficiency in leveraging executive search databases, professional networks, and advanced search techniques.
• Ability to thrive in a demanding, results-oriented, and client-centric environment.
• A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g., MBA, Finance, Economics) is highly desirable.

Benefits

• An industry-leading compensation package, including a significant base salary and a highly attractive, performance-driven bonus structure.
• The opportunity to work on high-profile executive search mandates for top-tier financial institutions.
• Access to exclusive networks and influential stakeholders within the financial sector.
• A sophisticated, meritocratic work environment that fosters professional excellence.
• Continuous learning and development opportunities within a globally recognized firm.
• Be at the forefront of strategic talent acquisition for the financial services industry in South Africa .
• Significant career progression potential for high performers.
• Contribution to shaping the leadership of major corporations.