Executive Search Specialist - Finance

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus potential based on performance

Professional development and training

High-profile clients and networks

Career progression pathways

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni is seeking an experienced Executive Search Specialist to lead the identification and placement of C-suite and senior executives for major South African organisations. The role requires managing the full search process, from client intake to candidate placement, with a strong emphasis on market mapping.

You will network with senior leaders, assess candidates, counsel clients on compensation and market conditions, and drive negotiations to successful outcomes.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years in executive search or senior-level recruitment.
• Proven track record placing C-suite, VP, and Director-level roles.
• Excellent research, analytical, and business acumen.
• Outstanding networking and relationship-building with senior executives.
• Strong communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Business or Psychology; MBA preferred.
• Experience in Benoni, Gauteng regional market is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth client intake meetings to understand executive-level hiring needs, culture and objectives.
• Develop search strategies and market maps to identify candidates globally and locally.
• Proactively source, engage, and assess senior executive talent through networking and outreach.
• Conduct rigorous interviews and competency-based assessments.
• Present shortlisted candidates with detailed profiles to clients.
• Manage the offer process, including negotiation and background checks.
• Build and maintain a network of senior professionals and industry influencers.
• Provide market intelligence and strategic advice on compensation and trends.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of candidates and clients.

Skills

Executive search

Networking

Interviewing

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Research & analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or Psychology

MBA (plus)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished recruitment consultancy located in Benoni, Gauteng, is actively seeking an experienced Executive Search Specialist. This role is dedicated to identifying and securing C-suite and senior-level executive talent for prominent organizations across South Africa. You will be responsible for managing the entire executive search process, from initial client consultation and market mapping to candidate identification, engagement, and placement. The successful candidate will possess a sophisticated understanding of executive recruitment methodologies, exceptional networking capabilities, and a proven ability to build trust and rapport with senior professionals and corporate leaders. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to significantly impact the leadership landscape of businesses operating in and around Benoni, Gauteng. The position is office-based to facilitate close collaboration and strategic client engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth client intake meetings to fully understand executive-level hiring needs, organizational culture, and strategic objectives.
• Develop comprehensive search strategies and detailed market maps to identify potential executive candidates globally and locally.
• Proactively source, engage, and assess high-caliber senior executive talent through networking, research, and direct outreach.
• Conduct rigorous interviews and competency-based assessments to evaluate candidate suitability for executive roles.
• Present shortlisted candidates to clients with detailed profiles and insights, facilitating informed decision‑making.
• Manage the offer process, including negotiation and background checks, ensuring a smooth transition for the appointed executive.
• Build and maintain a strong network of senior‑level professionals and key industry influencers.
• Provide market intelligence and strategic advice to clients regarding executive compensation, talent availability, and market trends.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of candidates and prospective clients.

Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of experience in executive search or senior‑level recruitment, preferably within a reputable consultancy.
• Demonstrated success in placing candidates in C-suite, VP, and Director‑level positions.
• Exceptional research, analytical, and business acumen.
• Outstanding networking and relationship‑building skills with senior executives.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to handle confidential information with the utmost discretion.
• A bachelor's degree in Business, Psychology, or a related field is required; an MBA is a plus.
• Experience working within the Benoni, Gauteng region or a strong understanding of its business landscape is beneficial.
• High ethical standards and a commitment to excellence.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and significant bonus potential based on performance.
• Access to a professional network and high‑profile clients.
• Continuous professional development and training in executive search techniques.
• Opportunity to work on challenging and impactful executive mandates.
• A sophisticated and professional working environment.
• Exposure to diverse industries and business sectors.
• Contribution to strategic talent acquisition for leading organizations.
• Regular performance reviews and career progression pathways.