Head of Strategic Partnerships

multiSEARCH Recruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

multiSEARCH Recruitment is seeking a senior professional to originate and develop high-value client relationships, particularly with scaling technology businesses. The ideal candidate will have 8–15 years' experience in corporate finance or investment banking and the ability to engage at the highest levels. Responsibilities include pipeline management and representing the company at industry events for strategic partnerships. This role is vital for building long-term engagements and ensuring successful deal flow.

Qualifications

• 8–15+ years experience in corporate finance, investment banking, or venture capital.
• Proven ability to engage with senior-level founders and executives.
• Experience in strategic business development in tech or financial services.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage high-value client relationships.
• Identify businesses needing investment readiness and capital raising support.
• Engage in strategic discussions with founders.

Skills

Strategic relationship development

Client engagement

Opportunity origination

Advisory-led engagements

Pipeline management

Job description

Role Purpose

To originate and develop high-value client relationships and partnerships that result in long-term engagements with the company, while positioning the firm as a trusted advisor to scaling technology businesses

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Relationship Development

• Build and maintain relationships with:
  • Founders and executives of scaling tech companies
  • Venture capital, private equity, and family offices
  • Legal, tax, and advisory partners
• Maintain relationships with prospects
• Position the firm as a long-term strategic partner, not a service provider

1. Opportunity Origination

• Identify high-potential businesses requiring:
  • International structuring
  • Expansion into new markets
  • Investment readiness and capital raising support
• Qualify opportunities based on strategic fit and long-term value

1. Advisory-Led Engagement

• Engage founders in high-level commercial and strategic discussions
• Understand their growth ambitions, challenges, and structuring needs
• Translate these into clear opportunities for the firm's services

1. Partnership Development

• Build a network of referral partners (VCs, lawyers, accountants, bankers)
• Create mutually beneficial relationships that generate a consistent deal flow
• Represent the company at industry events, dinners, and ecosystem engagements

1. Pipeline Ownership

• Develop and manage a high-quality pipeline of opportunities
• Drive engagements from initial relationship through to signed mandate
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure smooth onboarding and delivery

Ideal Candidate Profile

Experience

• 8–15+ years experience in one or more of:
  • Corporate finance / investment banking
  • Venture capital / private equity
  • Professional services (legal, tax, advisory)
  • Strategic business development in tech or financial services
• Proven ability to engage with founders, executives, and investors at a senior level