Principal Business Development Manager - Executive Search

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uncapped bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Sandton office

Wellness program

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton is seeking a Principal Business Development Manager to spearhead client acquisition and growth in executive search. You will identify strategic relationships with leading organizations to secure mandates and lead high-value searches.

The role requires a track record in high-level B2B sales, deep market understanding, and exceptional networking within the executive landscape. This is a high-impact, career-defining opportunity in a premier firm.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in acquiring and growing high-value client accounts.
• Extensive experience in business development or sales leadership in executive search or professional services.
• Demonstrated ability to engage C-suite and board-level stakeholders.
• Strong communication, presentation and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic business development plan to secure new executive search clients.
• Build and maintain relationships with C-suite executives and key decision-makers.
• Articulate value propositions for executive search services.
• Lead client presentations, proposals and negotiations for high-value searches.
• Collaborate with practice leads to align BD with service delivery.
• Represent the company at industry events and forums.
• Aim to meet and exceed revenue targets and KPIs.
• Monitor market trends and leadership needs across industries.
• Contribute to thought leadership and market intelligence.
• Mentor junior BD and recruitment professionals.

Skills

Executive search

Business development

Sales leadership

Key account management

C-suite relations

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Networking

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized Recruitment Consultancy specializing in executive search, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Business Development Manager to spearhead client acquisition and growth initiatives. This senior role, based in the prestigious Sandton, Gauteng office, focuses on identifying and cultivating strategic relationships with leading organizations to secure executive search mandates. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in high-level B2B sales, deep market understanding, and exceptional networking capabilities within the executive landscape. You will be instrumental in expanding our client's footprint and revenue streams by showcasing their unparalleled expertise in placing senior leadership talent. We are looking for a strategic thinker, a master negotiator, and a relationship builder who thrives in a competitive and results-driven environment. This is a career-defining opportunity to drive significant business growth for a market-leading firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic business development plan to identify and secure new executive search clients.
• Build and maintain robust relationships with C-suite executives and key decision-makers at target organizations.
• Understand complex client needs and articulate the value proposition of our executive search services effectively.
• Lead client presentations, proposals, and negotiations for high-value search assignments.
• Collaborate closely with the executive search practice leads to align business development efforts with service delivery capabilities.
• Represent the company at premier industry events and networking forums.
• Achieve and exceed ambitious revenue targets and business development KPIs.
• Stay abreast of market trends, economic conditions, and shifts in leadership needs across industries.
• Contribute to the firm's thought leadership and market intelligence initiatives.
• Mentor and guide junior business development and recruitment professionals.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in business development, sales leadership, or account management, specifically within executive search or high-end professional services.
• Demonstrated success in acquiring and growing complex, high-value client accounts.
• Proven ability to build and nurture relationships at the C-suite and board level.
• Exceptional understanding of executive-level talent challenges and recruitment strategies.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Strategic thinking, strong business acumen, and a results-driven mindset.
• Ability to work effectively within a dynamic, fast-paced consulting environment.
• A relevant Bachelor's or Master's degree is highly desirable.
• Proximity or strong connections within the Sandton, Gauteng business community are advantageous.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to excellence.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including a substantial base salary and an exceptional, uncapped bonus structure linked directly to performance.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits are provided.
• We invest significantly in our employees' growth through continuous professional development, executive coaching, and access to industry-leading resources.
• This role is office-based in our prime location in Sandton, Gauteng , fostering collaboration and access to key business networks.
• You will work alongside a team of highly respected professionals in a stimulating and supportive environment.
• Additional benefits include generous leave allowances and comprehensive wellness programs.
• This is a premier opportunity to drive growth and shape the future of executive search.