Principal Recruitment Consultant - Engineering & Manufacturing

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary + commission

Hybrid work model

Career progression & leadership growth

Job summary

Placements24, a leading recruitment consultancy, is seeking a Principal Recruitment Consultant to lead its Engineering and Manufacturing division in Durban. This senior role emphasizes building key client relationships, driving growth, and mentoring a team of consultants within a hybrid work model.

You will oversee end-to-end recruitment across mechanical, electrical, civil, and chemical disciplines, partner with clients on talent strategies, and guide complex offers.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of progressive recruitment experience with a focus on Engineering and Manufacturing.
• Strong client relationship management and business development skills.
• Experience leading and mentoring recruitment consultants.
• Willingness to commute to Durban for in-office days and operate in a hybrid setup.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end recruitment for specialized engineering and manufacturing roles.
• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans to identify top talent.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with key Durban clients and hubs.
• Conduct in-depth candidate assessments, technical interviews, and references.
• Negotiate complex offers and ensure a smooth candidate experience.
• Provide market insights and strategic talent acquisition advice to clients.
• Drive business development through client meetings, proposals and contracts.
• Mentor and develop junior consultants within the team.
• Contribute to the Engineering & Manufacturing practice strategy.

Skills

Recruitment experience

Engineering & Manufacturing

Business development

Client relationship management

Mentoring

ATS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business or related field

Tools

ATS

Advanced sourcing tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading recruitment consultancy with a strong presence in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**, is looking for a Principal Recruitment Consultant to spearhead their Engineering and Manufacturing division. This senior role demands extensive experience in specialist recruitment, a deep understanding of the engineering and manufacturing sectors, and a passion for connecting highly skilled professionals with challenging opportunities. You will be responsible for managing key client relationships, driving business growth, and mentoring a team of talented consultants. This is a chance to make a significant impact within a well-respected organization that values expertise and innovation. The role offers a **hybrid** working model, allowing for a blend of remote flexibility and in-office collaboration in **Durban**.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end recruitment process for specialized engineering and manufacturing roles across various industries.
• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans to identify top-tier talent, including engineers, technicians, and operations managers.
• Cultivate and manage strong, enduring relationships with key clients in the **Durban** and surrounding industrial hubs.
• Conduct in-depth candidate assessments, technical interviews, and reference checks.
• Negotiate complex offer packages and ensure a seamless candidate experience.
• Provide market insights and strategic advice to clients on talent acquisition challenges and opportunities.
• Drive business development activities, including client meetings, proposals, and contract negotiations.
• Mentor, coach, and develop junior recruitment consultants within the team.
• Contribute to the overall strategy and growth of the **Engineering & Manufacturing** practice.

Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of progressive recruitment experience, with a proven specialization in **Engineering and Manufacturing** recruitment.
• Demonstrated success in managing large, complex recruitment projects and key accounts.
• In-depth knowledge of engineering disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical) and manufacturing processes.
• Strong business development and client relationship management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing abilities.
• Experience with advanced sourcing tools and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a **hybrid** environment.
• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor a team.
• Resides in or is willing to commute to **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal** for the required in-office days.

Benefits

• Attractive base salary coupled with a highly rewarding commission structure.
• Significant opportunities for career progression and leadership development.
• Exposure to a wide range of challenging and impactful roles.
• Access to a robust client network and market intelligence.
• A supportive and collaborative team culture within a **hybrid** framework.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• State-of-the-art office facilities in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**.