Principal Recruitment Consultant - Executive Search

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary + performance bonus

Health insurance

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work arrangement in Durban

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Principal Recruitment Consultant for its executive search division. You will lead senior-level assignments, engage C-suite executives, and shape search strategies for global and local roles.

The role blends remote flexibility with strong in-person Durban presence. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in executive search, a proven track record of placing top executives, and a deep understanding of various industries.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of executive search or senior recruitment experience.
• Proven track record placing CEO/CFO/CIO and board roles.
• Strong networking and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end executive search assignments for C-suite, board-level, and senior management positions.
• Develop and execute comprehensive search strategies to identify and attract top-tier talent globally and locally.
• Conduct in-depth candidate assessments, including behavioural interviews and reference checks.
• Build and maintain a strong network of senior-level contacts across diverse industries.
• Cultivate long-term relationships with clients and candidates, acting as a trusted advisor.
• Partner with clients to understand organizational needs, culture, and strategic objectives.
• Generate business development opportunities and contribute to growth of the practice.
• Mentor and coach junior consultants within the team.
• Stay informed about industry trends and executive compensation benchmarks.

Skills

Executive search

Senior-level recruitment

Networking

Stakeholder management

C-suite engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Psychology, or related field

Master's degree or MBA (preferred)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious Recruitment Consultancy based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA , is seeking an experienced and highly accomplished Principal Recruitment Consultant to join their executive search division. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with senior leadership roles across various industries, requiring a sophisticated approach to talent identification and engagement. While the position offers a hybrid work model, providing flexibility between remote work and office-based collaboration, a strong presence in the Durban area is expected. You will be responsible for managing complex, high-stakes recruitment projects, building lasting relationships with C-suite executives and influential decision-makers, and contributing significantly to the firm's strategic growth. This role is designed for a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of executive search methodologies and a proven ability to deliver exceptional results in a competitive market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end executive search assignments for C-suite, board-level, and senior management positions.
• Develop and execute comprehensive search strategies to identify and attract top-tier talent globally and locally.
• Conduct in-depth candidate assessments, including behavioral interviews and reference checks, to evaluate leadership potential and strategic fit.
• Build and maintain a strong network of senior-level contacts across diverse industries.
• Cultivate and nurture long-term relationships with both clients and candidates, acting as a trusted advisor.
• Partner with clients to understand their organizational needs, culture, and strategic objectives to ensure optimal candidate placement.
• Generate business development opportunities and contribute to the growth of the executive search practice.
• Mentor and coach junior consultants within the executive search team.
• Stay informed about industry trends, market dynamics, and executive compensation benchmarks.

Requirements

• Extensive experience (7+ years) in executive search or senior-level recruitment, preferably within a leading recruitment consultancy.
• Proven track record of successfully placing senior executives (CEO, CFO, CIO, Board Members, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute complex search strategies for hard-to-fill roles.
• Exceptional networking, interpersonal, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively at the highest levels.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of various industries.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in conducting thorough candidate due diligence and reference checks.
• Experience working within a hybrid work model, demonstrating adaptability and effective time management.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Psychology, or a related field; Master's degree or MBA is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive base salary complemented by a generous performance-based bonus structure.
• You will benefit from a comprehensive health insurance plan and significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• The hybrid work arrangement provides a balance between remote flexibility and in-office collaboration in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA .
• Access to advanced recruitment tools, a supportive team environment, and the prestige of working on high-impact executive search mandates are key advantages of this role.