Principal Recruitment Consultant - Executive Search

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation with bonus

Medical aid and retirement provisions

Professional growth opportunities

International exposure

Prestigious Sandton office

Generous annual leave

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct in Sandton, Gauteng seeks a Principal Recruitment Consultant to lead executive search assignments for C-suite and senior leadership across industries. You will build relationships with clients, design search strategies, and manage confidential assessments and references.

The role demands an 8+ year track record in retained executive recruitment, exceptional business acumen, networking, and integrity. A Master’s degree is advantageous.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in executive search or retained recruitment.
• Proven success delivering C-suite and board-level searches.
• Ability to develop sophisticated search strategies and assess candidates.
• Strong business acumen, market knowledge and leadership competencies.
• Discretion, integrity and commitment to confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage executive search assignments for C-suite and senior leadership roles.
• Develop and execute comprehensive search strategies to identify passive candidates globally.
• Conduct in-depth interviews, due diligence, and reference checks.
• Build trusted relationships with senior executives and clients.
• Provide consultative advice on leadership assessment and succession planning.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to market insights.
• Maintain highest ethical standards and confidentiality.

Skills

Executive search

Client relationship management

Leadership assessment

Networking

Market intelligence

Negotiation

Education

Master's degree in Business/HR

Job description

About the Role

WhatJobs Direct is seeking an experienced and highly strategic Principal Recruitment Consultant to join a distinguished executive search firm in Sandton, Gauteng . This senior role focuses on identifying, assessing, and placing C-suite executives and senior leadership talent across various industries. You will be responsible for managing complex executive search assignments, building deep relationships with C-level clients, and developing sophisticated talent intelligence strategies. The Principal Recruitment Consultant will leverage their extensive network and expertise to attract top-tier candidates who align with their clients' strategic objectives. Based in the heart of Sandton, Gauteng , this role demands discretion, exceptional judgment, and a thorough understanding of leadership dynamics. We are looking for a seasoned professional with a proven track record in executive search, who can operate with autonomy and deliver outstanding results for high-profile clients. This is an opportunity to shape leadership appointments for leading organizations and contribute to the growth of a highly respected executive search practice. The successful candidate will be a natural relationship builder with a keen eye for talent and a commitment to ethical recruitment standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage executive search assignments for C-suite and senior leadership positions across diverse sectors.
• Develop and execute comprehensive search strategies to identify and engage high-caliber passive candidates globally.
• Conduct in-depth interviews, rigorous due diligence, and comprehensive reference checks for executive candidates.
• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with senior executives, clients, and key stakeholders.
• Provide expert consultative advice to clients on leadership assessment, market intelligence, and succession planning.
• Manage the entire search process with utmost confidentiality and professionalism.
• Develop and leverage an extensive network of senior talent across various industries.
• Contribute to the firm's thought leadership through market analysis and insights.
• Mentor and guide junior members of the executive search team.
• Ensure adherence to the highest ethical standards and professional conduct in all search activities.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in executive search or executive-level recruitment, with a strong focus on retained search.
• Demonstrated success in successfully completing high-level search assignments for C-suite and board-level positions.
• Proven ability to develop and execute sophisticated search strategies and conduct in-depth candidate assessments.
• Exceptional business acumen, market knowledge, and understanding of leadership competencies.
• Outstanding networking, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build rapport and credibility with senior executives and client leaders.
• Proficiency in leveraging executive search databases, research tools, and professional networks.
• Discretion, integrity, and a commitment to confidentiality are paramount.
• A Master's degree in Business, HR, or a related field is highly advantageous.
• A proactive, results-driven approach with a passion for connecting exceptional leaders with leading organizations.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and exceptional performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive executive benefits package, including medical aid, life cover, and retirement provisions.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth, leadership, and business development.
• Exposure to high-profile clients and challenging leadership assignments.
• Access to advanced research tools and executive search methodologies.
• A prestigious work environment in the heart of Sandton, Gauteng .
• Collaborative and intellectually stimulating team culture.
• Generous annual leave and flexible working options.
• Be part of a renowned firm recognized for its excellence in executive search.
• Opportunities for international exposure and cross-border assignments.