Principal Talent Acquisition Partner - Financial Services

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Performance-based bonus

Exposure to high-profile clients

Growth and leadership development

Hybrid work environment

Strategic talent acquisition challenge

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Talent Acquisition Partner to lead executive recruitment initiatives within the financial services sector. This senior role blends strategic workforce planning with hands-on execution in a hybrid work setting.

You will build senior-level talent pipelines, advise senior stakeholders, and mentor team members while delivering impactful hires across banking, fintech, or insurance, shaping talent strategies for top industry players.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in executive search or in-house talent acquisition with financial services focus.
• Proven track record in recruiting for Director, VP, or C-suite roles in banking, fintech, insurance.
• Strong networking, negotiation, and influencing abilities; data-driven approach.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sophisticated talent acquisition strategies for executive and niche roles within the financial services industry.
• Conduct in-depth market mapping and competitor analysis to identify talent pools and market trends.
• Build and nurture long-term relationships with senior-level candidates and industry leaders.
• Partner with hiring managers and HR leaders to define role requirements, develop job descriptions, and refine interview processes.
• Manage multiple complex searches simultaneously, ensuring timely and successful placements.
• Advise clients on talent attraction, employer branding, and compensation strategies.
• Mentor and guide junior members of the talent acquisition team.
• Maintain a high level of candidate experience throughout the recruitment process.

Skills

Executive search

Stakeholder management

Market mapping

Talent acquisition

Regulatory knowledge

Negotiation

Leadership

Data-driven decisions

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished recruitment consultancy, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Talent Acquisition Partner to lead critical recruitment initiatives within the competitive financial services sector. This senior position is designed for an individual with extensive experience in executive search and strategic workforce planning. You will be responsible for managing complex recruitment projects, building talent pipelines for hard-to-fill roles, and acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders within client organizations. The role requires a blend of strategic thinking, market expertise, and exceptional execution. While the role offers a hybrid work model, flexibility and the ability to collaborate effectively across different work settings are essential. You will play a key role in shaping the talent acquisition strategies for some of the most reputable firms in the financial industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sophisticated talent acquisition strategies for executive and niche roles within the financial services industry.
• Conduct in-depth market mapping and competitor analysis to identify key talent pools and market trends.
• Build and nurture long-term relationships with senior-level candidates and industry leaders.
• Partner closely with hiring managers and HR leaders to define role requirements, develop compelling job descriptions, and refine interview processes.
• Manage multiple complex searches simultaneously, ensuring timely and successful placements.
• Advise clients on best practices in talent attraction, employer branding, and compensation strategies.
• Mentor and guide junior members of the talent acquisition team.
• Maintain a high level of candidate experience throughout the recruitment process.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in executive search or in-house talent acquisition, with a strong specialization in financial services.
• Proven success in recruiting for senior-level positions (e.g., Director, VP, C-suite) within banking, investment management, fintech, or insurance.
• Exceptional networking, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and market dynamics within the financial services sector.
• Experience with advanced recruitment technologies and methodologies.
• Excellent project management and organizational abilities.
• Ability to build rapport and credibility with senior executives.
• Strategic thinker with a data-driven approach to talent acquisition.

Benefits

• A competitive base salary coupled with a generous performance-based bonus structure.
• Access to a broad portfolio of high-profile financial services clients.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• A dynamic and collaborative hybrid work environment.
• Exposure to strategic talent acquisition challenges and innovative solutions.
• Contribution to shaping the future talent landscape of the financial industry.
• Comprehensive benefits package.