Remote Principal Talent Acquisition Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work from anywhere in SA

Competitive salary and bonus structure

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Talent Acquisition Specialist to lead recruitment for technology and financial services roles in a fully remote South Africa setup. You will design and execute innovative talent strategies, manage the full lifecycle, and shape the employer brand and TA roadmap at a strategic level.

You will partner with senior stakeholders, drive best practices in sourcing and selection, and mentor the TA team while scaling the organization for growth in a dynamic FinTech

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of talent acquisition experience focused on technology and financial services.
• Proven track record in placing senior-level and niche roles in competitive markets.
• Strong sourcing, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills with C-suite exposure.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive talent acquisition strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead end-to-end recruitment for senior-level and niche roles, ensuring high-quality candidate experience.
• Proactively source and engage top talent via advanced search, networking, and virtual events.
• Build consultative relationships with hiring managers and executives, advising on market dynamics and recruitment strategies.
• Champion employer branding and develop recruitment marketing materials to attract passive candidates.
• Mentor junior TA team members and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Analyze recruitment data to identify trends, optimize processes, and report KPIs to leadership.
• Drive diversity and inclusion across recruitment processes.
• Manage external recruitment agencies and partnerships to ensure alignment with standards.

Skills

Senior stakeholder management

Advanced sourcing techniques

ATS/HRIS proficiency

Talent acquisition strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business

Tools

LinkedIn Recruiter

Boolean search

ATS/CRM systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing FinTech innovator, is seeking an experienced and strategic Principal Talent Acquisition Specialist to lead their recruitment efforts. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa. You will be instrumental in designing and executing innovative talent strategies to attract high-caliber professionals for roles spanning software engineering, product management, data analytics, and cybersecurity. As a Principal Specialist, you will not only manage the full recruitment lifecycle but also contribute to shaping our client's employer brand and talent acquisition roadmap. We are looking for a visionary leader who can think critically, build strong partnerships with senior stakeholders, and drive best practices in a competitive market. This role requires a deep understanding of sourcing strategies for niche and senior-level technical talent. Join a dynamic, forward-thinking organization committed to attracting and retaining the best talent globally, all within a supportive and fully remote working culture. Your expertise will be key to scaling the organization and driving its strategic growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive talent acquisition strategies aligned with the company's business objectives and growth plans.
• Lead the end-to-end recruitment process for senior-level and niche technical roles, ensuring a high-quality candidate experience.
• Proactively source and engage with top-tier talent through advanced search methodologies, networking, and industry events (virtual).
• Build and maintain strong, consultative relationships with hiring managers and executive leadership, providing expert advice on talent market dynamics and recruitment strategies.
• Champion employer branding initiatives and develop compelling recruitment marketing materials to attract passive candidates.
• Mentor and guide junior members of the talent acquisition team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
• Analyze recruitment data and metrics to identify trends, optimize processes, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to senior leadership.
• Drive diversity and inclusion initiatives within the recruitment process, ensuring equitable access to opportunities.
• Manage external recruitment agencies and partnerships as needed, ensuring alignment with company standards and objectives.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in talent acquisition, with a significant focus on recruiting for technology and financial services roles.
• Proven track record of successfully placing senior-level and niche technical positions in a competitive market.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing strategic talent acquisition plans.
• Exceptional understanding of advanced sourcing techniques, including Boolean search, CRM, and social media recruiting.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to understand complex technical requirements and business needs.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage with C-suite executives and senior leaders.
• Experience in a remote or distributed work environment is essential.
• Proficiency in using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and other HR technologies.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degrees or certifications are a plus.
• Strong analytical skills and a data-driven approach to recruitment.

Benefits

• Fully remote working arrangement, providing maximum flexibility and autonomy.
• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure commensurate with experience and impact.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and retirement plans.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and career advancement.
• Chance to shape the talent acquisition function for a fast-growing FinTech company.
• Collaborative and innovative work culture that values employee contributions.
• Work on challenging and impactful roles within the technology and finance sectors.