Remote Principal Talent Acquisition Specialist - Executive Search

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

Benefits offered by this job

Global remote work

Performance bonus

Health benefits

Executive search tools

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Talent Acquisition Specialist to lead executive search assignments on a fully remote basis. You will identify and attract C-suite and senior leaders for top clients, acting as a trusted advisor with deep market knowledge.

The role requires 7+ years in executive recruitment, exceptional networking, and strategic stakeholder engagement. A Bachelor’s is required; MBA is a strong advantage.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in executive search or retained recruitment.
• Track record of placing senior leadership roles across multiple industries.
• Strong research, market mapping, and networking capabilities.
• Excellent interviewing, assessment, and candidate evaluation skills.
• Superior communication, influencing, and negotiation abilities.
• Able to manage multiple complex searches concurrently.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s/MBA is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end executive search processes for C-suite, VP, and Director roles.
• Conduct organizational and market analysis to define search strategies.
• Develop and execute targeted talent sourcing plans with advanced research.
• Build relationships with senior executives and industry leaders.
• Screen, assess, and present highly qualified candidates with feedback.
• Manage candidate experience with discretion and professionalism.
• Advise clients on talent market dynamics and executive compensation.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure seamless execution.

Skills

Executive search

Market mapping

Networking

Candidate evaluation

Negotiation

Communication

Remote work

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's/MBA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized recruitment consultancy, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Principal Talent Acquisition Specialist to lead executive search assignments on a fully remote basis. This senior role is critical in identifying and attracting C-suite and senior leadership talent for our prestigious clients across diverse industries. You will operate as a trusted advisor, conducting in-depth market mapping, stakeholder engagement, and bespoke candidate development. As a remote-first organization, we empower our top performers with the autonomy and resources needed to succeed from anywhere in the world. This position demands exceptional networking skills, a deep understanding of executive career paths, and an unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding results in a high-stakes environment. Your ability to discreetly manage complex searches and build trust with top-tier candidates will be paramount.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end executive search processes for senior-level positions (C-suite, VP, Director).
• Conduct comprehensive organizational and market analysis to define search strategies.
• Develop and execute targeted talent sourcing plans, leveraging advanced research methodologies and networking.
• Build and cultivate strong relationships with senior executives and industry leaders.
• Screen, assess, and present highly qualified candidates to clients, providing in-depth qualitative feedback.
• Manage candidate experience throughout the search process, ensuring discretion and professionalism.
• Act as a strategic partner to clients, offering expert advice on talent market dynamics and executive compensation.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure seamless execution and client satisfaction.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in executive search, retained recruitment, or high-level talent acquisition.
• Demonstrated success in placing senior leadership roles across multiple industries.
• Exceptional research, market mapping, and networking capabilities.
• Superior interviewing, assessment, and candidate evaluation skills.
• Outstanding communication, influencing, and negotiation abilities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex searches simultaneously.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of corporate structures and leadership requirements.
• Ability to thrive in a remote, autonomous, and high-performance culture.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree or MBA is a strong advantage.

Benefits

• Truly global, fully remote working environment.
• Highly competitive compensation package including a substantial performance-based bonus.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Access to world-class executive search tools and databases.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Exposure to leading organizations and impactful executive placements worldwide.
• A culture that values expertise, integrity, and client-centricity.