Remote Principal Talent Partner - Engineering Disciplines

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Talent Partner to lead its remote engineering recruitment division. This 100% remote role targets candidates across South Africa, handling elite talent across mechanical, electrical, civil, and chemical engineering for top industrial and technology clients.

The role requires strategic market knowledge, strong client relationships, and the ability to work autonomously within a global remote team. Excellent leadership and advanced sourcing capabilities are essential.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in recruitment with senior engineering focus.
• Proven ability to recruit for Chief Engineer / Senior Project Manager roles.
• Deep understanding of SA and international engineering markets.
• Experience managing complex, high-stakes projects remotely.

Responsibilities

• Lead executive-level and specialized searches across engineering fields.
• Develop proactive, data-driven sourcing strategies for global talent.
• Build long-term relationships with client decision-makers.
• Conduct rigorous assessments including technical and behavioral interviews.
• Advise clients on market intelligence and compensation trends.
• Mentor other recruitment professionals in the engineering practice.
• Drive business development to secure new mandates.
• Ensure superior candidate experience and ethical practices.
• Utilize tech and analytics to optimize recruitment processes.

Skills

Executive search

Client management

Engineering sourcing

Remote collaboration

Stakeholder influence

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related

Tools

Sourcing tools

Recruitment tech

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished recruitment consultancy, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Talent Partner to lead its remote engineering recruitment division. This is a 100% remote position, open to candidates based anywhere in South Africa . You will be instrumental in sourcing and securing elite talent across various engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, civil, and chemical engineering, for a portfolio of leading industrial and technology clients. This role demands a strategic mindset, exceptional market knowledge of the engineering sector, and the ability to cultivate deep client relationships remotely. You will play a pivotal role in shaping our client's reputation as a premier provider of engineering talent solutions, operating independently and collaboratively within a global, remote team.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and execute executive-level and specialized recruitment searches within diverse engineering fields.
• Develop and implement proactive, data-driven sourcing strategies to identify and engage top engineering talent globally.
• Build and maintain robust, long‑term relationships with key decision‑makers in client organizations.
• Conduct rigorous candidate assessments, including technical evaluations and behavioural interviews, to ensure a superior fit for complex roles.
• Act as a strategic advisor to clients, providing market intelligence on engineering talent, compensation trends, and recruitment best practices.
• Mentor and guide other recruitment professionals within the engineering practice, fostering a culture of excellence.
• Drive business development initiatives to expand the client base and secure new mandates within the engineering sector.
• Ensure the highest standards of candidate experience and ethical recruitment practices are maintained.
• Utilise advanced technology and analytics to optimise recruitment processes and outcomes.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of extensive experience in recruitment, with a deep specialisation in sourcing engineering talent across multiple disciplines.
• Proven success in recruiting for senior engineering roles (e.g., Chief Engineer, Senior Project Manager, Lead Design Engineer, Principal Mechanical Engineer).
• Comprehensive understanding of the engineering landscape in South Africa and internationally.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, high‑stakes recruitment projects and deliver exceptional results.
• Outstanding business development, client relationship management, and influencing skills.
• Expertise in using sophisticated sourcing techniques and recruitment technologies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, adapted for a remote work environment.
• A relevant Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Must be fully remote‑capable and authorised to work in South Africa.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, significant bonus potential tied to performance, and a comprehensive benefits package. This role provides unparalleled flexibility and autonomy, allowing you to work from any location within South Africa. You will have the opportunity to engage with prestigious clients, work on challenging and impactful assignments, and benefit from continuous professional growth and development. Join a forward‑thinking recruitment firm that champions remote work and invests in its top talent. Experience the freedom and rewards of a leading remote engineering recruitment role.