Strategic Business Development Leader, Executive Search

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uncapped bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Sandton office

Wellness program

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton is seeking a Principal Business Development Manager to spearhead client acquisition and growth in executive search. You will identify strategic relationships with leading organizations to secure mandates and lead high-value searches.

The role requires a track record in high-level B2B sales, deep market understanding, and exceptional networking within the executive landscape. This is a high-impact, career-defining opportunity in a premier firm.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in acquiring and growing high-value client accounts.
• Extensive experience in business development or sales leadership in executive search or professional services.
• Demonstrated ability to engage C-suite and board-level stakeholders.
• Strong communication, presentation and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic business development plan to secure new executive search clients.
• Build and maintain relationships with C-suite executives and key decision-makers.
• Articulate value propositions for executive search services.
• Lead client presentations, proposals and negotiations for high-value searches.
• Collaborate with practice leads to align BD with service delivery.
• Represent the company at industry events and forums.
• Aim to meet and exceed revenue targets and KPIs.
• Monitor market trends and leadership needs across industries.
• Contribute to thought leadership and market intelligence.
• Mentor junior BD and recruitment professionals.

Skills

Executive search

Business development

Sales leadership

Key account management

C-suite relations

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Networking

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree

Job description

Placements24 in Sandton is seeking a Principal Business Development Manager to spearhead client acquisition and growth in executive search. You will identify strategic relationships with leading organizations to secure mandates and lead high-value searches.

The role requires a track record in high-level B2B sales, deep market understanding, and exceptional networking within the executive landscape. This is a high-impact, career-defining opportunity in a premier firm.