The Head of Sales & Business Development will lead and scale the organization's executive search division, driving revenue growth, client acquisition, and market expansion. This senior leadership role blends strategic business development, client advisory, operational leadership, and executive talent planning.
The position is responsible for leading a team of Practice Leads, ensuring premium search delivery, and acting as a trusted advisor to corporate clients and senior leadership on executive hiring strategies and organizational growth initiatives.
Key Functions & Responsibilities
1. Business Development & Revenue Growth
- Own the end-to-end sales cycle for executive search services, including prospecting, pitching, and closing new client engagements.
- Develop and execute business development strategies to expand client base and achieve revenue targets.
- Leverage CRM systems to manage pipelines, track opportunities, forecast revenue, and drive accountability across the team.
- Build long-term client relationships, generating repeat business, referrals, and strategic partnerships.
- Lead consultative selling initiatives, positioning the firm as a strategic partner in executive talent solutions.
- Identify cross-selling opportunities with other service lines or divisions to maximize revenue growth.
2. Executive Search Delivery Excellence
- Oversee the full lifecycle of executive search projects: talent mapping, sourcing, assessment, presentation, and placement.
- Ensure candidate shortlists meet client expectations in quality, fit, and speed.
- Maintain high standards of delivery while balancing turnaround times and market responsiveness.
- Drive proactive communication with clients and candidates to ensure exceptional service and satisfaction.
3. Team Leadership & Performance Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop Practice Leads and search teams to deliver on revenue and placement goals.
- Implement performance management, coaching, and KPI tracking across the team.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance aligned with business objectives.
- Share best practices, drive knowledge transfer, and strengthen team capabilities in business development and search execution.
4. Market Intelligence & Strategic Advisory
- Conduct market research, competitor benchmarking, and talent mapping to identify opportunities for client growth and business expansion.
- Advise clients on executive compensation trends, talent availability, and hiring strategy.
- Serve as a strategic partner to senior leadership, aligning search initiatives with corporate growth, acquisitions, and organizational planning.
5. CRM & Data-Driven Growth
- Implement and leverage CRM systems to monitor client engagement, track revenue opportunities, and manage the business development pipeline.
- Use data analytics to drive strategic decisions, identify market gaps, and improve sales conversion rates.
- Regularly report on revenue performance, pipeline health, and search outcomes to executive leadership.
Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, or related field.
- MBA preferred.
Experience & Skills:
- 10+ years in executive search, headhunting, or senior recruitment with significant business development and sales leadership experience.
- Proven track record in revenue generation, client acquisition, and pipeline management.
- Experience leading high-performing recruitment or search teams (Practice Leads or equivalent).
- Strong executive-level client relationships and a broad industry network.
- Expertise in CRM tools, sales forecasting, and pipeline management.
- Exceptional consultative selling, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Target-driven, entrepreneurial, and growth-oriented mindset.
