Principal - Executive Search

Principal - Executive Search

The organisation

As the undisputed market leader in executive search and selection in Europe’s most central and largest market and an overall top 5 player in Europe and global top 10 player, we are well positioned to secure top quality in management - top quality that will make our clients more successful.

Thanks to over 65 years of experience and the successful completion of over 70.000 Executive Search, Assessment/Management Audits, NewPlacement, Coaching and Interim Management assignments, we have developed a unique expertise. Furthermore, through our network of 41 offices in 22 countries we also render broader services in the area of Human Resource Management such as Succession Planning, Management Development, HR Strategies and Compensation & Benefits. 

The Amsterdam office is a professional, informal, fun and high quality office supported with strong IT/database tools allowing flexible working methods and entrepreneurial solutions. We can draw from a large contingent of Executive Search, Diagnostics/Assessment, C&B, HR Consulting, Training, Coaching and Transformation specialist from within Kienbaum’s own international workforce.

The position

Opportunity for a team player who is equally happy working on own initiative. He/she will work independently and will be the main driver in developing his/her own client portfolio and play a key role in the identification, recruitment and placement of senior executives. The role is broadly based and integral to the overall business development and search process. This involves initiating, arranging and attending client meetings and briefings, drafting and negotiating proposals, planning and implementing the research plan, interviewing and introducing suitable candidates, reference checking, mediating between candidate and client for completion of assignment and follow after placement with candidates and clients.

This full-time position can take you beyond the normal realms of the traditional Senior Consultant role and will be dependent upon you to shape the position.

The Principal Executive Search reports to the Managing Director/Partner.

Responsibilities

• Developing the business at executive levels within one or two of Kienbaum practices by networking within Kienbaum relationships portfolio leveraging national and international Kienbaum client contacts but more importantly leveraging ones own network.
• Arranging and attending client meetings and briefings in a professional manner knowing the client’s industry and the relevant labour market and advising the client on tailor made talent attraction strategies.
• Drafting high quality and tailored search strategies/proposals, job specifications, candidate reports and progress reports.
• Manage the whole executive search project including indentifying, contacting, screening, interviewing, assessing, selecting and introducing candidates. Furthermore responsible for keeping client and candidates up to date on progress of the executive search project and be the main driver in keeping the project going forward.
• Manage the closing of an executive search project by mediating in a sensible and proactive manner and follow up after placement with client and candidate including on boarding support.
• Develop the business in such a manner that a dedicated Research Associate can be recruited and further build your own team.
• Management of the records in systems and administration so automatically up to date client progress reports can be produced for internal and external use and CRM is up-to-date reflecting latest developments.
• Keep up to date with relevant press and industry publications on a regularly basis to enhance your knowledge of your market sectors.
• Participate in (international) team initiatives. Build a network within the Kienbaum international consulting capacity.
• Constant development of your own skills and help the people around you when required.
• Represent Kienbaum’s one brand philosophy and promote full service portfolio including Management Assessments, C&B, NewPlacement, Bench Marking, Interim Executives and other Consulting Services.
• Ad hoc projects such as Management Assessment, Strategic studies or office improvement related projects.

Candiate profile

• Minimum of 7-12 years working experience in reputed companies, of which a minimum of 3-5 years in executive recruitment or executive search. A proven track record of successful business development in the recruitment/executive search industry is required
• Master degree plus ideally a post graduate degree 
• Combining a hunting attitude with top notch relationship/key account management drive
• A sound understanding of business and organisation structures
• Familiar with (semi-)structured and competency based interviewing techniques. Preferably also experience with assessments but if not you will be trained in this.
• As most of our clients and searches are international experience in an international environment is considered a very strong plus
• Knowledge of one or more of the following industries is considered a strong plus: Manufacturing/Engineering, FMCG, ICT, Energy, Logistics, Automotive, Life Sciences or Healthcare
• Strong (persuasive) communication skills
• Hunting capabilities to develop new clients and account. management/relationship management skills to develop clients upward and cross sided
• Empathic and feel for people and for different cultures, able to win trust easily
• Strong, proven documentation skills
• Pro active, takes and drives initiative 
• High level of motivation and high level of energy
• Ability to work independent, but also somebody who adds to the team
• Ability to prioritise and multi-task and work within tight timeframes
• Flexible and easy adaptable
• High work standards and methodologies
• Strong sense of humour, fun person
• Computer literate
• Outgoing, extravert and fun
• European Citizen
• Fluent in Dutch and English, Fluency in other languages are considered a strong advantage

The offer

High standards, entrepreneurial, fast moving and innovative. If you recognise these traits in yourself you will be at home here. We offer an entrepreneurial, high quality, international environment that is free from bureaucracy, giving you the opportunity to develop your own career in a challenging, motivating, fun, informal and enthusiastic environment. 

Career growth opportunities are available for the right candidate who has shown to be ready for the next step. You will hold a strategic and consultative position in an international context, rewarded by a competitive and stimulating remuneration system based on team and individual performance targets. 

Interested?

You can apply to this position by using the form below.