Head of Executive Talent Acquisition

Job Description


The incumbent is responsible for developing and implementing executive hiring strategies for executive-level and C-suite job vacancies, managing the end-to-end executive recruitment process, and building strong relationships with executive candidates and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own and monitor executive hiring delivery against agreed executive hiring scorecard measures, ensuring EXCO roles are completed within targeted hiring timelines and N2 roles within targeted hiring timelines.
  • Track, report and provide regular commentary on executive and N2 hiring performance, including progress, risks, dependencies and mitigation actions.
  • Drive governance and oversight of executive hiring activity, proactively escalating delivery risks and ensuring stakeholder alignment on hiring milestones and outcomes.
  • Support Talent Acquisition cost optimization objectives through effective management of executive search activity, agency utilization and external recruitment spend.
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive executive hiring strategy aligned with the FAB’s goals, vision, and values.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership and HR teams to identify executive talent needs and develop proactive hiring plans.
  • Stay updated on industry trends, talent market dynamics, and best practices in executive search and selection.
  • Identify and cultivate relationships with potential executive candidates through various channels, including networking, referrals, and targeted outreach.
  • Utilize executive search techniques, such as direct sourcing, talent mapping, and partnerships with search firms, to attract top-tier executive talent.
  • Collaborate with hiring managers and interview panels to define executive role requirements, evaluate candidate fit, and make informed hiring decisions.
  • Ensure a positive candidate experience throughout the recruitment process, providing timely updates, feedback, and support to candidates.
  • Continuously evaluate and improve the executive hiring process, including the effectiveness of sourcing channels, assessment methods, and candidate selection.
  • Generate reports and metrics on executive hiring activities, providing insights and recommendations to drive data-driven decision-making and process enhancements.
  • Stay updated on emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in executive recruitment and talent acquisition.

Requirements / Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in HR or a related discipline.
  • 12+ years of progressive Talent Acquisition experience, including significant executive search and leadership hiring experience within banking, financial services or other highly regulated industries.
  • Proven track record of leading end-to-end recruitment for executive, senior leadership and critical business roles.
  • Experience partnering with C-suite executives, senior stakeholders and HR leadership teams.
  • Demonstrated expertise in executive search methodologies including direct sourcing, talent mapping, market intelligence and executive assessment.
  • Experience managing executive search firms and external recruitment partners, including vendor performance and cost management.
  • Strong understanding of talent market dynamics across regional and international markets.
  • Experience leveraging recruitment data and analytics to inform hiring decisions and drive process improvement.
  • Strong vendor management, influencing and negotiation skills.
  • Strong analytical and reporting capabilities with the ability to translate recruitment data into actionable business insights.
  • Professional Certification in CIPD or a related discipline is preferred.