Director Executive Search

KNR is India's leading executive search firm, operating since 2009, having built leadership teams for global corporations in more than 42 countries across the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. KNR has offices across Delhi NCR and Singapore and is expanding further globally.

Role: VP/Director - Executive Search India

Location Onsite: Gurgaon HQ

Strategic Mandate:

We are seeking a seasoned and business-driven leader to lead the global practice, with a clear focus on P&L ownership, key account management, and scaling business verticals. The ideal candidate would be a performance-oriented leader who can manage teams, grow key accounts, drive delivery excellence, and develop new client relationships to expand KNR's global footprint.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Development & Key Account Management:

• Own and grow relationships with top-tier clients, understand business nuances, and work as a strategic partner. Drive client retention and upsell opportunities.
• Identify white spaces and new client opportunities across sectors and geographies. Build a strong mandate pipeline through proactive networking, client engagement, and relationship building.

P&L Ownership:

• Drive profitability with complete P&L accountability. Monitor top-line and bottom-line performance while ensuring ROI-driven growth.

Delivery Leadership:

• Oversee end-to-end recruitment delivery with a direct team of researchers and consultants, plus indirect cross-functional team members, for middle- to senior-level roles within India.

Team Leadership & People Development:

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of consultants. Manage performance, skill development, hiring, and capacity planning.

Search Strategy & Market Intelligence:

• Drive high-quality execution through headhunting, talent mapping projects, market research, and talent intelligence. Leverage advanced sourcing tools and platforms such as LinkedIn, Naukri, internal databases, and Boolean strategies.

Stakeholder Management:

• Communicate and engage effectively with CXOs, Founders, CHROs, and global hiring teams. Handle end-to-end client interaction, feedback loops, and expectation management.

Execution Excellence:

• Lead candidate assessment, interviews, onboarding, and follow-ups. Ensure best-in-class candidate and client experience throughout the hiring lifecycle.

What You Bring:

• Proven experience in executive search and leadership hiring across diverse industries and global markets.
• Demonstrated track record of P&L management, business growth, and key account expansion.
• Strong ability to lead, inspire, and grow teams in a fast-paced and intellectually driven environment.
• Advanced research, mapping, and sourcing capabilities using digital tools and platforms.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills at the C-suite level.

Why KNR

• Legacy of 16+ years in leadership hiring with a global footprint.
• Knowledge-led, tech-enabled processes with a strong focus on quality and research.
• Opportunity to work closely with industry leaders and global organizations.
• A growth-centric, entrepreneurial culture that values innovation and independence.