Principal Executive Search

SGA Talent • Saratoga Springs, NY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

SGA Talent, a nationally ranked 250 Recruiting firm, is expanding its executive search practice and seeking a seasoned sales or recruiting leader to join at a senior level. This is a unique opportunity to be involved in the ground floor of shaping a growing firm's search practice, utilizing your existing relationships and expertise to build your own success. The role is designed for a 'rainmaker' who can bring an existing book of business or client relationships and is eager to grow a practice. You will originate and close new executive search and recruiting engagements, manage the full search lifecycle, build long-term relationships with C-suite clients, and act as a trusted advisor on talent strategy. You will also partner with firm leadership on growth strategy, mentor team members, and represent SGA Talent at industry events.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in executive search, recruiting leadership, human resources leader with agency experience or senior B2B sales.
• A demonstrated track record of closing business and hitting revenue targets.
• An existing book of business, client relationships, or a strong professional network you can activate quickly (strongly preferred).
• Deep understanding of the executive search process, from business development through placement.
• Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills.
• A self-starter mentality — comfortable operating with autonomy and building something from the ground up.
• Alignment with a firm that rewards performance and ownership over tenure or hierarchy.

Nice To Haves

• An existing book of business, client relationships, or a strong professional network you can activate quickly

Responsibilities

• Originate and close new executive search and recruiting engagements, leveraging your existing network, your book of business, and the SGA Talent brand.
• Manage the full search lifecycle — client development, search strategy, candidate sourcing, assessment, and offer negotiation — backed by a team of recruiters to help fulfill your searches.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with C-suite and senior-level clients across your area of specialization.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients on talent strategy, market intelligence, and organizational design.
• Partner with firm leadership to help shape SGA Talent's growth strategy, practice areas, and brand in the market.
• Mentor and collaborate with team members as the search practice scales.
• Represent SGA Talent at industry events, conferences, and networking functions to build market presence.

Benefits

• Uncapped, commission-driven compensation — your book of business directly drives your earning potential.
• Built-in delivery support — a team of recruiters helps fulfill your searches, so you can focus on origination and client relationships.
• Ground-floor opportunity to help build and shape a growing executive search practice.
• Autonomy and ownership — you'll operate like a business owner, not just an employee.
• A firm built for growth — if you're looking to be part of something scaling rather than settling into something static, this is the seat.
• Partner-track structure designed to reward the people who help build the firm, not just staff it.
• Commission and Bonus opportunities are huge!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed