Delivery Head

About the Role:We are seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Delivery Head to lead our Executive Search function. This critical role is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the entire end-to-end search delivery process for senior-level and executive mandates (CXO, VP, Director levels). The successful candidate will manage a high-performing team of 4-5 search professionals, drive client engagement excellence, ensure timely mandate closure, and significantly contribute to the firm's strategic growth and reputation.Key Responsibilities:1. Team Leadership and Management:- Lead and Mentor: Manage, coach, and develop a team of 4-5 Executive Search Consultants/Associates, fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and professional growth.- Performance Management: Set clear individual and team performance metrics (e.g., search completion rate, time-to-fill, candidate quality, client satisfaction) and conduct regular reviews.- Workload Allocation: Strategically allocate search mandates across the team based on expertise, capacity, and development needs to ensure optimal efficiency.2. Search Delivery and Operations:- Oversight: Own the quality and timely execution of all executive search mandates, ensuring adherence to the agreed-upon strategy and process.- Process Optimization: Continuously evaluate and refine the search methodology, tools, and best practices to improve effectiveness, candidate experience, and client satisfaction.- Complex Mandate Management: Personally lead or co-lead critical, complex, or high-profile executive searches, especially at the CXO/President level.- Market Mapping & Intelligence: Direct the team on sophisticated market mapping, talent pooling, and gathering competitive intelligence relevant to executive hiring across various sectors.3. Client and Stakeholder Management:- Strategic Client Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact and subject matter expert for key clients, building deep, trusted, and long-lasting relationships.- Search Strategy Formulation: Partner with clients to understand their long-term talent needs, organizational culture, and business strategy to define and execute the optimal search approach.- Conflict Resolution: Effectively manage and resolve any client or candidate issues that arise during the search process, safeguarding the firm's reputation.4. Business Contribution and Strategy:- Reporting: Provide regular, detailed reports and insights on search pipeline, team performance, market trends, and risk management to the senior leadership.- Quality Control: Implement rigorous quality control measures at every stage of the search process, from job description creation to candidate onboarding.- Knowledge Sharing: Champion the adoption of new search technologies and innovative sourcing techniques.Qualifications and Skills:Essential:- Education: Full-time MBA from a recognized institution is mandatory.- Experience: A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in an Executive Search firm or a high-level corporate in-house executive recruiting function.- Leadership: At least 3 years of direct managerial experience leading and mentoring a team of search consultants or recruiters.- Expertise: Proven track record of successfully closing complex CXO/VP/Director-level searches across multiple functions or industries.- Domain Knowledge: Deep understanding of search methodologies, organizational structures, and business functions.Required Competencies:Strategic Thinking: Ability to link client business goals with talent acquisition strategy.Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.Client Focus: A relentless commitment to delivering high-quality results and exceeding client expectations.Data-Driven: Proficiency in using data and metrics to drive decision-making and performance improvement.Resilience: Demonstrated ability to thrive in a high-pressure, target-driven environment. (ref:iimjobs.com)