Growth & Market Expansion Lead

About Us:
Athena Executive Search & Consulting is a boutique retained search firm delivering high-impact Executive Search, Board Level Advisory, and Talent Management services. We partner with top-tier organizations to find transformational leaders who can drive growth and long-term value. With a commitment to excellence, discretion, and results, we blend global best practices with a personalized, consultative approach. Athena is a proud member of the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC), upholding the highest standards of ethical search consulting.

Role Overview:
We are seeking a
strategic and entrepreneurial Growth & Market Expansion Lead with a strong focus on market entry and expansion strategy. This role is ideal for someone who can drive business growth through strategic partnerships, can initiate and lead high-level client conversations, and understands how to position Athena's offerings in diverse and evolving markets. The ideal candidate will help drive Athena's ambition of becoming a specialist in market entry and expansion advisory by identifying new client opportunities across industries, especially those entering or growing in India and the Middle East.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and pursue business development opportunities with global firms entering India and Indian firms expanding to international markets, especially the Middle East.
• Initiate outreach campaigns and build a qualified lead pipeline through outbound efforts, networking, referrals, and industry research.
• Develop and present Athena's executive search and consulting capabilities in the context of market entry and expansion.
• Collaborate closely with the Managing Director, Engagement Leads, and Research team to deliver custom solutions aligned with client objectives.
• Manage and grow long-term client relationships with CXOs, CHROs, and senior decision-makers across sectors.
• Stay informed on regional trends, industry shifts, and business expansion opportunities across India and the Middle East.
• Travel domestically and internationally to attend client meetings, industry events, and pitch presentations.
• Work cross-functionally with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on targets, value propositions, and client onboarding.

What Are We Looking For?

Skills:

• Strong understanding of business development, consultative sales, and strategic account management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a high degree of ownership, resilience, and initiative.
• Capability to understand and articulate the nuances of executive hiring, leadership assessment, and market dynamics.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, managing multiple workstreams effectively.
• Familiarity with the executive search, HR consulting, or professional services industry is preferred but not mandatory.

Experience:

• Candidates with 6-10+ years of experience in business development, client acquisition, or account expansion roles are preferred.
• Experience in executive search, management consulting, or market-entry strategy will be a strong differentiator
• Experience dealing with senior business leaders in India and/or Middle East markets will be an advantage.

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to play a strategic role in Athena's high-growth journey toward becoming a market-entry specialist.
• Close working relationship with the firm's leadership, including the Managing Director.
• Exposure to leadership hiring, strategic advisory, and market intelligence across diverse sectors.
• A dynamic, merit-driven environment with flexibility, autonomy, and long-term growth potential.