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Executive Headhunter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The HeadHunter

Executive Assistant

Dover, DE

Executive Assistant Our client is one of the largest and most successful international companies in construction and real estate industries. Their commitment to empowering people and powering ...

NxT Level

Senior Account Executive

Brentwood, TN · On-site

Nxt Level is a team of bad a** recruiters, headhunters, and specialists in sourcing top talent in multiple industries. We partner with some of the most innovative technology startups in the world ...

NxT Level

Senior Account Executive

Brentwood, TN · On-site

Nxt Level is a team of bad a** recruiters, headhunters, and specialists in sourcing top talent in multiple industries. We partner with some of the most innovative technology startups in the world ...

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Executive Headhunter information

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$26.5K

$93.6K

$184K

How much do executive headhunter jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive headhunter in the United States is $93,552.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $120,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it good to use a headhunter to find a job?

An executive headhunter can be a valuable resource for high-level job seekers, as they have access to exclusive opportunities and industry connections. They often assist with resume refinement, interview preparation, and negotiating offers. Using a headhunter can streamline the job search process, especially for senior or specialized roles.

What are Executive Headhunters?

Executive headhunters are specialized recruitment professionals who focus on finding and attracting top-level executives and senior management talent for organizations. They work on behalf of companies to identify, approach, and assess highly qualified candidates, often for roles that require unique skills or leadership experience. Executive headhunters typically use their extensive networks and industry knowledge to discreetly fill critical positions, such as CEOs, CFOs, or other C-suite roles. Their goal is to match the right executive talent with the strategic needs of their clients.

How much does an executive headhunter cost?

Executive headhunters typically charge a fee equal to 20% to 35% of the candidate's first-year total compensation, including base salary and bonuses. This fee is usually paid by the employer and can vary based on the industry, seniority level, and difficulty of the search. Some firms may also charge retainers or success fees depending on the agreement.

Who are the big five headhunters?

The big five headhunters are globally recognized executive search firms: Korn Ferry, Spencer Stuart, Russell Reynolds Associates, Egon Zehnder, and Heidrick & Struggles. These firms specialize in recruiting senior executives and often operate across multiple industries and regions, utilizing extensive networks and assessment tools.

How to become an executive headhunter?

To become an executive headhunter, typically one needs a bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or related fields, along with experience in recruiting or sales. Developing strong networking, communication, and negotiation skills is essential, and many professionals obtain certifications like the Certified Executive Search Professional (CESP). Building a track record of successfully placing high-level candidates can lead to success in this specialized recruiting role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Executive Headhunter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive Headhunter, you need a strong understanding of talent acquisition, industry-specific knowledge, and experience in executive search or recruitment, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with applicant tracking systems (ATS), CRM software, and professional networking platforms like LinkedIn is crucial. Exceptional interpersonal skills, persuasive communication, and resilience help build trust with both clients and candidates. These abilities ensure the effective sourcing and placement of top-level executives, driving organizational success and client satisfaction.

What are some challenges Executive Headhunters commonly face when sourcing top-level candidates?

Executive Headhunters often encounter challenges such as limited talent pools, confidentiality concerns, and the need to match not just skills but also cultural fit at the senior level. Building trust with passive candidates and maintaining discretion throughout the search process are crucial. Additionally, headhunters must navigate complex client expectations and manage multiple high-stakes searches simultaneously, requiring strong project management and communication skills.

What is the difference between Executive Headhunter vs Recruiter?

AspectExecutive HeadhunterRecruiter
CredentialsExperience in executive search, industry-specific knowledgeVaries; often HR or staffing certifications
Work EnvironmentConsults with top-tier clients, focuses on senior rolesWorks with a range of positions, often in staffing agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by firms specializing in executive placementsUsed broadly across industries for various roles
Search & Comparison IntentFocused on high-level, specialized talentBroader, including entry to mid-level roles

While both Executive Headhunters and Recruiters identify talent for organizations, Executive Headhunters specialize in sourcing senior executives and often work on a retained basis, providing tailored, high-level search services. Recruiters typically handle a wider range of roles across industries and may work on contingency or retained basis. Understanding these differences helps organizations choose the right partner for their hiring needs.

What cities are hiring for Executive Headhunter jobs? Cities with the most Executive Headhunter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Headhunter jobs? The most popular types of Headhunter jobs are:
What states have the most Executive Headhunter jobs? States with the most job openings for Executive Headhunter jobs include:
Executive Headhunter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Headhunter job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 3% As Needed, 1% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 40% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,552 per year, or $45 per hour.

Technical Recruiter, Agency

Verticalmove, Inc

Phoenix, AZ

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Senior Technical Recruiter / Executive Headhunter


AI, Cybersecurity, Data Infrastructure & Digital Transformation


BEFORE YOU APPLY


This is not a traditional corporate recruiting role.


We are seeking experienced agency recruiters and headhunters who thrive in a high-performance, full-desk environment where recruiting and business development go hand in hand.


At Verticalmove, Technical Recruiters operate with an entrepreneurial mindset — building relationships, developing business, and delivering exceptional talent across highly competitive technology markets.


This role combines:


  • Recruiting
  • Client development
  • Talent strategy
  • Pipeline generation
  • Relationship management
  • Revenue generation


In most cases, the role operates with a balanced focus between recruiting and business development, though priorities shift based on business demand and market opportunities.


Success in this role requires:


  • Sales mentality
  • Competitive drive
  • High accountability
  • Strong communication skills
  • Comfort operating autonomously
  • A genuine passion for winning


Recruiting is sales — and Verticalmove is a sales organization specializing in technical talent solutions.


If you are looking for a highly structured corporate recruiting environment focused solely on sourcing or coordination, this role will not be the right fit.


ABOUT VERTICALMOVE


Verticalmove builds AI, Autonomous Systems, Data Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity capabilities for organizations that can’t afford to hire wrong — or move slow.


We partner with CTOs, VPs of Engineering, Heads of Data, and CISOs to build and scale high-impact technical teams across AI, cloud, cybersecurity, software engineering, and digital transformation initiatives for Fortune 500 companies and high-growth startups.


Our clients include organizations driving next-generation innovation across:


  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Machine Learning
  • Autonomous Systems
  • Cloud & Platform Engineering
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Infrastructure
  • Bio-Pharma Technology
  • Semiconductor & Embedded Systems


We specialize in identifying and securing elite technical talent in highly competitive markets where speed, precision, and execution matter.


POSITION OVERVIEW


We are seeking a high-performance Technical Recruiter / Executive Headhunter to join our growing team.


In this role, you will build and manage relationships with senior technical professionals while developing strategic partnerships with technology organizations undergoing large-scale transformation initiatives.


You will be responsible for:


  • Generating candidate pipelines
  • Developing client relationships
  • Driving recruiting strategy
  • Managing full-cycle recruiting processes
  • Building long-term market relationships
  • Closing high-impact technical placements


This is a true full-desk recruiting opportunity with significant earning potential and long-term career growth.


WHAT YOU’LL DO


  • Identify, engage, and recruit top-tier technical talent across AI, software engineering, cloud, cybersecurity, data engineering, and emerging technology markets
  • Build and maintain long-term relationships with candidates and clients
  • Generate new business opportunities through outbound prospecting, networking, referrals, and market development
  • Conduct high-level candidate qualification and technical screening conversations
  • Manage the full recruitment lifecycle from outreach through offer negotiation and close
  • Partner with technology leaders to understand hiring initiatives, team structures, and talent strategy
  • Develop deep expertise within specialized technical markets
  • Consistently execute against recruiting and revenue goals


WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR


  • Agency recruiting or executive search experience required
  • Full-desk recruiting experience strongly preferred
  • Strong business development and relationship-building capabilities
  • Proven ability to generate candidate pipelines through outbound recruiting strategies
  • High level of communication, influence, and interpersonal intelligence
  • Competitive, self-motivated, and performance-driven mindset
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Experience recruiting within software engineering, AI, cloud, cybersecurity, data engineering, or related technology markets is highly preferred
  • Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-accountability sales environment


WHAT YOU’LL GET


  • Competitive base salary
  • Uncapped commission structure
  • Ongoing annuity/residual earning opportunities
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid holidays and wellness PTO
  • Performance-based bonus PTO incentives
  • Office closure between Christmas and New Year
  • High-growth career opportunity within one of the fastest-growing sectors in technology recruitment


OUR CULTURE


Verticalmove is built for recruiters who want autonomy, accountability, and unlimited upside.


We believe high performers thrive when they are trusted, empowered, and rewarded based on outcomes — not micromanagement.


Our environment is competitive, collaborative, and growth-oriented, designed for individuals who want to build meaningful careers while operating at a high level professionally and financially.

Apply