Location: Bangalore

Experience: 3–7 years

Industry: Executive Search / Leadership Hiring / Professional Services About the Role

We are looking for a Business Development professional to help grow our retained executive search practice in India. The role involves building relationships with senior stakeholders (Founders, CXOs, CHROs, GCC Heads), identifying leadership hiring needs and converting opportunities into exclusive retained search mandates . This is a consultative sales role , not transactional staffing sales.

Success in this role depends on credibility, business understandin and the ability to represent senior leadership roles confidently in the market.

Key Responsibilities Business Development & Client Acquisition

Identify and develop new business opportunities for retained executive search engagements

Engage with CXOs, Founders, CHROs, Heads of HR, GCC Leaders and Board members

Initiate conversations around leadership gaps, succession, confidential hiring and growth mandates

Convert warm leads, referrals and outbound conversations into retained or exclusive search assignments Consultative Selling

Understand client organisations, business models, growth plans and leadership challenges

Position retained executive search as a strategic advisory solution , not a recruitment transaction

Present search methodology, timelines, governance and fee structures confidently

Work closely with recruiters to scope mandates and close engagements Account Management & Relationship Building

Build long-term relationships with existing clients to generate repeat and referral business

Act as a trusted point of contact during early engagement and onboarding





Support cross-selling of leadership services where applicable Market Intelligence & Networking

Track leadership movements, industry trends, funding activity and GCC expansion

Build a strong professional network across HR, founders, investors and business leaders in Bangalore and India

Represent the firm at industry events, HR forums and leadership networking platforms Desired Candidate Profile Experience & Background

3–7 years of experience in business development / sales in:

Retained executive search, or

Executive recruitment / leadership hiring, or

Skilled services / consulting / HR advisory

Experience selling high‑value, consultative services is critical

Exposure to CXO / senior stakeholder conversations preferred Skills & Competencies

Strong business acumen and ability to understand leadership requirements

Comfortable engaging with senior decision-makers

Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills

Ability to sell retained and exclusive search models (not contingent staffing)

High levels of maturity, discretion and professionalism

Entrepreneurial mindset with ownership orientation What This Role Is NOT To be clear, this role is not :

Volume staffing sales

Resume‑pushing or transaction‑driven recruitment

KPI‑only, cold‑calling focused telesales

It is a relationship‑driven, trust‑based, long‑cycle sales role.

Success

Metrics

Number and value of retained search mandates closed

Quality and longevity of client relationships

Repeat business and referrals

Contribution to firm’s leadership hiring pipeline Ideal For Candidates Who:

Enjoy engaging with senior leadership and founders

Prefer quality conversations over high‑volume selling

Aspire to grow into a Client Partner / Practice Lead role over time

📌 Business Development Manager - Retained Executive Search (Belagavi)
🏢 Acara Solutions India, An Aleron
📍 Belagavi