Head of Executive Recruiting / Lead Executive Recruiter

About the Role

As the Lead Executive Recruiter / Head of Guardian Executive Search, you will lead Guardian's enterprise executive recruiting strategy and build best-in-class executive search capabilities that enable the organization to attract, assess, and secure exceptional leadership talent.

Reporting to the Head of Talent Acquisition, you will serve as a strategic advisor to senior leaders across the enterprise, partnering closely with business executives, Talent Partners, Executive Compensation, and external search firms to deliver executive hiring outcomes aligned to Guardian's long-term business objectives. You will also serve as a member of the Talent Acquisition Leadership Team.

This role combines executive search expertise, leadership talent advisory, market intelligence, and operational leadership to strengthen Guardian's executive talent pipelines, succession strategies, and hiring effectiveness.

What You'll Do

Executive Search Leadership

• Lead executive recruiting strategy and execution for Vice President-level and above hiring
• Develop and execute search strategies aligned to business priorities and leadership needs
• Build and maintain executive talent pipelines for critical and future leadership roles
• Ensure outstanding candidate and stakeholder experiences throughout the search process

Strategic Talent Advisory

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on executive talent, market conditions, succession considerations, and leadership hiring decisions
• Deliver market intelligence, competitive insights, and external talent perspectives to inform decision making
• Partner with Talent Management and Talent Partners to support broader leadership talent strategies

Executive Search Operations & Governance

• Establish scalable processes, governance, and operating rhythms that create consistency, transparency, and accountability across executive hiring activities
• Define success measures and use data to improve executive recruiting effectiveness
• Drive continuous improvement across executive recruiting processes, stakeholder experience, and search outcomes

Agency & External Partner Strategy

• Lead Guardian's executive search agency strategy, including vendor selection, relationship management, and performance oversight
• Optimize external search investments while strengthening internal executive recruiting capabilities

Team Leadership

• Contribute as a member of the Talent Acquisition Leadership Team, helping shape enterprise talent acquisition strategy and capability
• Lead and develop executive sourcing capability within the function and across the Talent Acquisition organization

What You'll Bring

• Significant executive search experience within an in-house executive recruiting function, retained search firm, or both
• Track record of successfully leading complex, senior-level, and confidential searches
• Ability to influence and advise senior leaders and executive stakeholders
• Strong market intelligence, talent mapping, and executive assessment capabilities
• Experience building scalable recruiting processes, governance, and operating disciplines
• Expertise in executive compensation, negotiation, and offer strategy
• Exceptional communication, relationship management, and leadership skills
• Strong judgment, executive presence, and ability to operate effectively in highly visible environments

Success in This Role

Success will be measured through:

• Delivery of exceptional executive hiring outcomes
• Trusted relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders
• Strong executive talent pipelines and market insights
• Effective agency and vendor management
• Scalable executive recruiting processes and governance
• The continued evolution of Guardian Executive Search as a strategic talent advisory capability

Salary Range:

$132,420.00 - $217,545.00

The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.

Our Promise

At Guardian, you’ll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals.  Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by