Senior Director, Executive Search (Client Development Focus)

Overview

E57 Partners is seeking a Senior Director of Executive Search to lead client development efforts within our growing Executive Search practice. This is a revenue-generating role, not a traditional recruiting position.

This individual will be responsible for originating new executive search engagements, building long-term client relationships, and expanding E57’s presence across private equity firms, portfolio companies, and high-growth organizations.

This role is designed for a true builder—someone who thrives on creating opportunities, developing relationships, and driving revenue outcomes through client engagement.

Role Focus

• 80% Client Development / Revenue Generation
• 20% Search Execution Oversight & Relationship Management

This is not a sourcing/recruiting-heavy role. Dedicated delivery teams will support execution. Your primary responsibility is developing client relationships and generating new search engagements.

Key Responsibilities

Client Development & Revenue Generation

• Originate and secure retained and contingent executive search engagements
• Develop relationships with:
  • Private equity firms
  • Portfolio company executives (CEO, CFO, CHRO, etc.)
  • Founder-led and high-growth businesses
• Proactively identify and pursue new opportunities across targeted verticals
• Build and manage a consistent pipeline of executive search engagements
• Lead client conversations, pitch meetings, and engagement structuring

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives and investors
• Maintain ongoing relationships to drive repeat and referral engagements
• Partner with internal leadership to align on target accounts and growth strategy

Search Oversight (Secondary Responsibility)

• Oversee execution of search engagements in partnership with delivery team
• Ensure high-quality candidate experience and client satisfaction
• Provide strategic guidance on candidate profiles and market positioning

Candidate Profile

• Proven track record in client development within executive search or related professional services
• Experience working with:
  • Executive search firms
  • Private equity firms or portfolio companies
  • Professional services environments (consulting, accounting, advisory)
• Demonstrated ability to originate and secure revenue-generating engagements
• Strong network within one or more verticals (e.g., Accounting & Finance, Higher Education, Athletics, etc.)
• Highly entrepreneurial with a relationship-driven, builder mindset
• Comfortable operating in a performance-driven, outcomes-based environment

Compensation Structure

This is a performance-based role designed for individuals who want to directly control their earnings.

• Minimal base salary
• Compensation is directly tied to gross profit generated
• Significant upside through:
  • Engagement origination
  • Search completion outcomes
  • Ongoing client relationships

Important:

This is not a role for individuals seeking a large guaranteed base salary.

Earnings potential is uncapped and directly aligned with performance and production.

Why Join E57 Partners

• Established platform with strong credibility across private equity and high-growth markets
• Access to an experienced delivery team and internal infrastructure
• Opportunity to build and scale a high-performing executive search practice
• Entrepreneurial environment focused on execution over advice
• Ability to directly impact growth of a rapidly expanding platform

Key Expectations

• Build and maintain a sustainable book of client relationships
• Consistently generate new executive search engagements
• Operate with a high level of ownership and accountability tied to revenue outcomes
• Contribute to the continued expansion and positioning of the Executive Search practice