Executive Search Principal- Amsterdam

We are looking for an entrepreneurial and commercially minded Principal to support the growth of our executive search and leadership advisory business in the Dutch market.

This role is suited for someone who understands the executive search business deeply and enjoys operating both commercially and strategically. The position combines business development, client advisory, and end-to-end executive search delivery. The ideal candidate brings strong knowledge of the Dutch market, a solid executive search foundation, and the ability to both originate and manage senior-level search mandates while building long-term trusted relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Market Presence

• Originate and develop new business opportunities within the Dutch market
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with founders, boards, investors, and leadership teams
• Contribute to the company’s visibility, positioning, and long-term growth in the market
• Represent the business within relevant professional and executive networks
• Identify market opportunities and contribute to commercial growth initiatives

Executive Search Delivery

• Lead retained executive search processes end-to-end
• Conduct market mapping, talent identification, and executive-level outreach
• Manage candidate assessment, calibration, and stakeholder communication throughout the process
• Deliver high-quality client and candidate experience with strong attention to detail and judgment
• Operate with a consultative and partnership-oriented mindset

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a trusted advisor to clients during critical hiring and leadership decisions
• Manage senior-level client relationships with professionalism and credibility
• Understand organizational context, leadership dynamics, and strategic hiring needs
• Ensure smooth process management and high-quality communication across all stakeholders

Candidate Profile

• Strong executive search background and professional formation
• Solid understanding of the Dutch market and business landscape
• Proven ability to originate deals and build long-term client relationships
• Experience managing executive search mandates independently
• Strong ownership mindset and entrepreneurial approach
• Commercially aware, proactive, and relationship-driven
• Comfortable with direct outreach and executive-level communication
• Strong judgment, maturity, and stakeholder management capability
• Ability to operate in a dynamic, fast-paced, and growing environment
• Excellent communication skills in English; Dutch is a strong plus
• Ideally 10+ years of relevant experience

What The Role Offers

• High level of autonomy and ownership
• Opportunity to contribute to the growth of an entrepreneurial platform
• Exposure to international clients, leadership teams, and strategic mandates
• A collaborative, relationship-driven, and quality-focused environment
• Please note that this role operates on a commission-based partnership model.