Head of Delivery

Head of Delivery | Retained Executive Search

Philadelphia, PA

An established retained executive search firm is hiring a Head of Delivery to lead and develop its Philadelphia-based team of search consultants.

The firm partners with organizations on confidential, business-critical C-suite and senior leadership appointments. Its work spans industrial and engineered markets, including automotive, aerospace, chemicals and process industries, and electronics, as well as consumer goods and packaging, renewable energy and cleantech, and transportation and logistics.

The team works with complex organizations, from global companies to private equity-backed businesses, helping them identify leaders who can navigate change, strengthen performance, and build long-term value. Its approach is rigorous and research-led, with close attention to business context, company culture, candidate assessment, and inclusive shortlists.

The opportunity

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can both deliver searches and raise the performance of a team. You’ll lead a producing, split-desk group of consultants, partnering closely with colleagues responsible for client relationships and business development. You’ll guide complex mandates from kickoff through completion while coaching consultants and building consistent delivery standards.

What you’ll lead

• Coach, develop, and manage a team of executive search consultants.
• Stay involved in key assignments, shaping search strategy, market mapping, candidate assessment, client presentations, and closing.
• Help consultants understand each client’s business objectives, culture, and leadership needs before launching a search.
• Set clear expectations for quality, pace, communication, and candidate care across the team.
• Partner with client-facing colleagues to scope mandates, support pitches, and keep assignments on track.
• Promote thoughtful, research-led sourcing and diverse, well-calibrated candidate shortlists.
• Improve team capacity planning and delivery processes while maintaining a responsive, high-touch service.

What you’ll bring

• 8 years of experience in retained executive search.
• A track record delivering complex C-suite and senior leadership mandates for sophisticated organizations.
• The maturity and judgment to lead consultants, provide candid coaching, and develop future leaders.
• A strong client presence and the ability to build trust with senior stakeholders and candidates.
• A hands-on, producing approach that balances personal contribution with team leadership.
• Experience in one or more of the firm’s sectors is an advantage, but sector background is not required.