Director - Talent Acquisition

About Zinnov

Zinnov is a global management consulting firm that helps organizations make decisions that actually get used — and deliver results that matter. For over two decades, we’ve partnered with leading enterprises, high-growth technology companies, and investors to answer some of the toughest questions they face:

• Where should we invest?

• How do we scale globally?

• What capabilities will win in the next decade?

Our work shapes market entry strategies, global operating models, M&A decisions, and long-term growth bets. We’re known for being data-led, execution-focused, and outcome-driven — not opinion-heavy slideware.

At Zinnov, how you work matters as much as what you deliver. We value independent thinking, crisp communication, and early ownership. With 450+ professionals across 10 global offices, we work across industries including Digital Services, ER&D, Enterprise Software, Semiconductors, Healthcare, BFSI, Automotive, Media & Telecom, and Private Equity.

Zinnov isn’t for everyone. It’s for people who want steep learning curves, honest feedback, and the chance to see their work influence real business decisions — not just presentations.

Why Globalization Excellence (GE)

Zinnov’s Globalization Excellence (GE) practice helps enterprises build and scale Global Capability Centers (GCCs) end-to-end — from Design & Discovery to Build, Scale, and Run.

In GE, you don’t work in silos. You:

• Own complex, end-to-end client journeys
• Work across GCC advisory, managed services, and BOT / outsourcing models
• Influence leadership decisions that shape long-term talent and operating strategies
• This is where strategy meets execution — and where talent plays a defining role.

About the Role

As Director - Talent Acquisition, you will build and scale Zinnov’s leadership hiring engine — owning high-stakes executive and senior leadership mandates across deep-tech and technology-led organizations. This role is designed for a builder who combines executive search credibility, hands-on recruiting depth, and the executive presence to advise CEOs, Boards, and CHROs — while still driving outcomes end-to-end.

You will personally lead complex searches, establish best-in-class hiring standards, and build a high-performing leadership recruiting team that delivers speed, quality, and impact at scale.

What You’ll Do

Leadership Hiring & Search Excellence

• Own and close confidential, high-stakes leadership searches across:
• CXO and equivalent roles (e.g., CTO, CDO, CISO, Chief Architect, India Head, GCC Head)
• Directors / Senior Directors across Engineering, Platform, Cloud, AI/ML, Data, and Product
• Run executive search with rigor: market mapping, competitive intelligence, and targeted passive talent engagement
• Build succession pipelines and leadership benches for recurring leadership needs
• Maintain high discretion and credibility across sensitive mandates

Strategy + Hands-on Execution

• Design leadership hiring strategies aligned to business objectives, org context, and leadership models
• Operate across two levels:
• Strategic: org design, leadership capability requirements, workforce strategy inputs
• Execution: sourcing, outreach, assessment design, stakeholder alignment, and offer closure
• Balance speed with quality — delivering the right leaders, not just filled roles

Stakeholder & Client Engagement

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders; challenge assumptions with data and market insight
• Represent Zinnov with strong executive presence and leadership-grade communication
• Build confidence through clear updates, decisive point-of-view, and predictable delivery

Team Building & Capability Development

• Build and scale a best-in-class leadership recruiting team
• Set playbooks, standards, and operating rhythms for CXO and Director/Senior Director hiring
• Coach recruiters through hands-on mentorship, raising the bar on search quality and execution discipline
• Create a scalable, repeatable leadership hiring engine for Zinnov

What You Bring

Qualifications & Experience

• 15+ years of Talent Acquisition experience with significant depth in executive search / leadership recruiting
• Background in either:
• Top-tier executive search firms, or
• In-house leadership recruiting in deep-tech/product companies, GCCs, or PE-backed organizations
• Proven track record hiring:
• CXOs and senior technology leaders
• Directors and Senior Directors in complex technical environments
• Strong exposure to India and global leadership markets

Key Skills

• Deep understanding of technology and deep-tech leadership roles and what “good” looks like beyond resumes
• Strong network across India’s senior technology leadership ecosystem
• Strong business acumen and judgement; outcome-focused and decisive
• High ownership, urgency, and comfort operating in ambiguity
• Calm, credible, and discreet in senior rooms

What Success Looks Like

First 12 Months

• Successfully closes multiple CXO and Director/Senior Director mandates with strong quality and stakeholder confidence
• Builds a credible leadership recruiting team with high standards and clear operating rhythm
• Establishes Zinnov as a trusted leadership hiring partner (not just an execution vendor)

24 Months and Beyond

• Scales a sustainable leadership hiring practice with repeatable playbooks and predictable outcomes
• Becomes a trusted advisor to boards and global leadership teams on leadership talent decisions
• Helps shape leadership talent strategy and outcomes across Zinnov’s client ecosystem

Zinnov is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, communities, and experiences.