Director Research

Director Research role at AI-First Executive Search firm focusing on sourcing executive candidates using innovative AI tools and market analysis.

Posted 5/27/2026full-timeRemote • 🇩🇪 GermanyLeadWebsite

Tools & technologies

Apollo

Key responsibilities & impact

Candidate Sourcing & Identification: Build longlists for C-level and Senior Sales/GTM mandates via LinkedIn Recruiter, Apollo, AI sourcing tools, and your own research methodology
Market Mapping: Systematically screen target industries, competitors, and career paths - who is relevant, who is moving, who is ready for the next step
AI-Driven Research: Use and further develop our AI sourcing workflows (ChatGPT, Claude, Custom Agents) to scale and elevate the quality of our research
Candidate Profiling: Create structured candidate profiles, conduct background research, and provide first assessments against the scorecard
Knowledge Building: Build and maintain our internal talent database and industry insights for recurring mandates (PE portfolio, DACH B2B)

What you’ll need

Research Experience in a Top-Tier Executive Search Firm: Several years in a Senior Researcher role at a leading global search firm or comparable boutique
Research Excellence & Speed: You have an ability to understand new industries and profile requirements fast and dig deeper than others when it comes to finding the right candidate
Tool Mastery: Technical literacy with openness leverage accuracy and speed of emerging AI tools (e.g. Juicebox, Apollo, etc.) as well as experience in using traditional search tools (e.g. LinkedIn Recruiter, etc.)
Structured Analytical Mindset: You think in markets, patterns, and target groups - no blind list-processing, but hypothesis-driven research
Language: Fluent English is required, German is a plus

Comp & perks

AI-First Environment: You don't work against modern tools - you work with them, and actively shape how we redefine research
Senior Exposure: Direct collaboration with the founders (ex-McKinsey, ex-CxO Unicorns) and insight into C-level searches for top PE clients
Remote-First, Outcome-Driven: Work from wherever you are most productive - outcome beats presence

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

candidate sourcingmarket mappingAI-driven researchcandidate profilingstructured analytical mindsetresearch experienceprofiling requirements

Soft Skills

research excellencespeedability to understand new industrieshypothesis-driven research