Head of Executive Talent Acquisition

Role Overview

Head of Executive Talent Acquisition at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), based in Abu Dhabi. The role is responsible for developing and implementing executive hiring strategies for executive-level and C-suite job vacancies, managing the end-to-end executive recruitment process, and building strong relationships with executive candidates and stakeholders.

Role Purpose

To own executive talent acquisition strategy and delivery for FAB, ensuring C-suite and senior leadership roles are filled within targeted timelines while maintaining governance, cost optimization, and candidate experience standards aligned with the bank's goals, vision, and values.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Hiring Delivery & Performance

• Own and monitor executive hiring delivery against agreed executive hiring scorecard measures, ensuring EXCO roles are completed within targeted hiring timelines and N2 roles are completed within targeted hiring timelines.
• Track, report and provide regular commentary on executive and N2 hiring performance, including progress, risks, dependencies and mitigation actions.
• Generate reports and metrics on executive hiring activities, providing insights and recommendations to drive data-driven decision-making and process enhancements.

Governance & Stakeholder Management

• Drive governance and oversight of executive hiring activity, proactively escalating delivery risks and ensuring stakeholder alignment on hiring milestones and outcomes.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and HR teams to identify executive talent needs and develop proactive hiring plans.
• Collaborate with hiring managers and interview panels to define executive role requirements, evaluate candidate fit, and make informed hiring decisions.
• Partner with C-suite executives, senior stakeholders and HR leadership teams throughout the recruitment process.

Strategy & Planning

• Develop and execute a comprehensive executive hiring strategy aligned with FAB's goals, vision, and values.
• Stay updated on industry trends, talent market dynamics, and best practices in executive search and selection.
• Stay updated on emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in executive recruitment and talent acquisition.
• Maintain strong understanding of talent market dynamics across regional and international markets.

Sourcing & Candidate Management

• Identify and cultivate relationships with potential executive candidates through various channels, including networking, referrals, and targeted outreach.
• Utilize executive search techniques, such as direct sourcing, talent mapping, and partnerships with search firms, to attract top-tier executive talent.
• Ensure a positive candidate experience throughout the recruitment process, providing timely updates, feedback, and support to candidates.

Cost Optimization & Vendor Management

• Support Talent Acquisition cost optimization objectives through effective management of executive search activity, agency utilization and external recruitment spend.
• Manage executive search firms and external recruitment partners, including vendor performance and cost management.

Process Improvement

• Continuously evaluate and improve the executive hiring process, including the effectiveness of sourcing channels, assessment methods, and candidate selection.
• Leverage recruitment data and analytics to inform hiring decisions and drive process improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in HR or a related discipline.
• 12+ years of progressive Talent Acquisition experience, including significant executive search and leadership hiring experience within banking, financial services or other highly regulated industries.
• Proven track record of leading end-to-end recruitment for executive, senior leadership and critical business roles.
• Experience partnering with C-suite executives, senior stakeholders and HR leadership teams.
• Demonstrated expertise in executive search methodologies including direct sourcing, talent mapping, market intelligence and executive assessment.
• Experience managing executive search firms and external recruitment partners, including vendor performance and cost management.
• Professional Certification in CIPD or a related discipline is preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong vendor management, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical and reporting capabilities with the ability to translate recruitment data into actionable business insights.
• Expertise in leveraging recruitment data and analytics to inform hiring decisions and drive process improvement.