Principal (New York City Metropolitan Area)

Principal, Technology Executive Search

New York, NY

A highly regarded retained executive search firm is looking to add a Principal to its Technology leadership practice.

The firm advises organizations navigating critical technology and transformation mandates, from Fortune 500 enterprises and private equity-backed companies to high-growth businesses and prominent nonprofit institutions. Its work centers on the senior leaders shaping enterprise technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud, data, product, and digital transformation.

Known for its specialist approach and trusted relationships across the technology leadership market, the firm combines rigorous executive assessment with a strong thought-leadership platform and an increasingly sophisticated, AI-enabled search process.

The opportunity

This is a senior delivery role within a collaborative, team-based search model. The Principal will own the candidate and assessment side of retained assignments, partnering closely with clients and internal colleagues to deliver high-quality outcomes.

With dedicated research support on each engagement, this person will have the capacity to focus on executive conversations, market intelligence, candidate development, and thoughtful client advisory work.

What you will do

• Lead retained executive searches from initial strategy through candidate placement.
• Build search strategies, map relevant markets, and identify exceptional senior technology talent.
• Recruit and assess executives including CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, Chief AI Officers, Chief Digital Officers, Chief Data Officers, VP Engineering, VP Infrastructure, VP Cybersecurity, and related technology leaders.
• Conduct in-depth executive interviews and leadership assessments.
• Develop polished candidate materials, written evaluations, and client-ready reports.
• Present candidate slates and advise clients through key decisions during the search process.
• Build lasting relationships with leaders across enterprise IT, AI, cybersecurity, cloud, infrastructure, data and analytics, product, and digital transformation.
• Manage several concurrent assignments with sound judgment, responsiveness, and attention to detail.
• Guide and mentor research and search-support colleagues.
• Help refine the firm’s use of technology and AI to improve search quality and client experience.

What we are looking for

• 8+ years of retained executive search experience.
• A track record of recruiting senior-level technology executives or closely adjacent functional leaders.
• Strong executive interviewing, assessment, and candidate-development skills.
• Excellent written communication and the ability to produce clear, compelling client materials.
• The presence and judgment to build credibility with senior executives and clients.
• Strong project-management instincts and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Intellectual curiosity about technology, AI, and the changing executive talent landscape.