Key Account Manager – Talent Advisory & Growth

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Key Account Manager – Talent Advisory & Growth based in India. This is a high-impact, remote role focused on helping high-growth startups solve critical hiring challenges through a combination of talent advisory, account management, and AI-powered recruitment technology. You will act as a trusted advisor to founders, CXOs, and hiring managers, guiding them from initial hiring briefs through candidate selection and offer closure. The role combines consultative relationship management with hands-on ownership of talent pipelines and commercial outcomes. You will manage a portfolio of startup accounts while continuously identifying opportunities to improve hiring strategies and outcomes. A strong emphasis is placed on autonomy, problem-solving, adaptability, and measurable performance. The environment is fast-paced, entrepreneurial, technology-driven, and designed for professionals who want significant ownership and uncapped earning potential. Own the full client and talent acquisition lifecycle, from initial discovery and hiring brief through candidate qualification, negotiation, and successful closure. Manage a portfolio of approximately 3–5 startup accounts, building trusted relationships with founders, CXOs, hiring managers, and other key decision-makers. Lead regular client conversations, understand hiring priorities, challenge assumptions constructively, and provide data-driven recommendations based on market and talent realities. Manage end-to-end candidate pipelines, including sourcing, qualification, outreach, stage progression, coordination, and offer negotiations. Use AI-powered sourcing, recruitment databases, and outreach tools to accelerate candidate identification and improve conversion rates. Proactively troubleshoot stalled searches by refining job specifications, adjusting target talent pools, and adapting sourcing strategies. Own portfolio-level revenue, retention, repeat mandates, and closing targets, consistently working toward defined commercial and performance objectives. Develop long-term client relationships that encourage account retention, expansion, and additional hiring mandates. Contribute to broader talent advisory and growth initiatives by sharing market insights, successful approaches, and opportunities to improve recruitment processes. Requirements: Demonstrated experience owning a multi-stage process from discovery or briefing through negotiation and closure, ideally in recruitment, talent acquisition, consultative sales, account management, or client success. Strong consultative communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas clearly, influence decision-makers, challenge assumptions constructively, and use data to support recommendations. Proven problem-solving and adaptability, particularly when managing ambiguous situations, stalled processes, changing priorities, or demanding client requirements. High ownership and agency, with the ability to independently manage a portfolio, prioritize competing tasks, and consistently deliver against revenue or performance metrics. Previous experience in agency recruitment, executive search, or in-house talent acquisition is advantageous. Experience working directly with founders, CXOs, senior executives, or hiring managers is highly valued. Familiarity with recruitment platforms, ATS systems, CRM databases, AI-enabled sourcing tools, or modern talent technology is a plus. Understanding of startup ecosystems, business models, technology hiring, and broader talent-market dynamics is beneficial. Strong commercial mindset, negotiation ability, relationship-building skills, and a genuine interest in helping companies make better hiring decisions. Comfortable working independently in a remote environment while maintaining strong communication, accountability, and follow-through. Benefits: Competitive compensation: ₹6,0