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Crucial Hire

Executive Search Manager (Proven Rainmaker)

Crucial Hire, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290

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Executive Search Manager (Proven Rainmaker) — Chicago, IL | On-site About the Company At Crucial Hire, we’re not here to be the biggest; we’re here to be the best.

For nearly a decade, we’ve been trusted advisors to CHROs, CEOs, and Boards across Fortune 500s, PE-backed firms, and high-growth companies. We operate with precision, discretion, and results—and we’re inviting an established search professional to raise the bar with us.

About the Role This is not a role for researchers or junior associates. It’s a stage for a

proven rainmaker —someone with loyal clients, a history of

$600K+

in annual billings, and the drive to own their success without corporate politics.

Be the bigger fish

— Your clients see you, not layers of account managers.

Elite work, no politics

— Partner directly with our Founder on marquee retained searches.

Limitless upside

— Uncapped earnings and the freedom to run searches your way.

C-suite credibility

— Leverage Crucial Hire’s 20+ years of warm CHRO/CEO relationships while deepening your own.

Responsibilities

Convert warm introductions into retained engagements and expand your portfolio.

Lead national HR leadership searches ( $100K–$500K+

total comp).

Own and grow relationships with senior executives and Boards.

Operate with autonomy in a high-trust, entrepreneurial culture where results speak louder than politics.

Qualifications

Proven record of

$500K+

annual billings in retained executive search ( $600K+

preferred).

Established network of CHROs, CEOs, and decision-makers in the Fortune 2000 and PE-backed companies.

History of loyalty and repeat business—clients who already call you first.

Precision, follow-through, and boardroom-level presence.

Degree from a respected university; experience with top search firms or corporate talent environments valued.

Required Skills

Demonstrated ability to

win, deliver, and retain

$500K+ in search revenue annually.

Preferred Skills

Experience leading high-stakes HR leadership searches.

Strong consultative client relationship skills.

Pay Range & Compensation Package

Base/Draw:

Minimal or negotiable (role is primarily commission-driven).

Commission:

Uncapped;

tiered splits

with

up to 60–80%

for

$1M+ producers .

Earnings Potential:

Top billers regularly earn

$500K+ annually .

Structure:

High commission, low bureaucracy—built for proven rainmakers.

Location

On-site in Chicago (Gold Coast & Loop)

with client visits; remote-only candidates will not be considered.

This Role Is Not For

Job-hoppers looking for training wheels.

Remote-only candidates, who cannot come to the Chicago Office or see clients in person.

Recruiters without a proven retained (or high-end contingent) client portfolio.

Equal Opportunity Statement We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices.

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