Executive Recruiting Researcher

Plaud is seeking an Executive Recruiting Researcher in San Francisco, CA to partner with executive recruiters, hiring managers, and founders. The role focuses on mapping target markets and building leadership talent pipelines using advanced research methods that inform executive search strategy.

Role Overview

The Executive Recruiting Researcher works alongside recruiting stakeholders to identify and engage passive executive talent across leadership functions. This position produces market intelligence, compensation benchmarks, and competitor talent insights to support search planning and executive decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner directly with Executive Recruiters, Hiring Managers, and Founders to map competitive target markets and build deep talent pipelines for leadership roles across AI, hardware, software, and commercial functions.
• Use advanced research methodologies, including Boolean search, AI-powered sourcing platforms, open-source intelligence (OSINT), and industry mapping, to identify passive candidate pools for VP, Director, and C-level leadership.
• Design and execute hyper-personalized outreach strategies that clearly communicate Plaud’s value proposition and convert top executive leaders into active opportunities.
• Produce data-driven market intelligence reports, compensation benchmarks, and competitor talent map insights to guide executive search strategies and hiring decisions.
• Maintain pipeline health and database integrity across ATS/CRM systems, tracking relationship progress and nurturing long-term leadership talent networks for future growth.

Required Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of dedicated talent research, executive sourcing, or candidate generation experience within an executive search firm, agency, or fast-growing technology company.
• Demonstrated experience mapping markets and identifying C-suite, VP, and Director talent across AI, SaaS, Consumer Electronics, or Hardware sectors.
• Strong domain knowledge using tools such as LinkedIn Recruiter, specialized talent databases, OSINT techniques, and modern AI sourcing platforms.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage senior leadership candidates and present strategic talent insights to executives.

Technologies and Tools

• Boolean search
• AI-powered sourcing platforms
• Open-source intelligence (OSINT)
• Industry mapping
• ATS/CRM systems
• LinkedIn Recruiter
• Specialized talent databases
• Gemini
• Claude Code

Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) providing a real stake in Plaud’s long-term success.
• Opportunity to work in a fast-moving, product-driven environment where ideas directly influence the future of AI productivity.
• Access to best-in-class AI tools, including Gemini and Claude Code, plus other frontier AI systems to support engineering and execution efficiency.
• Choice of top-spec laptops, high-performance workstation setups, and cutting-edge Plaud devices for new hires.
• Annual company offsites, team events, and a culture emphasizing craftsmanship, ownership, and velocity.
• Comprehensive benefits for financial security, physical health, and long-term growth, including medical insurance and WICA coverage for all full-time employees.

Location and Experience

Location: San Francisco, CA (onsite). Experience: 3 years minimum.