Executive Recruiting Researcher

Plaud is seeking an Executive Recruiting Researcher based in San Francisco, CA (onsite) to strengthen executive search through rigorous market mapping and talent pipeline building. This role partners closely with executive recruiters, hiring managers, and founders, using advanced research to support leadership hiring across AI, hardware, software, and commercial functions.

What you’ll do

• Collaborate directly with Executive Recruiters, Hiring Managers, and Founders to map competitive target markets and build deep leadership talent pipelines.
• Apply advanced research methods, including Boolean search, AI-powered sourcing platforms, OSINT, and industry mapping, to uncover passive VP, Director, and C-level candidate pools.
• Develop and run hyper-personalized outreach that communicates Plaud’s value proposition and helps convert top executive prospects into active opportunities.
• Create data-driven market intelligence, including compensation benchmarks and competitor talent map insights, to inform executive search strategy and leadership decision-making.
• Keep pipeline performance strong by maintaining ATS/CRM database integrity, tracking relationship progress, and nurturing long-term networks for future strategic growth.

What you bring

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

Tools and technologies

• 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) offering a real stake in Plaud’s long-term success.
• Work in a fast-moving, product-driven environment where your ideas can directly influence the future of AI productivity.
• Access to best-in-class AI tools, including Gemini, Claude Code, and 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 focused on craftsmanship, ownership, and velocity.
• Comprehensive benefits to support employees’ financial security, physical health, and long-term growth, including Medical insurance and WICA coverage for all full-time employees.