Talent Partner

We’re hiring a Talent Partner to support our portfolio companies in building exceptional leadership teams. In this role, you’ll partner closely with founders, GPs, and People leaders to identify, recruit, and develop world‑class executives and board members at pivotal moments in company growth.
This is a high‑trust, execution‑focused role for someone with strong executive search experience and sharp judgment. You’ll operate as a strategic advisor—not just filling roles, but helping founders think ahead about leadership gaps, succession, compensation, and organizational design as their companies scale.
What You’ll Do
Portfolio Executive Search & Placement

Curate and manage a trusted bench of preferred executive search firms, embedded recruiters, and specialized talent partners—deploying the right resource at the right time based on company stage and need
Partner with founders and Playground leadership to architect and lead executive search strategies across C‑suite, VP, and senior leadership roles – directly or through preferred search partners.
Design and execute structured search processes—from role definition and proactive market mapping through candidate evaluation and close
Coach founders and People leaders on how to build scalable, high‑integrity recruiting processes—equipping them with frameworks, interview design, compensation guidance, and search oversight best practices
Ensure a high‑quality, well‑run candidate experience that reflects Playground’s standards

Talent Strategy & Advisory

Advise founders and boards on executive hiring strategy, succession planning, and team design at key inflection points
Help founders anticipate future leadership needs based on stage, fundraising plans, and product milestones
Serve as a sounding board to People & Talent leaders across the portfolio on executive hiring challenges

Network & Pipeline Development

Build and maintain a high‑caliber executive and board‑level talent network across industries relevant to Playground’s investments
Cultivate long‑term relationships with operators, future CEOs, board members, and advisors
Champion expanded leadership perspectives by helping founders broaden networks and approach executive hiring thoughtfully and inclusively

What Success Looks Like (6–12 Months In)

Portfolio companies proactively engage you for executive hiring and leadership planning
Several high‑impact executive placements have been successfully completed (both directly, and through brokered partnerships with our preferred search network)
You’ve built a visible, credible executive talent network aligned with our core sectors
Founders and GPs view you as a trusted thought partner—not just a recruiter
Portfolio companies confidently run high‑quality executive searches using trusted partners and clear frameworks, with you serving as a strategic advisor rather than the primary executor

Skills & Traits

10+ years of experience in executive search, talent advisory, or senior in‑house recruiting within venture capital, private equity, or high‑growth technology companies
Demonstrated success leading C‑level and VP‑level searches end‑to‑end
Strong executive presence and discretion; comfortable engaging with founders, boards, and senior candidates
Deep understanding of executive compensation, assessment, and market dynamics
Ability to manage multiple complex searches (as a broker) simultaneously with rigor and follow‑through
Highly organized and operationally disciplined—clear documentation, structured process, and strong communication throughout
Technically literate and intellectually curious, motivated by frontier technology and ambitious founders

Compensation & Location
The annual base salary range is $230k–$260k, depending on experience, knowledge, and skills. We offer a competitive benefits package and prioritize in‑person collaboration. Our team works from our Palo Alto office at least three days per week, with one full in‑office week each month at our Studio.
We believe great ideas come from diverse perspectives, and we’re committed to building a team that reflects the world we live in. If you’re passionate about our work, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences and encourage individuals of all identities to apply.
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