Christian & Timbers · 14 hours ago
Principal
San Francisco Bay Area
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/StaffChristian & Timbers is a leading executive search firm specializing in AI-native and advanced technology companies. The Principal will lead complex searches and support business development within its AI and technology practice, collaborating closely with Partners on client relationships and managing high-impact mandates for senior leadership roles.
B2BBusiness DevelopmentConsulting
Responsibilities
Lead end-to-end delivery of retained executive searches, from mandate definition and search strategy through research oversight, candidate evaluation and offer support
Define target-company strategy, talent pools and evaluation criteria for each assignment, in alignment with Partner and client expectations
Conduct in-depth interviews with senior candidates, assessing scale, leadership capability, technical context, and cultural fit
Participate in client pitches, briefings, and regular progress reviews as a key point of contact alongside the Partner
Translate client objectives into clear role definitions, search plans, and communication frameworks for the internal team
Present shortlists, candidate insights, and market feedback with clarity and evidence-based reasoning
Maintain a detailed view of AI leadership markets, including moves of senior executives, compensation trends, and organization structures at leading AI and software companies
Produce market maps, talent landscapes, and competitor views that inform both active searches and future opportunities
Contribute to internal knowledge related to AI infrastructure, applied AI, data leadership, and go-to-market roles
Guide Senior Associates and researchers on priorities, methodology, and quality standards for each assignment
Review research outputs, candidate summaries, and documentation to ensure accuracy and depth
Provide feedback and mentoring that strengthen the team’s analytical approach and client-readiness
Support Partners in originating new mandates through excellent delivery on existing assignments and consistent market presence
Identify emerging companies, funds, and sectors where Christian & Timbers can play a strategic leadership role
Contribute content and insight for firm materials focused on AI leadership, C-suite design, and board composition
Qualification
Required
Strong track record in executive search, ideally with experience in technology, AI, software, data, or adjacent sectors, or a background in investment or strategy with meaningful exposure to senior talent markets
Proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder searches at VP, C-suite, or board level
Comfort working with founders, CEOs, investors, and senior functional leaders in high-growth and investor-backed environments
High level of analytical capability, with the ability to structure markets, evaluate leaders, and communicate nuance in writing and in conversation
Strong project management skills, with disciplined documentation, follow-through, and attention to detail
Interest in AI-native companies, infrastructure platforms, and the broader innovation ecosystem
Benefits
A platform positioned at the center of global AI and advanced technology leadership hiring.
Direct involvement in board-level and C-suite decisions that shape the direction of companies and sectors.
A clear path from Principal to Partner, with increasing responsibility for client relationships, mandate origination, and practice-building.
A culture that values research-driven work, confidentiality, precision, and long-term client partnerships.
Company
Christian & Timbers
Christian & Timbers offers business consulting, executive search, and leadership advisory services.
Founded in 1980
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Jeff Christian
CEO, Founder
Recent News
2025-12-10
2025-02-26
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