At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead executive search strategies and manage vendor relationships for impactful hiring.
- Company: Join Kyndryl, a leader in mission-critical technology systems.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic culture, flexible work, and comprehensive wellness programs.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values growth and belonging.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global hiring strategies and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in executive search operations and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At Kyndryl, we run and reimagine the mission-critical technology systems that drive advantage for the world’s leading businesses. We are at the heart of progress; with proven expertise and a continuous flow of AI-powered insight, enabling smarter decisions, faster innovation, and a lasting competitive edge. For our people—Kyndryls—that means doing purposeful work that powers human progress. Join us and experience a flexible, supportive environment where your well-being is prioritized and your potential can thrive.
You will operate as the single point of accountability for the executive search channel, shaping how Kyndryl engages with external partners, manages multi-million-dollar search investments, and delivers consistent hiring outcomes across regions. Your work will balance strategy development with operational execution, using data, structured governance, and stakeholder alignment to drive measurable improvements in hiring performance.
In this role, you will collaborate closely with executive stakeholders, Talent Acquisition leadership, Procurement, Legal, and external partners to build a disciplined, scalable, and insight-driven search model that supports critical leadership hiring.
What you will do
- Design and lead vendor strategy
- Define and manage the global strategy for the preferred executive search firm ecosystem, including firm selection, segmentation, and deployment
- Establish a clear and scalable vendor operating model that supports priority talent pipelines and reduces fragmentation
- Build long-term partnerships with key search firms aligned to business-critical hiring needs
- Govern agency-led search execution
- Oversee active executive searches to ensure delivery of high-quality, business-aligned candidate slates
- Monitor search progression, pacing, and outcomes, identifying risks and defining clear intervention actions
- Set expectations with agencies on search briefs, market positioning, and candidate quality standards
- Drive corrective actions including recalibration, escalation, or vendor replacement when performance gaps occur
- Own governance, compliance, and commercial management
- Manage end-to-end commercial governance including vendor approvals, engagement models, and adherence to preferred terms
- Oversee SOWs, contracts, purchase orders, and invoicing in partnership with Procurement and Finance
- Ensure all searches are executed through approved vendors within compliant frameworks
- Optimize search spend, balancing cost management with quality hiring outcomes
- Drive performance management and analytics
- Define and implement SLAs, KPIs, and performance standards for all executive search partners
- Build and maintain dashboards to track search progress, cycle time, candidate quality, and hiring outcomes
- Analyze vendor performance and ROI to inform vendor selection and ongoing optimization
- Translate data into actionable insights that improve search strategy and execution
- Lead change management and transformation
- Implement standardized global governance processes across executive search activities
- Drive adoption of new vendor models and operating practices across regions and business units
- Engage stakeholders through structured communication and clear expectations on ways of working
- Optimize agency workflows and systems enablement
- Design and continuously improve end-to-end executive search agency workflows across intake, briefing, search execution, and offer stages
- Ensure consistent use of Workday ATS and Encore CRM for pipeline tracking, reporting accuracy, and visibility
- Define system usage standards for internal stakeholders and external agencies
- Partner with HR Technology and Operations to enhance automation, reporting, and vendor tracking capabilities
- Identify and remove process inefficiencies to improve agency cycle time, candidate experience, and hiring leader satisfaction
- Establish a feedback loop using system data and stakeholder input to continuously refine workflows and vendor engagement models
Who You Are
Required skills and experience
- Extensive experience in executive search operations, vendor management, or executive recruitment program leadership
- Demonstrated experience managing complex global programs with multiple stakeholders and regions
- Proven track record of driving delivery performance accountability
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, contracts, and vendor spend
- Experience defining and managing governance frameworks including SLAs, KPIs, and compliance standards
- Advanced analytical capability with experience building dashboards and translating recruiting data into actionable insights
- Experience working with ATS and CRM systems to manage pipelines and reporting
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders through structured recommendations, data insights, and clear decision frameworks
Preferred skills and experience
- Experience designing or transforming executive search vendor models at a global or enterprise level
- Background partnering with Procurement and Legal on vendor frameworks and contract negotiations
- Experience driving change management initiatives across distributed or global teams
- Familiarity with executive hiring across multiple industries or geographies
- Experience improving recruitment workflows through automation or process optimization
The “Kyn” in Kyndryl means kinship, which represents the strong bonds we have with each other, our customers and our communities. We focus on ensuring all Kyndryls feel included and we welcome people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We believe in growth, and we’re excited to see what you can bring. At Kyndryl, employee feedback has told us that our number one driver of employee engagement is belonging. That sense of belonging — being a valued, respected, trusted member of the team — is fundamental to our culture and fueling great experiences for our customers. This dedication to welcoming everyone into our company means that Kyndryl gives you the ability to thrive and contribute to our culture of empathy and shared success. That’s The Kyndryl Way.
What You Can Expect
Your career with us isn’t just a job—it’s an adventure with purpose. We offer a dynamic, hybrid-friendly culture that supports your well-being and empowers you to grow. Our Be Well programs are thoughtfully designed to support your financial, mental, physical, and social health—because we know that when you feel your best, you do your best. From your very first day, you’ll dive into impactful work that powers the systems our customers rely on every day. You won’t just contribute—you’ll make a difference, tackling meaningful projects that sharpen your skills and fuel your growth.
We’re here to champion your journey. With powerful tools to chart your career path, personalized development goals aligned with your ambitions, and continuous feedback to keep you inspired and on track, you’ll have everything you need to thrive and evolve. You’ll develop in-demand skills to grow your career and achieve your ambitions with access to cutting-edge learning opportunities—from certifications with Microsoft, Google, and Amazon to coaching and hands-on experiences. And through it all, you’ll be part of a culture that values empathy, restless learning, and a devotion to shared success. We want you to thrive here—and we’re committed to helping you do just that.
Ready to make an impact? Join us and help shape what’s next.
If you know someone that works at Kyndryl, when asked ‘How Did You Hear About Us’ during the application process, select ‘Employee Referral’ and enter your contact's Kyndryl email address.
Program Manager, Executive Search Channel & Vendor Strategy employer: Kyndryl
At Kyndryl, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that prioritises your well-being and professional growth. Our dynamic, hybrid-friendly culture fosters a sense of belonging, empowering you to engage in meaningful work while developing in-demand skills through cutting-edge learning opportunities. Join us to be part of a supportive environment where your contributions truly make a difference and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Program Manager, Executive Search Channel & Vendor Strategy
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Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Kyndryl!
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Kyndryl.
We think you need these skills to ace Program Manager, Executive Search Channel & Vendor Strategy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Kyndryl. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Kyndryl and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Kyndryl. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Kyndryl's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kyndryl
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Kyndryl.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Kyndryl will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Kyndryl and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
