Manager, Executive Hiring (Automotive) (Van Buren County)

Job Description – Manager, Executive Hiring (Automotive)Job Title: Manager – Executive Hiring (Automotive)Location: Van Buren, MIExperience: 10–15 YearsFunction: Talent Acquisition / Executive SearchRole Type: Individual ContributorRole OverviewWe are seeking a seasoned executive recruiter with deep expertise in the automotive and manufacturing domain to lead strategic leadership hiring across the US and Europe. This is a high-impact individual contributor responsible for managing end-to-end executive search engagements for senior leadership and CXO-level positions.The ideal candidate will come from a strong manufacturing and automotive background, with proven experience hiring leadership talent across OEMs, Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers, mobility, EV, and industrial manufacturing organizations. This role requires exceptional executive presence, stakeholder management, and the ability to engage credibly with senior business leaders and C-suite executives.Key ResponsibilitiesLead end-to-end executive hiring mandates for Director, VP, SVP, and CXO-level roles across the US and EuropePartner closely with business leaders and executive stakeholders to understand organizational strategy, succession planning, and leadership talent needsDrive proactive talent mapping, competitive intelligence, and market research across automotive, EV, mobility, and manufacturing sectorsBuild and maintain strong pipelines of passive executive talent through strategic headhunting and industry networkingManage high-touch CXO candidate engagement, assessment, interview orchestration, and offer negotiationsServe as a trusted advisor to senior leadership teams throughout the executive hiring lifecycleEnsure exceptional candidate and stakeholder experience with high professionalism and confidentialityCollaborate with external executive search firms and manage vendor partnerships where applicableProvide insights on market trends, leadership talent availability, compensation benchmarking, and competitor hiring activityMaintain accurate reporting on executive search progress, hiring metrics, and talent intelligenceKey Requirements10–15 years of recruitment experience with strong expertise in executive hiring within the automotive and manufacturing sectorsProven success managing CXO and senior leadership hiring engagements across global marketsStrong understanding of the automotive value chain including OEMs, Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers, EV, mobility, manufacturing, operations, and R&DDemonstrated expertise in executive search, talent mapping, headhunting, and leadership assessmentStrong executive presence with the ability to engage and influence senior business leaders and C-suite stakeholdersExcellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skillsBackground in executive search firms or in-house leadership hiring functions preferredHigh degree of professionalism, discretion, and confidentialityPreferred QualificationsExperience hiring for EV, autonomous driving, or next-generation mobility organizationsExposure to global or multi-region executive hiringMBA or equivalent advanced qualification preferred