Principal Recruiter

We’re bring on Principal Recruiters who can independently own end-to-end searches within civil engineering, architecture, construction, or adjacent AEC markets.You’ll be responsible for managing the full recruitment lifecycle from intake to placement. That includes understanding client needs, building search strategy, sourcing candidates, qualifying talent, managing interviews, closing offers, and maintaining long-term relationships with both clients and candidates.The ideal person has consistently produced at least $300,000 annually in placements for 3+ consecutive years and knows what it takes to build trust in a specialized market.What You’ll OwnYou will:Own full-cycle recruiting searches from intake through offer acceptancePartner with clients to understand role requirements, hiring pain, compensation, urgency, and ideal candidate profilesBuild and execute sourcing strategies across civil engineering, architecture, construction, and related AEC verticalsIdentify, engage, qualify, and present high-quality candidatesManage candidate relationships with urgency, professionalism, and careDrive interview processes forward and keep both clients and candidates alignedNegotiate offers, close placements, and reduce falloff riskMaintain accurate pipeline, activity, and search data inside the recruiting platformBuild long-term relationships that lead to repeat business, referrals, and market credibilityOperate with high ownership, high accountability, and minimal hand-holdingWhat We’re Looking ForYou’re a strong fit if you have:Proven full-cycle recruiting experience in civil engineering, architecture, construction, or AECA consistent track record of producing $300,000+ annually in placementsAt least 3 consecutive years of strong recruiting productionExperience managing searches independently from start to finishStrong ability to qualify both clients and candidatesDeep understanding of specialized hiring markets, compensation trends, and candidate motivationsStrong sourcing ability across LinkedIn, databases, referrals, and direct outreachExcellent communication, follow-up, and process management skillsConfidence speaking with hiring managers, executives, and senior-level candidatesThe ability to balance speed, quality, and relationship-buildingA self-driven mindset with the discipline to manage your own pipelineThe best Principal Recruiters are not just order-takers.They know how to pressure-test a search, challenge weak hiring assumptions, educate clients, and represent candidates with credibility.You should be able to look at a role and quickly understand:Is this role fillable?Is the compensation aligned with the market?Is the client serious?Where do the best candidates live?What companies should we target?What story will actually make someone take the call?We’re looking for someone who thinks like a market expert, not just a resume submitter.Nice to HaveBonus points if you have:Existing relationships in civil engineering, architecture, construction, infrastructure, land development, transportation, structural engineering, MEP, or general contractingExperience recruiting for PE firms, architecture studios, ENR firms, developers, construction management firms, or specialty contractorsA portable book of candidate and client relationshipsExperience working in a commission-driven or agency recruiting environmentA history of building niche markets from scratchWhat We OfferWe provide the infrastructure to help proven recruiters grow.That includes:Access to quality roles and specialized marketsRecruiting tools, systems, and operational supportA platform and network designed to increase recruiter productivityMore leverage to source, market, and deliverA performance-driven environment built for experienced producersThe opportunity to grow your desk without doing everything alone. We provide business development. You fill roles and keep 70% of placement fees.Who This Is Not ForThis role is probably not the right fit if you:Need heavy training on full-cycle recruitingUncomfortable with 100% commission / 1099 workHave not owned searches independentlyAre uncomfortable with outbound sourcingStruggle with urgency, follow-up, or pipeline disciplinePrefer transactional recruiting over relationship-driven recruitingHave not consistently produced at a high levelSuccess Looks LikeIn this role, success means:Consistently producing high-quality placementsBuilding trusted relationships with clients and candidatesRunning searches with speed, precision, and ownershipMaintaining strong pipeline visibilityDelivering at least $300,000 annually in placement revenueBecoming a go-to recruiter within your AEC specialization