Role Summary

The Managing Director (MD) will be the "captain" directly steering the Gemma Associates ship during its takeoff phase. You are not just a P&L manager but also an exceptional "Player-Coach" — someone who directly secures high-value mandates while building and inspiring an elite team of headhunters. The MD will act as the face of Gemma Associates in the senior talent market in Vietnam.

Key Responsibilities

A. Strategy & Business Development

Develop and execute the overall business strategy, positioning Gemma Associates as one of the premier Boutique Executive Search Firms in Vietnam.

Proactively network, approach, and pitch to C-levels, Boards of Directors, and CHROs at multinational corporations and tech unicorns to win high-level executive search mandates.

Manage the entire revenue funnel and take direct responsibility for the company's financial targets and KPIs.

B. Client Delivery & Excellence

Take a hands-on approach to executing critical C-suite search mandates that are vital to the firm's success.

Act as a Trusted Advisor to both Clients (consulting on organizational structure, compensation benchmarking) and Candidates (career orientation).

Ensure exceptional service quality, optimizing the fill-rate and time-to-fill for all projects.

C. Team Leadership & Development

Build the organizational structure, recruit, and retain the best recruitment consultants in the market.

Train, coach, and elevate the professional capabilities (search methodology, market mapping, negotiation) of the team.

Foster an entrepreneurial corporate culture: passionate, results-driven, transparent, and respectful of diversity.

D. Operations & Financial Management

Strictly manage the operating budget, optimize costs, and ensure a healthy cash flow.

Standardize internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and implement technology systems (CRM/ATS) to enhance the firm's overall efficiency.

Requirements

Experience: A minimum of 10+ years of experience in B2B Sales, Management Consulting, or Executive Search/Recruitment. This must include at least 3-5 years in a senior management role (Country Manager, Director, Head of Practice) at reputable recruitment/headhunting agencies.

Track Record: A proven track record of building teams from scratch or significantly scaling up revenue. A history of outstanding personal/team billings is a definite advantage.

Network: Possess an extensive network of relationships with C-levels, Founders, and HR Directors in FMCG, Tech, Retail, or Financial Services in Vietnam and the region.

Skills & Traits:

A sharp entrepreneurial mindset, ready to roll up sleeves and be hands-on.

High-level negotiation, persuasion, and storytelling skills.

Bilingual fluency in both English and Vietnamese at a professional business level.

High resilience under pressure and agility in responding to macroeconomic shifts.

What We Offer

Uncapped Earning Potential: A highly competitive base salary combined with a highly attractive performance bonus/profit-sharing scheme tailored for a C-level executive.

Partner Track: Opportunities to earn equity/ESOP and become an official Partner/Co-founder of Gemma Associates based on performance and contributions.

Absolute Empowerment: Full autonomy in designing the organization, building the team, and shaping the corporate culture.

Elite Environment: Work directly with a network of the most outstanding business leaders across the Vietnamese and Southeast Asian economies.

Company Description

Gemma Associates is a newly founded organization led by experienced practitioners with a history of placing senior leaders across Vietnam and Southeast Asia. The company collaborates with multinational firms in sectors such as FMCG, technology, and others, helping them secure top-tier talent. Gemma Associates also partners with startups, recognizing the critical role of leadership in shaping culture, driving vision, and ensuring business success. We are committed to delivering exceptional recruitment solutions that meet the unique needs of our diverse clients.