Practice Leader – Tech, Startups & VC Ecosystem (PSS07666)

Job Title: Practice Leader – Tech, Startups & VC Ecosystem
Location: Mumbai / Bangalore / Delhi (Hybrid)
Company: PSS – Executive Search
Experience: 10+ years

About PSS:

PSS is India’s first executive search firm, with a 44-year legacy of partnering with India’s most respected promoters, founders, and boards to build iconic leadership teams. Over the decades, we have played a pivotal role in shaping the top talent landscape across industries, helping scale many of India’s largest and most admired businesses. Today, we combine that heritage with a sharp focus on high-growth, new economy companies, bringing an unparalleled network, deep domain expertise, and strong execution capability to every search.

Role Overview:

We are looking for a Practice Leader to drive and expand our Tech, Internet & Startup Practice. This is a senior leadership role for someone with a strong point of view on talent, deep relationships across the startup and venture capital world, and the ambition to build a best-in-class leadership advisory platform. You will lead client relationships, originate high-impact mandates, and be a trusted partner to founders, investors, and CXOs on leadership hiring and strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

Build and scale the Tech & Startup Practice as a core growth engine for PSS.
Drive new client acquisition across VC/PE-backed startups, digital-first businesses, and tech-driven companies.
Act as a strategic advisor to founders, investors, and boards on leadership hiring, succession, and org build-out.
Lead and oversee CXO-level search mandates across functions – from founders’ office roles to business and functional heads.
Engage deeply with the VC/PE ecosystem to support portfolio build-outs and leadership transitions.
Mentor a high-performing team of consultants and researchers; grow internal capability alongside external business.
Represent PSS at ecosystem events, panels, and thought leadership platforms.
Stay sharp on sectoral shifts across SaaS, fintech, consumer tech, AI, deep tech, and others to proactively identify opportunities.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

10+ years of experience in executive search, VC/PE portfolio operations, talent advisory, or leadership roles in startups/tech.
Deep understanding of startup journeys and the leadership challenges across various growth stages.
Strong personal network across founders, CXOs, investors, and operators in India’s startup and VC ecosystem.
Proven experience in business development, client relationship management, and team leadership.
Executive presence and ability to engage with top-tier stakeholders on strategic talent issues.
Prior experience in retained search is a strong plus; open to high-potential talent with the right context and network.

Why Join PSS:

Be part of India’s most trusted executive search platform with a pioneering legacy and an agile, entrepreneurial mindset.
Build and own a marquee practice with autonomy, purpose, and strong internal support.
Work at the intersection of startups, leadership, and capital – engaging with the people shaping India’s next decade.
Access a deeply respected brand, trusted by India Inc. and the VC ecosystem alike.
Competitive structure with strong leadership visibility and long-term upside.