Principal Talent Partner

Location: South Africa (Cape Town, or Johannesburg)

This role sits at the core of one of our most dynamic delivery streams, supporting a global financial services client in building out their Front-office capability. You will support with the recruitment for complex hiring, partnering directly with US-based stakeholders to deliver talent that drives innovation and scale.

You’ll be the go-to partner for your stakeholders, helping shape hiring strategies, unlock hard-to-reach talent, and deliver at pace in one of the most business-critical areas of the organisation.

This is a high-ownership role suited to someone who thrives in structured, high-accountability environments and knows how to navigate the pressures of complex hiring in financial services.

Whether you're based in Cape Town or Johannesburg, you’ll be working closely with global teams, driving delivery across international markets with pace and precision.

What you will be doing

• Owning end-to-end recruitment for Front-office roles, from initial briefing through to offer.
• Partnering closely with stakeholders across the US to shape hiring strategies and solve for complex delivery challenges.
• Building and executing targeted sourcing plans using outbound search, market intelligence, and AI-powered tools.
• Translating role requirements into compelling, insight-driven briefs that land in a competitive talent market.
• Running structured, high-velocity hiring processes that balance pace with candidate experience.
• Acting as a brand ambassador, representing both the client and aston holmes with credibility and consistency.
• Managing offer processes with precision, ensuring alignment across multiple decision-makers and timelines.

What we are looking for

• 8+ years of end-to-end recruitment experience, ideally within large corporates or complex matrix environments
• Proven experience hiring for complex, Director level roles, within financial services or similar environments.
• Strong exposure to international markets and comfort working across time zones.
• Commercial, confident communicator with the ability to engage with stakeholders and influence outcomes.
• Hands-on sourcing capability, confident using outbound methods, data, and insight to drive results.
• Curious mindset with an interest in how AI and recruitment tech can support smarter delivery.
• Experience working in structured, fast-paced environments where delivery and quality go hand in hand.

Perks and benefits

• Competitive salary
• 20 days of leave, plus a day dedicated to volunteering.
• Flexible working hours, we believe in work-life integration.
• Access to learning incentives, because we’re big on growth.
• Opportunities to work on impactful projects that align with your passions.

P.S. For a behind-the-scenes look at life at aston holmes, check out our new newsletter, The Scoop, for exclusive insights and updates!