Pfizer

Sr. Director, Executive Recruiting

Pfizer$214K — $358K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required, with 12+ years in talent acquisition, including significant experience in executive search.
  • Deep understanding of global executive hiring, labor markets, and compensation frameworks.
  • Experience managing relationships with external search firms, including negotiation and accountability for results.
  • Demonstrated people leadership experience in a talent acquisition context.
  • Experience operating within a large, matrixed enterprise, ideally in the regulated pharma or biotech sectors.

Responsibilities

  • Run end-to-end searches for VP-and-above roles, managing the entire recruitment lifecycle.
  • Develop tailored search strategies, identifying target companies and candidate profiles.
  • Source candidates directly and collaborate with internal resources and external partners.
  • Implement structured selection processes for senior candidates, including interview calibration.
  • Oversee candidate experience, ensuring effective communication and timely processes.
  • Manage relationships with executive search firms, ensuring quality and accountability in candidate slates.
  • Collaborate with Total Rewards and Legal on executive offer structuring and compliance matters.
  • Establish proactive executive talent mapping strategies to enhance succession planning efforts.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • 401(k) plan with matching contributions and additional retirement savings options.
  • Paid vacation, personal days, and holidays.
  • Paid caregiver/parental leave and medical leave.
  • Relocation assistance based on business needs and eligibility.
Full Job Description

Position Summary

This role will establish executive recruiting for Pfizer globally — typically VP and above levels and / or any role senior or sensitive enough as determined by the business. Leads end-to-end executive search engagements across enterprise while serving as a trusted advisor to business leaders and HR partners on executive talent decisions and manages partnerships with executive search firms. Brings judgment and presence to partner at ELT level as well as strong external market perspective, sourcing expertise, and executive assessment capabilities to strengthen hiring decisions and leadership bench strength.


Key Responsibilities

  • Run end-to-end searches for VP-and-above roles, from intake with the hiring executive through offer and close.
  • Build a search strategy for each role — target companies, likely candidate profiles, and where to look beyond the obvious names.
  • Source directly and manage a mix of internal identification and external search partners, depending on the role.
  • Run structured selection process for senior candidates, including panel design & interview calibration.
  • Own candidate experience at the executive level: the pace, the communication, and the judgment calls that come with recruiting people who have a lot of other options.
  • Manage Pfizer's relationships with executive search firms, negotiate and manage search firm contracts and fees, and hold firms accountable for slate quality.
  • Partner with Total Rewards on executive offer structuring and with Legal on non-competes.
  • Develops and governs a proactive executive talent mapping strategy, building and nurturing relationships with external leadership talent pools to address long-term succession planning and capability needs across all functions and geographies.
  • Identifies and monitors competitor talent movements, emerging leadership trends, and global compensation benchmarks to inform proactive pipeline development.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required, with 12+ years in talent acquisition, with a meaningful part of that in executive search — in-house or retained search firm.
  • Deep understanding of executive hiring, labor markets and executive compensation frameworks globally.
  • Experience managing external search firm relationships, including contract negotiation and performance accountability.
  • People leadership experience.
  • Experience operating inside a large, matrixed enterprise, ideally regulated or pharma/biotech.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree a plus, not a requirement.

Skills & Attributes

  • Trusted partner to senior executives, with strong communication skills and the ability to influence and navigate complex decision-making
  • Adept at executive assessment, market mapping, and proactive pipeline development
  • High integrity with experience managing confidential and sensitive searches

Additional Details

Candidate demonstrates a breadth of diverse leadership experiences and capabilities including: the ability to influence and collaborate with peers, develop and coach others, oversee and guide the work of other colleagues to achieve meaningful outcomes and create business impact.

Direct Reports: 3-5: Executive Recruiters/Sourcer/Coordinator

Office Based Role

Last Date to Apply: September 18, 2026

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $214,900.00 to $358,100.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 22.5% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life’s moments. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site 6 U.S. Benefits | (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com). Pfizer compensation structures and benefit packages are aligned based on the location of hire. The United States salary range provided does not apply to Tampa, FL or any location outside of the United States.

Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer.

U.S. work visa sponsorship (such as TN, O-1, H-1B, etc.) is not available for this role now or in the future.

To learn more about acceptable and prohibited uses of AI during the recruitment process, please review our candidate AI-use guidelines available onPfizer Careers.

People Experience

About Pfizer

Hospira, Inc. is the provider of injectable drugs and infusion technologies. Through its broad, integrated portfolio, Hospira is uniquely positioned to Advance Wellness™ by improving patient and caregiver safety while reducing healthcare costs. The company is headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., and has approximately 16,000 employees.

Pfizer Careers

Joining Pfizer’s global team offers more than just job opportunities; it’s a chance to be a part of a company that leads with science and innovates for better health. As a leading biopharmaceutical company, Pfizer is at the forefront of transforming lives through innovation, leadership, and diversity. Work You’ll Do At Pfizer, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, engaging in work that enhances global health and saves lives. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, professional growth, and inclusivity, making every day a learning opportunity. Here, your skills will be honed, your professional acumen will be expanded, and you will be part of a team that values the power of diverse insights to drive success. Pfizer’s Leadership and Growth Lead and innovate with Pfizer, where we value the growth of each employee. Our leadership is committed to providing employees with the training and resources needed to excel in their careers. Pfizer offers a variety of career paths, including roles in research, marketing, finance, technology, and more, each offering a unique blend of challenges and rewards. Internship and Employment Opportunities Start your career with Pfizer through our internship programs or dive straight into a full-time position. We are hiring individuals who are passionate about healthcare and who seek to make a difference in the world. Our internships provide invaluable industry experience, networking opportunities, and a potential pathway to full-time employment. Benefits and Culture Pfizer is dedicated to fostering a workplace where all employees feel valued and can achieve their full potential. We offer competitive benefits packages that support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. At Pfizer, you’ll find a culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Join Our Team Explore the numerous job opportunities at Pfizer by searching open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for driven, curious, and innovative team players who are ready to advance their careers in a transformative company. Stay Connected Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Pfizer. Interview and Resume Tips Prepare for your future with Pfizer by utilizing our resources for resume building and interview preparation. We provide guidance on how to effectively showcase your skills and experiences to align with the needs of a position at Pfizer. Our goal is to help you succeed in securing a role that suits your professional goals and personal growth aspirations. Pfizer: A Place Where You Can Make a Difference Every position at Pfizer contributes to our mission of making the world a healthier place. Whether through direct patient care, research innovation, or corporate roles that support our operations, your work will have global impact. Join us in our journey to change lives—explore Pfizer careers today.
Learn more about Pfizer
Size
79,000 employees
Market Cap
$285.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$9.6 billion
Founded
1849
5 Year Trend
+9%
Revenue
$41.9 billion
NASDAQ

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